Rookies Getting Paid Early

The Bucs have begun signing their rookies about four weeks ahead of their usual schedule. The team has already signed Tanard Jackson (4th round) and Marcus Hamilton (7th round). Bruce Allen has generally waited until the week prior to training camp to start signing rookies. He has never said why, but I suspect he doesn't like the idea of putting a big wad of cash in the hands of early 20-somethings with a bunch of free time. I'd like to know what changed his mind this year. Maybe Pacman Jones and Chris Henry and about 100 other players have convinced him that it probably won't do any good in the long run and it's better to find out now that he has assholes on his team rather than in the middle of the season.

There are already rumblings of #3 overall pick Joe Thomas being difficult to sign before Browns camp starts, which may lead to a waiting game by Gaines Adams to see where he gets slotted. Ugh. I'd like to advise Mr. Adams to contact Trent Dilfer before he makes any decisions and ask him about his decision to hold out in 1994.