Showing posts with label 2010 Offseason. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 2010 Offseason. Show all posts
Friday, July 30, 2010
Is It All Happening Tonight?
Another rumor, this one with substance, says that Gerald McCoy has left Oklahoma and is on his way to Tampa. I do not hear anything about an agreement -- but it seems something may be in the works, stay tuned!!
Monday, July 19, 2010
Expectations for 2010
A quick look at the expectations for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is in order as everyone gets ready for camp to open on August 31st. For the record, I expect the team to press for an 8-8 season this year, but six wins with this level of youth would also be a very good season.
Gary Shelton (tampabay.com) is more blatant about his lack of confidence in the upcoming season. His article parrots an article from earlier in the summer by Pat Kirwan (NFL.com). In the article, both guys believe youth is the downfall of this team. And while growing pains will happen, I have already offered clear proof of how much youth can contribute to a successful season (case in point: Roy Miller). Miller, who was a rookie defensive tackle last year, had an outstanding season which went completely unnoticed by most, completely disproving the points of Shelton and Kirwan. With two more rookie defensive tackles coming in this year, having Miller as a mentor is solid gold. I mean, I get it -- the Buccaneers are too young to win the Superbowl this year. Duh. So were the Jets last year but they had a pretty good season anyhow.
At this point, the ESPN "Group Think" has the Bucs rated 30th in the NFL. They, however, have been distracted by baseball and World Cup soccer so their rankings have not been reconsidered since the end of the 2009 season.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports rated the Buccaneers 28th on May 7th. He has not shuffled the order since the end of 2009 but has added comments. While he believes "they are at least a year away" he also admits "I do like the way they are building this team."
BleacherReport has the Buccaneers at 27th and will probably lower that number to match ESPN once they realize it's different. Why do they rate Tampa Bay at 27? Because Tampa Bay did not draft a defensive end in the second round of the 2010 draft. Wow. Are we supposed to be impressed with that "outstanding analysis"? Did they miss the drafting of Kyle Moore in 2009 and the emergence of waiver-wire free agent Tim Crowder last season? Perhaps a longer look at the depth chart would serve them well -- or even a first look. Stowaway regulars have seen the real analysis and can see right through this "ranking" as a meaningless placeholder until someone tells them what to think. Seriously, if you are going to blog about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you should have some pride. The players have been sweating bullets for months yet you wipe away everything because you mis-predicted the draft? The players deserve better than that. A lot better. Perhaps they will pay more attention next year.
Fox Sports did offseason rankings way, way back on February 11th. Fox finished the season with the 3-13 Buccaneers at 27th, ahead of the 4-12 Redskins, 4-12 Chiefs, and 5-11 Seahawks, among others. Obviously they liked where the team was heading during the second half of the season.
Peter King of Sports Illustrated had the Buccaneers ranked 30th on May 16th, 2010, -- he really likes the draft picks but feels the team is far too young this year to move up the ratings.
NFL.com writer Pat Kirwin also has produced a team-by-team ranking. His was last published on June 7th, 2010. He rates the teams into five tiers of six teams each. The Buccaneers are in the bottom tier, but Kirwin says "The Bucs are headed in the right direction and should be tougher in the second half of the season".
Finally, NFL.com writer Steve Wyche released an actual preseason team-by-team review on June 17th, 2010. He placed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 22nd after a 28th place ranking at the end of 2009. This is above the Redskins, Lions, Browns, Panthers, and Rams who are all on the 2010 season schedule.
This is not exactly glowing praise for the 2010 season. It is a dose of reality -- a 3-13 team does not get a lot of respect the following season. That's the nature of sports media. Add in the half-thoughts usually given to the "small market" NFL teams and this set of early reviews feels like what would normally be expected.
This team must win early if the perception of the team is to change. And that perception will be a main focus this season -- when youth believes in what can happen they can pull surprises. And a few surprises this year would go a long way in putting the 2009 season in the rear view mirror.
