Bruno Boys Fantasy Football

After back-to-back 9-7 seasons in 2007 and 2008 under then head coach Jon Gruden the Buccaneers slipped to 3-13 last season under new head coach Raheem Morris, falling to the cellar in the NFC South. The season wasn’t a total failure as they did find some new toys to play with, including a new quarterback and a tuned-up Cadillac. Rookie Josh Freeman got a chance to play at quarterback and showed signs of potentially making it as an above average NFL quarterback. Former first round pick running back Cadillac Williams who had been slowed by injuries over the last couple of seasons showed signs of regaining his form that had Buccaneers’ fans excited during his rookie season in 2005.

The team appeared to have a very solid draft this past April and it could be the start of getting this team back in contention in the division. This is no longer the Cover 2 defense that used to give offensive coordinators nightmares, but landing rookie defensive tackle Gerald McCoy in the draft is a nice building block to help revive the defense.

KEY ADDITIONS

Sean Jones (DB) – After just one season with the Philadelphia Eagles free agent safety Sean Jones signed a two-year contract to become a member of the Buccaneers. He had 72 tackles, one sack and two interceptions for the Eagles in nine starts in 2009. Jones is expected to battle for a starting spot in the Tampa Bay backfield and should be a solid addition to a defensive that surrendered 3,318 passing yards while giving up 28 touchdowns through the air.

KEY DEPARTURES

Antonio Bryant (WR) – Coming off a stellar 2008 season Antonio Bryant started just 11 games in 2009 posting his least productive season since 2003. He finished the year with 39 receptions for 600 yards with four touchdowns. He signed with the Cincinnati Bengals as a free agent and will be the team’s No. 2 receiving option behind Chad Ochocinco. If he can remain healthy he will most assuredly improve on his 2009 production. Draft Bryant as a WR3 in the middle rounds of this year’s fantasy football drafts.

Chris Hovan (DT) – Chris Hovan signed with the St. Louis Rams after spending the 10 previous seasons with the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay. He will bring some veteran leadership to a defense that struggled mightily last season. Hovan may not be the player he once was, but he should help improve the Rams defense while mentoring the young players they have drafted over the last few seasons.

ROOKIE TO WATCH

Arrelious Benn (WR) & Mike Williams (WR) – With Antonio Bryant leaving via free agency the Buccaneers were left a little thin at wide receiver, so they targeted the position in the NFL Draft. First they moved up three spots in the second round to select University of Illinois receiver Arrelious Benn. Then they spent a fourth round pick on Syracuse receiver Mike Williams. Both rookies appear to be in a six man battle with second-year man Sammie Stroughter, Reggie Brown, Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall for the starting wide receiver spots. Williams appears to be outperforming Benn in OTA workouts, but we wouldn’t be surprised if the speedy Benn earns a starting spot by time the regular season starts. Both players should receive substantial playing time and both are worth a late round flier as a reserve fantasy wide receiver.

Gerald McCoy (DT) – It was debated by many who the standout defensive tackle in this year’s NFL Draft was. Was it Nebraska’s Ndamukong Suh or Oklahoma’s Gerald McCoy? After the Detroit Lions selected Suh with the No. 2 overall pick Tampa Bay’s decision was easy at No. 3. They were thrilled to land McCoy an explosive defensive tackle who has and explosiveness that allows him to quickly get to the ball carrier. He should help revive Tampa Bay’s struggling defensive line and be a corner stone of the Bucs defense for years to come.

Need help organizing your fantasy draft? We’ve got you covered….

NFC WEST:  ARI  |  STL  |  SF  |  SEA

NFC SOUTH:  ATL  |  CAR  |  NO  |  TB

NFC NORTH:  CHI  |  DET  |  GB  |  MIN

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GET YOUR COMMISH KIT DRAFT BOARD NOW

The Bruno Boys have once again teamed up with Commish Kit to sell fantasy football draft boards. The 2010 draft boards are available for purchase and you can pick one up here… DRAFT BOARDS

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