The first of the Bucs' three seventh-round picks was used on Fresno State T Chris Denman, a first-team all-conference choice in 2006
Selecting their first offensive player of Day Two of the 2007 NFL Draft – and only their second player on that side of the ball overall – the Tampa Bay Buccaneers locked up a solid blocker with a big upside. With their eighth pick of the weekend, the fourth selection of the seventh round, the Bucs grabbed Fresno State tackle Chris Denman.
The 6-7, 315-pound Denman, the 214th pick overall, started the last three seasons at right tackle for Fresno State, earning first-team All-WAC honors this past season.
His selection marks the fourth pick in the past two seasons that the Buccaneers have devoted to their offensive line. In 2006, the Bucs selected Oklahoma guard Davin Joseph with their first round pick and Boston College tackle Jeremy Trueblood in the second round.
This year, Denman joins Tennessee guard Arron Sears, who the Bucs chose in the second round, as one of only two offensive players to be selected by the team up to this point.
After walking on at Fresno State, the hard-working Denman went on to start the final 43 games of his collegiate career at right tackle.
An aggressive run blocker who is equally effective in his pass protection, Denman is listed in some scouting reports as one of the draft's most underrated offensive lineman. Scouts believe he is capable of moving to guard and possesses good overall balance and the determination required of his physically demanding position.
The Buccaneers have two more seventh-round picks to execute, compensatory selections that fall at numbers 245 and 246 overall.
