Ike Hilliard Speaks In Rational Tones

In an interview on the Buccaneers' web site, Ike Hilliard sounds a little disappointed that the Bucs didn't make a trade to get Calvin Johnson in the draft.

"We can't control what they do on draft day, obviously, what their reasons were to not go and get [Calvin] Johnson or what-have-you. I don't think there's any doubt on our minds as a team or in the entire organization that we're going to be a better team. We just have to go out and prove that."

Isn't that what players say when a coach or GM makes a move they don't like? "I can't control what they do upstairs. I just have to worry about me." Drafting Johnson would have made it a lot more difficult for Ike to stay employed with the Bucs because you know Joey Galloway, Michael Clayton and Maurice Stovall are going to make the roster. As it stands, it looks like there will be a battle between Clayton and Stovall for the #2 receiver and between Hilliard and David Boston for #3. That's going to be fun to watch.

Hilliard makes an interesting statement about himself in the interview.

"I'm in a good place mentally," said Hilliard. "This is the first time in a long time I don't have a lot of things on my plate. This is really an opportunity for me this offseason to work on my craft again."

What things were on his plate that were distracting him? Did it take him that long to really understand Jon Gruden's playbook, or is it something else? Seems like that would have been a good follow-up question. In the absence of any real information, I'll just assume he was also training for his MMA debut but gave it up when he saw what happened to Johnnie Morton.

And finally...

"I think at the end of the day what keeps me around is my ability to process information," said Hilliard, who always speaks in very measured and rational tones.

Oh thank God the author didn't say he was articulate. Anyway, give the interview a read when you get a chance. It's an interesting talk with a guy who probably doesn't get the credit he deserves on this team.