-Jeremy Maclin (WR/Missouri)

Jeremy Maclin (NFL.com)

Lacking an offensive play-maker, Tampa looks for an explosive athlete on the outside to take some heat off of Antonio Bryant. The rest of the offense took considerable strides by signing Derrick Ward and Kellen Winslow. However, the ability to stretch the field still evades the Bucs. Releasing their aged vertical threat, Joey Galloway, was a sound move. Now, they should try to replace him with a youthful receiver like Jeremy Maclin.

What Maclin offers Tampa is more than simply a home-run hitter. The Missouri receiver adds a dangerous kick returner as insurance for Dexter Jackson (if he fails). In two years at Missouri, Maclin returned 5 punt/kicks for touchdowns. For this reason, I believe Maclin can make a noticeable impact during his rookie season. While he is busy polishing his receiving skills, Jeremy can help on special teams.

-Trade Up* (For Mark Sanchez or Peria Jerry)

In the event that Tampa falls in love with one of the quarterbacks (Mark Sanchez  or Matt Stafford) or one of the elite DT’s (Jerry and Raji), they become a prime candidate for trading up with a team like Washington or Green Bay. Think about it for a moment….Tampa doesn’t have many huge holes to fill, so the new regime might want to grab a potential cornerstone for the organization by trading up for a DT or QB.

-Evander Hood (DT/Missouri)

Evander Hood (NFL.com)

Worst case scenario, the Bucs replace Jovan Haye at defensive tackle.  Their Tampa 2 defense requires a solid pass rush out of their front 4 linemen. Who better than Evander Hood, a relentless pass rusher to help them out? One of my favorite players in this draft, Hood wows teams with his good “motor” (here’s to my buddy Andrew, isn’t that the most over-used term?), great strength (34 bench press reps), and excellent speed (4.91 sec 40-yard dash).

Next on the clock: Detroit Lions (from Dallas)

See the full hybrid mock draft here

I’d like to hear what you have to say about Jeremy Maclin. Do you think he deserves to fall this far? I’ve said my piece, now it’s your turn to make the call.

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It seems impossible to talk about 2009 receivers without starting with Michael Crabtree (Texas Tech). So that is exactly where I will begin!

Michael Crabtree (NFL.com)

Michael Crabtree is a unique player with a very unique skill set. He was a high school quarterback but quickly adapted to the wide receiver position in college. He has been gifted with extraordinary hands, exceptional run power with the ball in his hands, great leaping ability, and a knack for find the soft spots on the field. Furthermore, he was a top 5 heisman candidate as a receiver, which is very difficult to do (just ask Larry Fitzgerald). He does not possess lightning top speed of a guy like Percy Harvin (Florida). And he isn’t nearly the man-child that Calvin Johnson was coming out. But whatever way you slice it, he is going to be a special talent in the NFL for many years.

2-time national champion Percy Harvin may be the best athlete on offense in this draft. He played a hybrid version of tailback or slot receiver in college. Yet, he might fill the Reggie Bush role in the NFL. He is supremely able to turn a screen play into a touchdown. And he is deceptively strong for a guy of his stature. He may drop due to his injury history, but the team that snags him will be getting one heckofa playmaker. His coach Urban Meier said it himself that Percy Harvin is the best player in America….

Missouri’s Jeremy Maclin reminds me of Ted Ginn Jr. (Miami Dolphins). He will a very good kick returner, and has the size and athleticism to be either a slot receiver or wide out. He was super productive in college, albeit against very weak Big 12 passing defenses. He is a bit raw and will probably need a year or so to work on his technique before he is ready to make a large contribution as a receiver.

A couple of sleepers include Hakeem Nicks (North Carolina) and Jordan Norwood (Penn St.). I saw these guys in some ESPN challenge before the Super Bowl, and they showed great hands, and powerful running.