Gary Shelton (tampabay.com) is more blatant about his lack of confidence in the upcoming season. His article parrots an article from earlier in the summer by Pat Kirwan (NFL.com). In the article, both guys believe youth is the downfall of this team. And while growing pains will happen, I have already offered clear proof of how much youth can contribute to a successful season (case in point: Roy Miller). Miller, who was a rookie defensive tackle last year, had an outstanding season which went completely unnoticed by most, completely disproving the points of Shelton and Kirwan. With two more rookie defensive tackles coming in this year, having Miller as a mentor is solid gold. I mean, I get it -- the Buccaneers are too young to win the Superbowl this year. Duh. So were the Jets last year but they had a pretty good season anyhow.
At this point, the ESPN "Group Think" has the Bucs rated 30th in the NFL. They, however, have been distracted by baseball and World Cup soccer so their rankings have not been reconsidered since the end of the 2009 season.
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports rated the Buccaneers 28th on May 7th. He has not shuffled the order since the end of 2009 but has added comments. While he believes "they are at least a year away" he also admits "I do like the way they are building this team."
BleacherReport has the Buccaneers at 27th and will probably lower that number to match ESPN once they realize it's different. Why do they rate Tampa Bay at 27? Because Tampa Bay did not draft a defensive end in the second round of the 2010 draft. Wow. Are we supposed to be impressed with that "outstanding analysis"? Did they miss the drafting of Kyle Moore in 2009 and the emergence of waiver-wire free agent Tim Crowder last season? Perhaps a longer look at the depth chart would serve them well -- or even a first look. Stowaway regulars have seen the real analysis and can see right through this "ranking" as a meaningless placeholder until someone tells them what to think. Seriously, if you are going to blog about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, you should have some pride. The players have been sweating bullets for months yet you wipe away everything because you mis-predicted the draft? The players deserve better than that. A lot better. Perhaps they will pay more attention next year.
Fox Sports did offseason rankings way, way back on February 11th. Fox finished the season with the 3-13 Buccaneers at 27th, ahead of the 4-12 Redskins, 4-12 Chiefs, and 5-11 Seahawks, among others. Obviously they liked where the team was heading during the second half of the season.
Peter King of Sports Illustrated had the Buccaneers ranked 30th on May 16th, 2010, -- he really likes the draft picks but feels the team is far too young this year to move up the ratings.
NFL.com writer Pat Kirwin also has produced a team-by-team ranking. His was last published on June 7th, 2010. He rates the teams into five tiers of six teams each. The Buccaneers are in the bottom tier, but Kirwin says "The Bucs are headed in the right direction and should be tougher in the second half of the season".
Finally, NFL.com writer Steve Wyche released an actual preseason team-by-team review on June 17th, 2010. He placed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 22nd after a 28th place ranking at the end of 2009. This is above the Redskins, Lions, Browns, Panthers, and Rams who are all on the 2010 season schedule.
This is not exactly glowing praise for the 2010 season. It is a dose of reality -- a 3-13 team does not get a lot of respect the following season. That's the nature of sports media. Add in the half-thoughts usually given to the "small market" NFL teams and this set of early reviews feels like what would normally be expected.
This team must win early if the perception of the team is to change. And that perception will be a main focus this season -- when youth believes in what can happen they can pull surprises. And a few surprises this year would go a long way in putting the 2009 season in the rear view mirror.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
The Tanard Jackson Question
In 2009 the Buccaneers suffered through the most difficult win/loss record since 1991. It was a tumultuous year following an offseason of major changes. A new front office came in and a group of old veterans moved on. With a change in leadership the Buccaneers needed all the experienced players it could mould from within.
Then, just before the 2009 season, the Buccaneers found out that Tanard Jackson would be suspended for the first four games of the season. It created an experience void in the defensive backfield the team struggled with the first month of the 2009 season.
