While Buccaneers fans appear split on drafting Alabama running back Trent Richardson or LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne with the No. 5 pick in this month’s draft, someone who made his opinion clear on Tuesday is current starter LeGarrette Blount. The two-year starter is clearly not a fan of Tampa Bay selecting Richardson.

"I would not like that pick," Blount told CBSSports.com blogger Will Brinson. "I would definitely not be happy with that pick."

Blount was then reminded of the role that Brandon Jacobs shared with Ahmad Bradshaw in New York or other one-two tandems in the NFL, and Blount was again clear in his opinion.

“I don’t want that role,” Blount said.

PR Mark Cook’s Take: At first glance the quotes appeared to be a little disturbing, but the more I think about his words, the more it doesn’t bother me. I may take a slight beating from some of our readers, but to me the attitude displayed is that of a player who has supreme confidence in himself to succeed and to be an elite back in the NFL. I’m not sure how well-thought-out Blount’s answer was, and more than likely he was blindsided by the line of questioning. Most players may have been a little more generic in their answer, but the fact is Blount was, well, being blunt.

Again, some players are coached up by their agents and coaches to be more diplomatic when faced with tough questions, but in this case it appears Blount, his agent, or the Bucs had no idea this question was about to come up. Blount was in New York to unveil the new Nike uniforms, not for a press conference on the status of the Buccaneers' draft plans.

Next time the media gets a chance to speak to Blount you can bet his answer will be more along the lines of, “whatever is best for the team,” or “I think Richardson would give us a good one-two punch.”

But for now, if I am a Buccaneers fan, I kind of like the answer. Blount was stating his true feelings and not trying to sugarcoat his opinion -- something rarely seen or heard in NFL sound clips.

Of course, Blount’s opinion should have zero bearing on the draft plans. If the Buccaneers feel Trent Richardson is the best option at No. 5 then they should take him – even if Blount isn’t on board. The fact is, the Buccaneers hold all the cards. Blount is an exclusive-rights free agent and has no leverage. Either he buys into what Schiano and the Buccaneers are trying to do, or he will find himself on the bench or perhaps in the uniform of another team.

Blount, despite being supremely confidant in his ability, has to face the facts that most NFL teams have a stable of quality backs that share the ball in the backfield. As Blount saw last season (his injury and the one to Graham) lasting an entire season at that position is more and more difficult. Having another running back to take the load off and provide that two-headed monster is what most NFL teams would prefer.

To criticize Blount for stating his true feelings, though, is unfair. Again, human nature is such that when we feel threatened, we tend to strike back. That is exactly what Blount did. If I am the head coach in this situation, I prefer having someone on my football team who believes they are the best at what they do, even if that player is wrong or misguided.