Buccaneers Say Bo Jackson Will Be First Pick in Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended speculation in announcing Friday that the club will make Auburn running back Bo Jackson the first choice in the April 29 National Football League draft, unless it swings a last-minute trade.

Coach Leeman Bennett called the 1985 Heisman Trophy winner the best prospect at his position to enter the draft since O.J. Simpson in 1969, saying that Jackson is so good that it would take two quality veterans and a first-round draft choice to change the team’s plans.

Jackson, also a major league baseball prospect, has said he won’t decide until after the draft if he will play professional football or baseball.

“We’re not really that concerned about whether he has an agent or is thinking about playing baseball,” Bennett said, adding, “(Owner) Hugh Culverhouse has assured me that if we draft Bo and there is a bidding war, we will take our chances.”