QUOTE: “Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover”. – Attributed to Mark Twain, speaking to a graduation class

FROM RICK STROUD OF THE ST. PETERSBURG TIMES … The Bucs are re-evaluating their plans at quarterback and will consider starting rookie Josh Freeman if he continues to progress in training camp. Quarterbacks coach Greg Olson said "it's not out of the question,” that Freeman takes the path of the Falcons' Matt Ryan and the Ravens' Joe Flacco and starts as a rookie. "We did talk last week, and when I say we, I'm talking about everyone in the building from the GM, the head coach, Doug Williams -- other people were involved and we just discussed the Josh Freeman plan,' Olson said. "We decided we'll go through the summer, we'll go probably a week into training camp and we'll revisit it again ... we may expedite what he's doing. "You know, maybe we get him involved early -- earlier than we thought.'

When the Bucs surprised the football world and fired Jon “Love You Bro” Gruden after last season, the major reason given by ownership was that “Love You Bro” was unable to stabilize the quarterback situation. So, as is always the case, the next regime fixes the major problem from the previous regime.

The Bucs have had a revolving door at quarterback since Brad Johnson won the Super Bowl in 2002. We’ve heard “Love You Bro” say he would’ve loved to have had a young quarterback to work with but never had the chance (that always made me laugh because Gruden controlled all the player movement for the Bucs from the day he set foot in Tampa). So when the new regime took over, its first move was to pick a quarterback in the draft -- no surprise. To further solidify their commitment to rearranging the quarterback position, most notably gaining Josh Freeman, the Bucs moved up two places in the first round, jumping ahead of the Broncos to ensure that Freeman became a Buccaneer. This trade was rather perplexing from an outside perspective, but clearly, the Bucs wanted to take no chances and risk losing Freeman.

Luke McCownAPMcCown could find himself back on the sidelines in 2009.

Prior to the draft, the Bucs extended Luke McCown, who they initially felt might be the right fit as they transitioned to a younger player. McCown, however, was not impressive in the first mini-camp, causing some concern among the coaches, which then led to the signing of Byron Leftwich. So before the draft, the Bucs had four quarterbacks on their roster, giving credence to the great John Madden line, “When you have a lot of something, you have nothing.” Veteran quarterback Brian Griese is going to be gone at some point, McCown and Leftwich will compete for the back-up role, and Josh Johnson, a fifth-round pick in 2008, will fight for a roster spot.

So will Freeman be the starter? There are a few factors that indicate he will, maybe not on opening day against the Cowboys, but some time soon after. The first is his contract. Freeman was picked 17th overall in the ‘09 draft, which means the Bucs are limited to just getting five years in the overall length of the deal -- the same length that Mark Sanchez just signed at the top of the draft. And we know – despite all the rhetoric about the Jets having a open competition in camp -- that unless Sanchez falls flat on his face, he’s the starter on day one. The Jets are not wasting a year of the deal on player development.

Freeman is big, strong and raw, and he might need to be involved at a limited level of the total offense. However, if McCown or Leftwich start because of their experience, they too will be running a limited level of the offense. Neither of them can handle a complete package, neither is going to be able to run a check-with-me style of offense, and both will need to rely on their supporting cast to enhance their talent. Therefore, if you have to cut back for the veterans, why not just play the rookie?

Josh FreemanAPWill Freeman be the guy this year for the Bucs?

The Bucs are a team in a slight transition, mostly on defense as they convert to fit the style of defensive coordinator Jim Bates, which centers on adding more size and power. The offensive side of the ball is where they have the most talent, with excellent skill players like wide receiver Antonio Bryant and tight end Kellen Winslow. They have experience in the offensive line to be help a young quarterback handle the protections, taking the burden of making the right protection calls away from an inexperience player. Now add in the fact that Jeff Jagodzinski, their new offensive coordinator, has a very good scheme that can highlight the essential elements the Bucs possess on offense.

They clearly can fit a young quarterback into this offensive scheme. They must allow Freeman to have time with the first team offensive line in camp and during preseason games. Freeman must get most of the reps at camp this summer as he grows mentally and physically. Starting him should not be an on-the-fly decision; it must be planned, and it must be detailed and well-executed.

Starting Freeman may affect the Bucs negatively in September, but will benefit them greatly in December.

ADDITIONAL THOUGHTS …

Today, we celebrate the graduation of my son Matthew, along with his cousin Nick, from high school. Our entire family is proud and honored to share this day with both of them. May they both heed the advice from Mr. Twain in the opening quote. Cheers to both!

The Diner will take a day off tomorrow, but please come back Sunday for Sunday at the Post, which will feature some NBA draft notes. Have to be ready for any draft! Has Wes Bunting been doing his draft research?

Check out my appearance Wednesday night on NFL Network