Jackson returned to the team and moved back into the starting lineup finishing sixth on the team with 60 solo tackles, adding 11 assists, 2 forced fumbles, and five interceptions scoring touchdowns twice. Clearly Tanard Jackson is an impact player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And while his standing within the locker room appears to have been restored, there is still a big question mark which looms over his head.
One more mistake and Tanard Jackson sits out the season.
The two strikes penalty for substance abuse in the NFL is, unfortunately, well known. Every time the punishment is handed down it makes headlines across the sports world. Nobody expects the NFL to need this option with Tanard Jackson.
This is not a rehash of old mistakes, this is a front office dilemma which impacts the team and the roster for as long as Jackson is a Buccaneer. So this is a personnel issue and deserves scrutiny. Unfortunately, after the first strike, the threat of another mistake never goes away. The team struggled without Jackson on the field -- imagine a full year without him.
How will General Manager Mark Dominik deal with this unknown? Will it be important to keep an additional safety on the roster this season, just in case? Or is it a matter of crossing the fingers and hoping there is something worthwhile on the wiaver wire should the unthinkable happen?
With Jackson holding down a starting position, Dominik is almost forced to carry one extra safety on the roster. It is not practical to assume a waiver wire pickup would have any knowledge of the Tampa Bay defensive reads or responsibilities. That is, a waiver pickup means a loss of coaching time getting an unfamiliar player up to speed. Instead it would be better to have a player who has been through training camp ready to step forward, or step into second on the depth chart (and the resulting part time game day responsibilities), easing the impact to the rest of the safeties and, even, the rest of the team.
There is also a long term component to this issue -- essentially Tanard Jackson now requires two roster positions. Is he worth it? For how long? Certainly, at this point, the team must consider him valuable since he is still on the roster.
But there is still this unease for me regarding the safety position. Two experienced Buccaneer safeties have become unrestricted free agents: 7th year veteran Will Allen (singed Pittsburgh) and 8th year veteran Jermaine Phillips (unsigned, perhaps done). Phillips was the first option when Jackson was suspended last year -- not anymore. This two-player void has been filled by 7th year free agent acquisition Sean Jones (from Philadephia). Is it enough?
These questions must have been discussed during the run-up to the 2010 Draft. One safety was drafted (Cody Grimm, 6'1" 203 lbs, 7th round pick) but this seems to be the normal player churn and not a bold move to replace anyone in particular. In fact, Dominik has stated the 7th rounders are likely to earn their way onto the field through special teams.
So it appears there is no rush to supplement the roster at this point, nor is there a signal for a long term fix. Perhaps the Buccaneers are confident that Jackson has put whatever happened in 2009 behind him. Let's all hope so. We'll have to watch carefully during the offseason and preseason to see if there are any indicators of the team's thinking on this point.
But the bottom line is to hope and cheer for Tanard Jackson to keep things on the straight and narrow and play the game we all love to watch.
Be careful, Tanard!! We need you!!
Then, just before the 2009 season, the Buccaneers found out that Tanard Jackson would be suspended for the first four games of the season. It created an experience void in the defensive backfield the team struggled with the first month of the 2009 season.
Jackson returned to the team and moved back into the starting lineup finishing sixth on the team with 60 solo tackles, adding 11 assists, 2 forced fumbles, and five interceptions scoring touchdowns twice. Clearly Tanard Jackson is an impact player for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And while his standing within the locker room appears to have been restored, there is still a big question mark which looms over his head.
One more mistake and Tanard Jackson sits out the season.
The two strikes penalty for substance abuse in the NFL is, unfortunately, well known. Every time the punishment is handed down it makes headlines across the sports world. Nobody expects the NFL to need this option with Tanard Jackson.
This is not a rehash of old mistakes, this is a front office dilemma which impacts the team and the roster for as long as Jackson is a Buccaneer. So this is a personnel issue and deserves scrutiny. Unfortunately, after the first strike, the threat of another mistake never goes away. The team struggled without Jackson on the field -- imagine a full year without him.
