Their quarterback drives around Jerramy Stevens.

Jeff Garcia told Seattle-area media Wednesday in a conference call that he shuttles Stevens back and forth to work every day.

I cannot understand why more NFL teams don’t hire chauffeur/baby sitters for chronic troublemakers.

The topic arises this week as the Seahawks travel to Tampa to meet the Bucs in a game that could feature the play of two high-profile, first-round Seattle draft picks whose careers flew off the rails before either could come anywhere near reaching their physical potential.

Aside from the community endangerment and the stacks of negative headlines they generated, Koren Robinson and Jerramy Stevens represent two mostly wasted draft picks from 2001 and 2002.

Robinson, reportedly clean of the alcohol issues that caused him to be chronic traffic menace, is back with the Seahawks as a receiver. He was run off after the 2004 season, bounced back briefly with Minnesota, and most recently was with Green Bay for two seasons.

Stevens, a 6-foot-7 tight end from the University of Washington, had so many legal scrapes in college that the Hawks wrote specific language into his contract that would require his refunding much of his signing bonus if he ran afoul of the law.

It wasn’t enough. After being cut loose by the Seahawks, he’s spent the past two seasons in Tampa.

Adults shouldn’t need such treatment, but both of them could have used a personal warden to follow them around. Call it an advisor, a counselor, a shadow; maybe get a retired law-enforcement officer looking for part-time work. The investment a team makes in these guys warrants the expense.

In some ways, coach Mike Holmgren tried to fill that role. Especially with Robinson, Holmgren had a soft spot for Robinson, frequently trying to coax him with kindly uncle tactics.

The word from teammates was that Robinson was always a likable sort who was just immature and had troubles when he drank.

Stevens, though, was an immensely talented player who seemed so profligate in the way he failed to honor his athletic gifts. He made 130 catches and scored 15 touchdowns in five seasons in Seattle, but will be remembered for his numerous drops in Super Bowl XL and his off-field troubles.

Stevens represented high opportunity costs, too. That year, the Hawks traded down with Green Bay to pick up Stevens. The selections Seattle ended up with were Stevens and a defensive end who never panned out, Anton Palepoi. The picks Green Bay took were Pro Bowl players, receiver Javon Walker and defensive end Aaron Kampman.

Both Robinson and Stevens were well-schooled in the crucial technique of saying the right thing. After each offense, they expressed their remorse, promised they’d learned the error of their ways, and understood how precious was their opportunity to come back.

And then they’d blow it again.

Wednesday, Tampa coach Jon Gruden told us how much he likes Stevens. “I give him a lot of credit; he’s really doing well here, and I’m proud of him.”

Garcia called Stevens a “great teammate.” He talks to Stevens every day on the way to work. Maybe that’s what he’s needed all along.

“He has done the things we have asked him to do in order to contribute to this team and not become a distraction,” Garcia said. “I think in those ways, he has done a great job.”

Both Gruden and Garcia quickly moved on to Stevens’ attributes as a tight end. He’s a big target with good hands, and is expected to play an increasingly large role in the Buccaneers offense.

Although slowed by a sore knee, Robinson could again start for the Seahawks and play an important role for the injury-diminished receiving corps.

Holmgren said he “roots” for both these players as people trying to get over the problems of the past.

Because they have certain physical gifts, the NFL is a place where second and third and fourth chances keep cropping up for these guys.

“I would hope we treat players who had bumps in the road in a fair manner and help them – regardless of their ability,” Holmgren said Wednesday, when asked about the matter. “I think throughout the league you’ll see guys get extra chances. And the good side of that is that at times it works, at times they seem to be able to overcome their immaturity or whatever problems they had. And I think that’s a good thing.”

Of course it is. But pardon us if we’re still suspicious.

These are a couple of guys who could have had exceptional careers in the NFL, with wealth and position, who are now both hanging onto employment and trying to live down disreputable pasts.

If only they’d found baby sitters sooner.

Dave Boling: 253-597-8440

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