Jon Gruden Thinks His Former Team Should Go Defense First in This Weekends Draft

Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Jon Gruden thinks that his former team should go defense with the 19th overall pick this weekend.

Gruden spoke about the Bucs needs when he took part in an NFL Draft conference call today along with former San Francisco coach Steve Mariucci.

Draft experts like ESPN's Mel Kiper has said he believes the Buccaneers should consider drafting Kansas State QB Josh Freeman, but Gruden believes that defensive line is a much bigger problem, and if Gruden, a known QB collector says the Bucs need a defensive lineman over a quarterback you'd better believe him.

"I really think Tampa Bay lost some key players on defense and they struggled down the stretch last season on defense," Gruden said. "Let's be honest. For whatever reason, and most of that obviously was the head coach's inability to get it going.

"Kevin Carter [free agent] is still out there. I think Greg White, Stylez White, he obviously had a disappointing sophomore season. This is a big year for Gaines Adams in a new scheme. I wouldn't be surprised if they do target a defensive end."

Many people believe that the Buccaneers next option after Freeman is defensive tackle, namely Ole Miss' Peria Jerry, but Gruden isn't sold.

"I think everybody down here [Tampa] expects them to draft a defensive tackle. I just don't know if that player is there for them in the first round," Gruden said. "I don't know if that kind of guy is in this draft other than the [B.J.] Raji kid at Boston College. I know Jerry at Ole Miss, he's not as big as the guy [6-foot-2, 290 pounds] maybe Jim Bates [Bucs defensive coordinator] has played with in the past in Miami.

"Ziggy Hood [Missouri defensive tackle], similar. I just don't know if that guy fits what the Bucs really want and need at No. 19."