The Buccaneers are reportedly the front runners to be the subject of this year’s “Hard Knocks” on HBO. Not a terrible choice. But we think we can do better.

Alabama DT Marcell Dareus stopped by the NFL Network studios Thursday, and we took some time to get to know him as he prepares for the 2011 NFL Draft.

Defensive ends Robert Quinn and Da’Quan Bowers are at the top of Mike Mayock‘s draft board for their position. Both have questions going against them. Quinn missed the entire 2010 season because of NCAA rules violation. Bowers is coming off a knee injury that would not allow him to workout at the combine or Clemson’s pro day (but will have his own pro day on April 1).

Congratulations to Vernon Gholston who officially became one of the game’s biggest draft busts after being released by the Jets on Wednesday.

Producers for “Dancing with the Stars” are reportedly after Steelers WR Hines Ward according to Bob Pompeani of KDKA TV in Pittsburgh, (via Sports Nation).

The defensive linemen will look to impress Monday at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. NFL Network’s Warren Sapp, Steve Mariucci and Michael Irvin point out the big men to watch.

For Marcell Dareus, the prized defensive end out of Alabama, nothing would be finer than to replicate the career path of his hero, former Bucs and Raiders terror Warren Sapp.

NFL Network has exclusive coverage of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis starting on Thursday, Feb. 24 at 12:30 p.m.

Donovan McNabb’s up-and-down first season in Washington ended in his benching for the team’s final three games, a report he will ask for his release, and the expectation among many he won’t be back for another go-round.

Is Bill Belichick the best NFL coach of all-time? NFL Network’s Michael Irvin thinks so.

Now that the Seahawks have pulled off one of the bigger upsets in playoff history, what’s next?

Charles Davis, Michael Lombardi and Warren Sapp discuss what didn’t work for Mike Singletary in San Francisco, and who could be his successor.

What’s behind the firing of head coach Josh McDaniels in Denver?

When all is said and done in the NFC, two good teams will likely be left out of the playoffs.

Among the topics on “NFL Total Access” Monday are a look at what the crew learned about the Bears in Week 12.