The Buccaneers have been collecting QBs this off-season to compete for the starting job.  It would appear that Luke McCown would be penciled in as the starter heading into training camp.  He has some experience playing in the Bucs’ system and he’s looked very good at times.  He has all of the tools needed to succeed as he has a good throwing arm and nice mobility.  Byron Leftwich probably has the best resume’ out of this group of QBs.  But, he has had problems staying healthy since injuring his ankle against the Akron Zips in his last game at the Rubber Bowl.  Still, if healthy Leftwich has the best combination of arm strength and experience on the Bucs’ roster.  Rookie first round pick Josh Freeman could be the Wild Card this season if the Bucs’ want to throw him into the fire.  He definately looks the part with a good arm, nice size and good mobility.  But in college he threw a lot of pickoffs and that part of his game will need to improve if he’s to get on the field as a rookie.  The Bucs like what they saw out of Josh Johnson last season but he could be caught in a numbers game here.  Brian Griese appears to be the odd man out as the Bucs have been trying to trade him.  Griese still would be a good backup QB but his days as a starter appear to be behind him.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON:  D