How will General Manager Mark Dominik deal with this unknown? Will it be important to keep an additional safety on the roster this season, just in case? Or is it a matter of crossing the fingers and hoping there is something worthwhile on the wiaver wire should the unthinkable happen?
With Jackson holding down a starting position, Dominik is almost forced to carry one extra safety on the roster. It is not practical to assume a waiver wire pickup would have any knowledge of the Tampa Bay defensive reads or responsibilities. That is, a waiver pickup means a loss of coaching time getting an unfamiliar player up to speed. Instead it would be better to have a player who has been through training camp ready to step forward, or step into second on the depth chart (and the resulting part time game day responsibilities), easing the impact to the rest of the safeties and, even, the rest of the team.
There is also a long term component to this issue -- essentially Tanard Jackson now requires two roster positions. Is he worth it? For how long? Certainly, at this point, the team must consider him valuable since he is still on the roster.
But there is still this unease for me regarding the safety position. Two experienced Buccaneer safeties have become unrestricted free agents: 7th year veteran Will Allen (singed Pittsburgh) and 8th year veteran Jermaine Phillips (unsigned, perhaps done). Phillips was the first option when Jackson was suspended last year -- not anymore. This two-player void has been filled by 7th year free agent acquisition Sean Jones (from Philadephia). Is it enough?
These questions must have been discussed during the run-up to the 2010 Draft. One safety was drafted (Cody Grimm, 6'1" 203 lbs, 7th round pick) but this seems to be the normal player churn and not a bold move to replace anyone in particular. In fact, Dominik has stated the 7th rounders are likely to earn their way onto the field through special teams.
So it appears there is no rush to supplement the roster at this point, nor is there a signal for a long term fix. Perhaps the Buccaneers are confident that Jackson has put whatever happened in 2009 behind him. Let's all hope so. We'll have to watch carefully during the offseason and preseason to see if there are any indicators of the team's thinking on this point.
But the bottom line is to hope and cheer for Tanard Jackson to keep things on the straight and narrow and play the game we all love to watch.
Be careful, Tanard!! We need you!!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
The Impatient Roster
The 53-man roster in the NFL basically contains an offense (11 men) a defense (another 11 players), a backup at each position (+22 more = the 44 man "2-deep" roster), and 9 "extras" which include specialists like kickers, punters, and special teams warriors among others. This is half the story.
The draft has seven rounds per year for each team so it takes around 8 years to completely cycle an entire NFL 53-man roster. This is the other half of the story.
Together, this explains in general why 30 years old is a type of glass ceiling in the NFL -- a 22 year old graduates from college and goes 8 years in the NFL and then (statistically) it's time for the replacement to come along.
The struggle of the NFL General Manager is not the existence of this revolving door. Instead, it is how to keep a competitive team on the field under the guise of once-every-8-years when injuries, misfits, traded picks, and opportunities for early replacement through better talent present themselves. A roster can quickly get out of control when a series of draft picks are taken at the same position, when too few players drafted actually become part of the team, and when there is not a good rotation of selections among the positions on the field.
Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik has achieved balanced position charts for both offense and defense going into the 2010 season. The Tampa Bay position charts are overflowing with young players as the Buccaneers move from rebuilding the roster into escalating the competitive talent on the team. In the future you would not expect to see so many young players on these rosters. A better approach is to keep the best talent on the charts from leaving Tampa Bay keeping their knowledge and experience on the team by signing them to free agent contracts ("promote-from-within"). This helps to keep the 8-year replacement cycle working and provides great value to the team by retaining the investment in time and resources in the person of an experienced player. Constantly training a large number of new faces year after year is a drain on coaching resources -- and the time of a good coach is very, very valuable.
Going into the 2010 season, the Buccaneers lack in promote-from-within talent, which exaggerates the youth on the team. Put another way, the young have to lead without substantial experience. This can affect the competitiveness of the team regardless of the overall talent. An experienced player reacts to situations reflexively and can think through situational football as they go. A youthful player has to both think about assignment and situation. This difference shows itself in timing -- which can be devastating in a game as fast as NFL football.
