Sikkema’s Selections 16-20

16. MLB Barrett Ruud
17. TE O.J. Howard
18. G Davin Joseph
19. RT Charley Hannah
20. G Ian Beckles

Sikkema’s Reaction – Rounds 16-20
I thought Day 3 was my day to really separate from the pack. I got my running game solidified with Doug Martin and LeGarrett Blount. I added an extra pass rusher form the linebacker position in Broderick Thomas. I got my big hitter in Tanard Jackson, and I found my veteran leader at the linebacker spot in Shelton Quarles.

Rounding out my linebacker group, I knew I had to go with a tackling machine. You know, the “see ball, track ball, get ball” kind of player. I had a rusher in Thomas, a coverage guy in Quarles, now I had to make sure I had to the guy to stop the run. Ruud had 429 total tackles as a Buccaneer, most of which came when he was a four-year starter. He’s not an all-world athlete, or even a reliable cover guy. But, I needed a player I knew who could rack up the stops. Ruud had two 100+ tackles seasons in Tampa Bay.

After Ruud, I went back to the offensive side of the ball, and yes, I picked a player who has yet to to break any records, yet to score a touchdown, yet to be a starter and, heck, has yet to even record a single play as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, but I don’t care. O.J. Howard is the best tight end prospect this franchise has seen since Jimmy Giles. Howard’s combination of size, speed and strength could lead him to be one of the best offensive weapons this franchise has ever had. I’m betting on that, and if what I think to be the case becomes true. he’s my steal of the day.

Former Bucs G Ian Beckles

With my final three picks of the day, I decided to round out my offensive line. I already had the legendary Paul Gruber as my franchise left tackle, and picking Joseph, Hannah and Beckles meant there was only one spot left to be filled. Joseph, a former first round pick for the Buccaneers back in 2006, was a two-time Pro Bowler, and a cornerstone for the team’s offensive line by spending eight seasons in Tampa Bay. Next, we have Charley Hannah. hannah was drafted by the Buccaneers in 1977 draft and spent six years in Tampa bay before going on to win a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Raiders. And, finally, we have Ian Beckles. Some of you may know Beckles from his radio show on 620 WDAE, but before then, he was a starting offensive guard for the buccaneers from 1990-1996. Beckles already has the offensive line chemistry playing with Paul Gruber, which means the solidification of the big boys up front should be good to go.