Last year's preseason glimmer didn't come from Earnest Graham, Maurice Stovall, or any of the other heralded "up-and-comers," but rather from a kid who nobody seemed to put any stock in: Paris Warren.

The 25-year old wide receiver failed to make the roster several years in a row, spending those seasons watching NFL games from his couch.  In 2007, however, things were different.  After a solid second and third preseason game, head coach Jon Gruden decided to see what the young man could do with extended minutes.  Warren started the preseason finale and exploded for over 100 yards and two touchdowns.

And then tragedy struck.

Streaking for the endzone, Warren went up for the ball, came down, and didn't get back up.  The camera panned over to where he was sprawled out on the turf.  He was lying face down, but his right foot was pointing straight up into the air.

Warren was carted off the field and never heard from again that season.

For those who are wondering, he did make the catch.

A phenomenal preseason and apparently bright future was cut short by one unfortunate play.  However, after over seven months of rehabilitation, Warren is reportedly close to where he was prior to the injury and should be ready to try his luck again when training camp rolls around.

At this point, Joey Galloway remains the undisputed go-to guy for the Buccaneers.  It appears that either Ike Hilliard or newly acquired Antonio Bryant will start alongside him.  Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall, and Paris Warren will battle it out for the fourth and fifth spot on the depth chart.

Based on last season, Clayton seems to be the favorite in the three-way competition, mainly because Jon Gruden loves his blocking ability and physical style of play.  And the fact that he can't stand to see his beloved first-round selection wasting away on the bench - that would imply that he made a mistake in drafting the LSU star.

Thus the conflict arises.  Unless the Bucs choose to keep six receivers on the roster - which is not exactly standard - one of those bottom three will be cut.  All three players would be difficult to let go, because all have shown flashes of superior potential, albeit in a limited quantity.  It's the nature of the National Football League, and any professional sports league for that matter, but it doesn't make the decision any less difficult.

But after last year's preseason performance, it would be hard for the coaching staff to let Warren go without giving him a shot against first-string opposition.  And with the abysmal talent level amongst the unit, perhaps this will be a year in which the Bucs stockpile more guys than normal in hopes of finding someone who can step up and contribute.

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