The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the market for a playmaking wide receiver in the 2010 NFL Draft, and some have gone as far as linking former Oklahoma State standout Dez Bryant to the Bucs at the number three overall spot.
However, the 6-foot-1, 224-pound Bryant's stock appears to be on the decline after he was suspended for the final 10 games of the 2009 season and turned in a quiet offseason in terms of workouts due to being limited with a hamstring injury.
On Tuesday, Bryant worked out for NFL scouts and coaches in his hometown of Lurfkin, Texas. He impressed with a 38-inch vertical and 11-foot-1 broad jump, but his 40-yard dash time, which reportedly ranged anywhere between 4.52 and 4.68, raised some eyebrows.
Teams undoubtedly still are very intrigued by Bryant. It's now a matter of where they're willing to draft him. That includes the Bucs, who sent wide receivers coach Eric Yarber to Texas to watch Bryant's workout.
Among the NFL coaches and executives in attendance were Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll, San Francisco 49ers coach Mike Singletary and director of player personnel Trent Baalke, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy and director of college scouting John Dorsey, Baltimore Ravens wide receivers coach Jim Hostler, Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receivers coach Eric Yarber and Oakland Raiders scout Cliff Branch.
Source: NFL.com - Gil Brandt
PewterReport.com's Take: While Tampa Bay has a need for speed at wide receiver, Bryant's tape at Oklahoma State suggests he can gain separation from defenders despite running slower-than-expected 40-yard dash times. There is no way the Bucs can justify taking Bryant with the third overall pick after he timed in the 4.5 to 4.6 range, but he is a player Tampa Bay could consider drafting if it trades down in the first round. That might be wishful thinking on the Bucs' part since Bryant caught 147 passes for 2,425 yards and 29 touchdowns in less than two and a half seasons at Oklahoma State. That production still has some convinced that Bryant is the best receiver in this year's draft.
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