Unfortunately there is not much that can be done about a lack of experience except play football. Bringing in free agents can set this process back in several ways -- they may take playing time from younger players slowing their rate of experience, they may be older or more experienced players which may keep a young leader from developing those skills, and they may not fit the personality profile of the team which can become a distraction for younger players. General Manger Mark Dominik seems to have committed to this idea by treading very lightly in the 2010 free agent market so far. And why not? There is a good mix of players at every position, including two positions rebuilt with youth mostly from the 2009 waiver wire alone (Defensive End and Wide Receiver). Dominik has also shown unwavering commitment to allowing experience and leadership to develop among the young players by only adding free agents who generally match the experience level of those lost to free agency (see "Moving Forward").
The focus now shifts toward Buccaneers Head Coach Raheem Morris and his staff. The rebuilding process only works if the coaches and supporting staff can create a true player development process for players of all talents. Morris is entering his second year and many of the assistant coaches have not been in their current position for a full season. The jury will be out on Morris' player development process for at least three more seasons (to see if the draft picks develop into promote-from-within material). Early indicators could be how Josh Freeman, Roy Miller, and Sammie Stroughter evolve in their second season. Freeman is an emerging leader on this team according to the players themselves. Roy Miller was the third most productive defensive lineman among rookies in 2009. And Stroughter, a 7th rounder, has already staked his claim on the nickel/slot wide receiver position having contributed at least one catch in every game in in 2009. The rest of the 2009 draft class was hampered by injury -- Kyle Moore for the first half of the season before coming on at the end and EJ Biggers and Xavier Fulton went to the injured reserve early. There just won't be much to evaluate against after the 2010 season -- which is fair. It is also fair to say the team started performing better down the stretch in 2009 (won two of last three), something which clearly had not happened in 2008 (lost the last 4 games of the season), 2007 (lost four of last five games including wildcard game) or 2006 (lost 8 of the last 10 games).
By no means am I trying to dampen the prospects for 2010. On the contrary, this is a season which will help define the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the next five years. And while there will be significant highs and lows with this much youth, there should be more weapons to help in finding a way to win more games than in 2009. Maybe this team can even make a run at a wildcard position. With all that youth, maybe they will find a way to achieve even more.
The draft has seven rounds per year for each team so it takes around 8 years to completely cycle an entire NFL 53-man roster. This is the other half of the story.
Together, this explains in general why 30 years old is a type of glass ceiling in the NFL -- a 22 year old graduates from college and goes 8 years in the NFL and then (statistically) it's time for the replacement to come along.
The struggle of the NFL General Manager is not the existence of this revolving door. Instead, it is how to keep a competitive team on the field under the guise of once-every-8-years when injuries, misfits, traded picks, and opportunities for early replacement through better talent present themselves. A roster can quickly get out of control when a series of draft picks are taken at the same position, when too few players drafted actually become part of the team, and when there is not a good rotation of selections among the positions on the field.
Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik has achieved balanced position charts for both offense and defense going into the 2010 season. The Tampa Bay position charts are overflowing with young players as the Buccaneers move from rebuilding the roster into escalating the competitive talent on the team. In the future you would not expect to see so many young players on these rosters. A better approach is to keep the best talent on the charts from leaving Tampa Bay keeping their knowledge and experience on the team by signing them to free agent contracts ("promote-from-within"). This helps to keep the 8-year replacement cycle working and provides great value to the team by retaining the investment in time and resources in the person of an experienced player. Constantly training a large number of new faces year after year is a drain on coaching resources -- and the time of a good coach is very, very valuable.
Going into the 2010 season, the Buccaneers lack in promote-from-within talent, which exaggerates the youth on the team. Put another way, the young have to lead without substantial experience. This can affect the competitiveness of the team regardless of the overall talent. An experienced player reacts to situations reflexively and can think through situational football as they go. A youthful player has to both think about assignment and situation. This difference shows itself in timing -- which can be devastating in a game as fast as NFL football.
