John Clayton: Spotting some early free agency trends

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by GTripp0012

Has Tampa even drafted on the DL in the last 3 years at all?

I think they want Calvin Johnson.

After doing some research, you're right - they haven't used their top pick on a d-lineman since 2003. And yes, Calvin Johnson might be what allows us to get Branch.

As I see it, Oakland and Detroit will take quarterbacks. But Cleveland, Tampa Bay, and Arizona could go either way (offense or defense). If Branch is as awesome as people are saying -- a superstar at the defensive line is sometimes as lucrative to teams as franchise quarterbacks. Romeo Crennel is a defensive guy, and the Bucs always seem enamored with collecting players for a swarming defense, making that their primary focus -- they've always been known as a 'defense first' team. But hopefully Calvin Johnson will sway them the other way.

Adrian Peterson is the other offensive gem that the Browns might not want to let get away. They need help everywhere.

Like my sig says, I'm a Branch guy. Let's face it, when was the last time the Redskins had a cornerstone at defensive tackle? Branch could give us that for the first time since ... Dave Butz?