NFL Mock Draft: Bucs Select Gaines Adams No. 4

With each pick of the FanHouse mock draft, we get into the head of an NFL general manager and let you know who he'll pick and why.

With Jon Gruden crushed and whimpering in the corner because Calvin Johnson's off the board, Bucs GM Bruce Allen finds himself having to take control of the situation and take the best player available in a position of need.

That player is Gaines Adams of Clemson, who rocketed up everyone's draft board after a remarkably fast 40 time for a defensive end (4.67). Adams was named the ACC Defensive Player of the Year in 2006 after racking up 62 tackles -- 42 of which were solo tackles -- 12.5 sacks and three fumble recoveries, including one returned for a touchdown. Most scouts seem to think he has the same game-breaking potential as the likes of Julius Peppers and Dwight Freeney.

Tampa Bay, meanwhile, registered only 25 sacks last season and lost Dewayne White to free agency. Most of it's current defensive ends -- Greg Spires, Simeon Rice and free agent signee Kevin Carter -- are over 30, so adding some youth to this position is necessary. Adams would also be helped by the fact that Charles Bennett, his former teammate at Clemson, is on the Bucs' roster, so he could help with Adams' transition to the pros.

The Bucs will likely consider a receiver and offensive line help in later rounds. I briefly considered Adrian Peterson here, but Cadillac Williams just needs a better line, and running back isn't nearly as great a need as defensive end. Also, I still think the Bucs might trade up to get Johnson, but we have a no-trade rule in this mock draft.

The Skinny
Team Needs: WR, DE, OL, DB
Player Selected: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
Also Considered: Jamaal Anderson, DE, Arkansas; Amobi Okoye, DT, Louisville; Adrian Peterson, RB, Oklahoma

Previous Picks:
No. 1 Raiders: JaMarcus Russell, QB, LSU
No. 2 Lions: Calvin Johnson, WR, Georgia Tech
No. 3 Browns: Joe Thomas, T, Wisconsin
No. 4 Bucs: Gaines Adams, DE, Clemson
No. 5 Cardinals: next