Unfortunately there is not much that can be done about a lack of experience except play football. Bringing in free agents can set this process back in several ways -- they may take playing time from younger players slowing their rate of experience, they may be older or more experienced players which may keep a young leader from developing those skills, and they may not fit the personality profile of the team which can become a distraction for younger players. General Manger Mark Dominik seems to have committed to this idea by treading very lightly in the 2010 free agent market so far. And why not? There is a good mix of players at every position, including two positions rebuilt with youth mostly from the 2009 waiver wire alone (Defensive End and Wide Receiver). Dominik has also shown unwavering commitment to allowing experience and leadership to develop among the young players by only adding free agents who generally match the experience level of those lost to free agency (see "Moving Forward").
The focus now shifts toward Buccaneers Head Coach Raheem Morris and his staff. The rebuilding process only works if the coaches and supporting staff can create a true player development process for players of all talents. Morris is entering his second year and many of the assistant coaches have not been in their current position for a full season. The jury will be out on Morris' player development process for at least three more seasons (to see if the draft picks develop into promote-from-within material). Early indicators could be how Josh Freeman, Roy Miller, and Sammie Stroughter evolve in their second season. Freeman is an emerging leader on this team according to the players themselves. Roy Miller was the third most productive defensive lineman among rookies in 2009. And Stroughter, a 7th rounder, has already staked his claim on the nickel/slot wide receiver position having contributed at least one catch in every game in in 2009. The rest of the 2009 draft class was hampered by injury -- Kyle Moore for the first half of the season before coming on at the end and EJ Biggers and Xavier Fulton went to the injured reserve early. There just won't be much to evaluate against after the 2010 season -- which is fair. It is also fair to say the team started performing better down the stretch in 2009 (won two of last three), something which clearly had not happened in 2008 (lost the last 4 games of the season), 2007 (lost four of last five games including wildcard game) or 2006 (lost 8 of the last 10 games).
By no means am I trying to dampen the prospects for 2010. On the contrary, this is a season which will help define the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the next five years. And while there will be significant highs and lows with this much youth, there should be more weapons to help in finding a way to win more games than in 2009. Maybe this team can even make a run at a wildcard position. With all that youth, maybe they will find a way to achieve even more.
Monday, May 10, 2010
2010 Offseason: The Wide Receivers
Plenty of excitement surrounds the 2010 draft picks in the receivers unit. Fans recognize this as a place the team needs to improve to help the 2009 first rounder quarterback Josh Freeman elevate his game. It should be a real gunfight to sort this position out for 2010.
Wide Receivers
Note the number of 2009 and 2010 players competing at this position. Looks like General Manager Mark Dominik has been working this position hard looking for deeper talent.
Players are listed in order of productivity in 2009. The surprise on this list is most likely Mark Bradley (24 catches, 316 yards), a waiver pickup from the Kansas City Chiefs, who produced nearly the same numbers as Sammie Stroughter (31 catches, 320 yards) last season. Bradley put up his numbers in just 13 games with six starts for the Chiefs while Stroughter played in 13 games with no starts for the Buccaneers.
At this point, one starting spot is Stovall's to lose. Maurice has been a tremendous contributor on special teams and put up his best year in 2009. Clearly, he currently holds the most value on this squad. The other starting spot should be a tremendous battle between the experienced men at this position -- which could expand to include the 2010 draft picks Benn and Williams. Clayton and Brown should have the advantage but Coach Raheem Morris has said many times that production is what they are looking for. Clayton and Brown were the 4th and 5th most productive players in 2009 which remain on this squad. Experience alone may not be enough to keep the very talented youth at this position out of the starting lineup.
The Buccaneers carried eight wide receivers on the roster for most of last year. At this point, I think there are only four players who would have to lose their roster spot in order to miss the 53-man roster for 2010: Stovall, Stroughter, Benn, and Williams. Everyone else has to win the competition for the other spots. It is possible three of the remaining four roster spots could captured by the most experienced remaining players in Bradley, Clayton, and Brown.
