NFL Draft Day One

April 25, 2009 is the day football fans across America have been waiting for since the end of the 2008 season. Thirty two coaches had a chance to make changes to their teams; however several teams gave up their first and/or second round draft picks. The choices these teams make during this draft will affect their teams both this season and in the future.

In the past several years it has been known that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were desperately in need of a Quarterback that could lead the team in a winning season, however it is a fact that was ignored by former coach John Gruden. The Buccaneers have had several Quarterbacks that they have tried, none of which panned out all to the dismay of the fans. When the Buccaneers changed coaching staff and hired now head coach Raheem Morris many Bucs fans saw the possible light at the end of the tunnel.

At the beginning of the draft today Bucs held the number 19 pick and were looking to make a deal, which they did. The bucs were successful in trading up in the first round draft picks to number 17 and finally decided to get a young QB that can be groomed to lead the buccaneers to the much longed for winning season. This quarterback is Josh Freeman of the Kansas State Wildcats.

While some could argue that Josh has not had the most promising college football career others can look at the accomplishments he has made and believe he is going to be a very valuable and effective player during his new NFL career as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Quarterback. Josh is well known for having a cannon for an arm as well as the ability to run the ball when necessary. In fact, according to USA Today _(April,2009) and Jim Corbet it has been reported that Josh was able to throw for 73 yards during a practice with peers. It has also been reported by NFL.com that the Bucs head coach likens Freeman to the likes of Ben Roethlisberger of the Pittsburgh Steelers.

In his junior year at Kansas State Freeman threw for twenty touch downs and ran for approximately fourteen more according to USA Today. While attending the Athletes' Performance institute in Arizona Freeman was reportedly trained by former quarterbacks coach Terry Shea. His overall opinion of Josh Freeman was that he was easily a first round quarter back and that whatever team picked him up was getting a great talent and very physical player _{(USA Today).}

In conclusion Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans have something to look forward to in the seasons to come with a strong quarter back to groom as well as build a Super Bowl winning team around. Tampa traded their second round pick.