Yardbarker Horiz

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tampa Bay Buccaneer Roster Changes between 2008 and 2009: Defense





Strictly based on who's gone and who's new (and disregarding returning players), here is a brief rundown of roster changes from opening day 2008 to opening day 2009.


Linebacker
Here: Angelo Crowell, Niko Koutouvides, Rod Wilson
Gone: Cato June, Derrick Brooks

  • Two long-time pros out.  Brooks could be the best Buccaneer player -- EVER.  It's a big change but the tank could be empty for June and Brooks.  Crowell played in Buffalo last year but was injured.  He starts the year on IR.  This position is not improved.



Defensive End
Here: Kyle Moore
Gone: Jovan Haye, Kevin Carter

  • Carter's top years are behind him.  Haye was an impact player and worked well inside and out.  Moore is a rookie.  This position is not improved.



Defensive Tackle
Here: Roy Miller, Dre Moore
Gone: Chris Bradwell, Greg Peterson

  • Miller and Moore are the 300 pounders the new defense needs.  Miller showed glimpses during the preseason of the player he can become.  This position is slightly improved.



Cornerback
Here:  E.J. Biggers
Gone:  Phillip Buchanon

  • Buchanon was not the impact player the team had hoped for and was even worse in one-on-one tackling.  Biggers is a draft choice with potential.  This position is slightly improved.



Safety
Here:  Torrie Cox
Gone:  None

  • If Cox provides depth or even reliable special teams play, this position is improved.



Punter
Here:  None
Gone: None
  • No change for 2009

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Tampa Bay Buccaneer Roster Changes between 2008 and 2009: Offense

Strictly based on who's gone and who's new (and disregarding returning players), here is a brief rundown of roster changes from opening day 2008 to opening day 2009.


Quarterback
Here: Josh Freeman, Byron Leftwich
Gone: Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Luke McCown
  • Garcia and Griese were cut and have not been picked up.  McCown was traded for a future draft pick.  Freeman has been designated as the future franchise QB that never appeared during the Second Era.  This position can finally be considered upgraded.



Running Back
Here: Clifton Smith, Derrick Ward
Gone: Warrick Dunn, Jameel Cook
  • That's a lot of experience gone by the wayside.  Smith did contribute in 2008 but was an undrafted, mid-year pickup which went to the Pro Bowl.  Ward was integral to an excellent Giants running back group in 2008.  The only loss is experience, but considering Dunn was not picked up by another team it appears it was the right time to move on.  This position is neutral but certainly younger.



Wide Reciever
Here: Kelly Campbell, Brian Clark, Sammie Stroughter
Gone: Ike Hilliard, Dexter Jackson, Joey Galloway
  • The Jackson experiment only lasted a year.  Hilliard was Mr. 3rd Down.  Galloway appeared to take a step back as far as wear and tear.  Campbell is a CFL free agent, Clark a youngster, and Stroughter a 7th round pick.  While the new WR group is certainly younger, they are also unproven in the NFL.  This position was unimproved.



Tight End
Here: Jerramy Stevens, Kellen Winslow
Gone: Alex Smith
  • Are you kidding me?  Normally the loss of Smith would be reason to declare a downgrade, but the replacements are top level performers and respectable run blockers.  If the Bucs can make this talent work defenses will be scratching their heads each and every week.  This position was upgraded.



Guard
Here: Jonathan Compas, Marcus Johnson, Arron Sears
Gone: None
  • Arron Sears remains on the roster but will not play in 2009.  Compas and Johnson are for depth (at least for now).  While Sears was a starter in 2008 it appears a capable replacement was already on the roster -- but in that case the depth suffers.  This position was unimproved.



Tackle
Here: Marc Dile, Demar Dotson, Xavier Fulton
Gone: None
  • Xavier Fulton (2009 5th round) is on IR and will not play in 2009.  Dotson could be the college free agent find of the year for the Buccaneers.  This was already a position of strength and experience on the team, so no shiny new pieces were needed.  Nonetheless, this position is slightly improved.



Center
Here: None
Gone: None
  • This position is unchanged.



Place Kicker
Here: Mike Nugent
Gone: Matt Bryant
  • Bryant lacked some leg strength but was reliable.  Nugent is only a couple years younger (5th year vs. 8 years for Bryant).  This move was dictated by injury, but it was fortunate to have already had Nugent in camp for competition before the injury occurred.  This position is slightly improved.


Saturday, September 12, 2009

Grading Draft Classes

Draft classes are an important measure of the organization of the front office. There are thousands of college players and coaches need players that fit their system, demeanor, or personality. The successful GM constructs an organization that can find the right talent for their team.

To grade drafts across multiple teams the following criteria will be used to track individual draft classes:

Starting point:

  • One point for each player chosen.
  • Adjust draft rating each year until no players from that draft are on the squad.
  • Accumulate points year over year.
  • Free agents and other additions to the roster are not graded.
  • -4 first time player does not make the roster; never counted again even if they rejoin team.
  • 3 year "target case" totals allow for a player to miss two games per year for injury

Round by Round Expectations:

Round 1 guys should start the next fall or before the 6th game of the season.

  • Before game 6, +1 if played, -1 if DNP.
  • After game 6, +1 if starter, -1 if DNP.
  • Over three years an excellent score would be 42 points.


Round 2 guys should get playing time all year, maybe start.

  • Each Game: +1 if played, -1 if DNP
  • Over three years an excellent score would be 42 points.



Round 3 guys should get playing time all year, maybe start.

  • Each Game: +1 if played, -1 if DNP
  • Over three years an excellent score would be 42 points.



Round 4 guys should get playing time next year, start in year 2-3

  • Each Game: +1 if played
  • Year 2: +1 if start
  • Year 3+: +1 if start, -1 if DNP
  • Over three years an excellent score would be 42 points.



Round 5 guys should get playing time next year, start in year 2-3

  • Each Game: +1 if played
  • Year 2: +1 if start
  • Year 3+: +1 if start, -1 if DNP
  • Over three years an excellent score would be 42 points.



Round 6 guys are special teamers or project players probably destined for some practice squad time

  • Each Game: +2 if contributed in non-special teams role
  • Over three years an excellent score would be 22 points.



Round 7 guys are special teamers or project players probably destined for some practice squad time

  • Each Game: +2 if contributed in non-special teams role
  • Over three years an excellent score would be 18 points.



Using these criteria, a "Got What They Should Have Gotten" Draft Class Score would be in the 250 point range after three years.

Monday, September 7, 2009

And so began the Third Era

On January 17th, 2009, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers promoted Mark Dominik to General Manager. This marks the third GM since the arrival of the Glazer ownership (and the birth of the Pirates of Pewter Pants).  


The General Manager drives the composition and character of the team more than any other front office position. Besides Tampa Bay, seven other teams changed General Managers after the 2008 season: Cleveland, Denver, Detroit, Jacksonville, Kansas City, New England, and Saint Louis. This blog is dedicated to chronicling the NFL General Manager Class of 2009, emphasizing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And, who knows, maybe some scoop here and there.


Bring the Lombardi Trophy back to the Bay!!