This would leave the final roster spot for the college free agents and 2009 practice squad players. Micheal Spurlock is also a return specialist which would give him an edge. The three college free agents are potential practice squad targets -- Chris Brooks was impressive enough at the rookie camp to land a camp contract, can he make the roster? Urruita and Nunn are at a pivitol point in their NFL careers and must reach the 53-man roster to stay with the team.
Tight Ends
Barring unforseen circumstances, this spot is Winslow's for the next four years.
The Buccaneers carried four tight ends on the roster last season. With a significant push for additional receiving talent this year four may be too many. One thing is certain -- these men are going to have to be more physical in the running game to stay on the roster. Stevens and Gilmore must keep the youth at bay behind them. Stevens (15 catches for 130 yards) and Gilmore (3 catches, 23 yards) are two of the five oldest players on the roster now -- they must be productive or they will not make the team.
Wide Receivers
| Name | Strt/Gms | H/W | Acquired |
| Parker, Preston | 0/0 | 5'11" 199 lbs | (2010 College Free Agent) |
| Adeniji, Damola | 0/0 | 6'3" 213 lbs | (2010 College Free Agent) |
| Brooks, Chris | 0/0 | 6'2" 215 lbs | (2010 College Free Agent) |
| Benn, Arrelious | 0/0 | 6'1" 219 lbs | (2010 Draft Pick) |
| Williams, Mike | 0/0 | 6'1" 221 lbs | (2010 Draft Pick) |
| Urrutia, Mario | 0/0 | 6'6" 232 lbs | (2009 Waiver Wire) |
| Nunn, Terrence | 0/0 | 6'0" 195 lbs | (2009 Waiver Wire) |
| Spurlock, Micheal | 0/2 | 5'11" 200 lbs | (2009 Waiver Wire) |
| Brown, Reggie | 0/0 | 6'1" 197 lbs | (2010 Free Agent) |
| Clayton, Michael | 11/13 | 6'4" 215 lbs | (2004 Draft Pick) |
| Bradley, Mark | 0/0 | 6'1" 201 lbs | (2009 Waiver Wire) |
| Stroughter, Sammie | 0/13 | 5'10" 189 lbs | (2009 Draft Pick) |
| 2009 Final Game Starters: | |||
| WR: Stovall, Maurice | 7/15 | 6'5" 220 lbs | (2006 Draft Pick) |
Note the number of 2009 and 2010 players competing at this position. Looks like General Manager Mark Dominik has been working this position hard looking for deeper talent.
Players are listed in order of productivity in 2009. The surprise on this list is most likely Mark Bradley (24 catches, 316 yards), a waiver pickup from the Kansas City Chiefs, who produced nearly the same numbers as Sammie Stroughter (31 catches, 320 yards) last season. Bradley put up his numbers in just 13 games with six starts for the Chiefs while Stroughter played in 13 games with no starts for the Buccaneers.
At this point, one starting spot is Stovall's to lose. Maurice has been a tremendous contributor on special teams and put up his best year in 2009. Clearly, he currently holds the most value on this squad. The other starting spot should be a tremendous battle between the experienced men at this position -- which could expand to include the 2010 draft picks Benn and Williams. Clayton and Brown should have the advantage but Coach Raheem Morris has said many times that production is what they are looking for. Clayton and Brown were the 4th and 5th most productive players in 2009 which remain on this squad. Experience alone may not be enough to keep the very talented youth at this position out of the starting lineup.
The Buccaneers carried eight wide receivers on the roster for most of last year. At this point, I think there are only four players who would have to lose their roster spot in order to miss the 53-man roster for 2010: Stovall, Stroughter, Benn, and Williams. Everyone else has to win the competition for the other spots. It is possible three of the remaining four roster spots could captured by the most experienced remaining players in Bradley, Clayton, and Brown.
This would leave the final roster spot for the college free agents and 2009 practice squad players. Micheal Spurlock is also a return specialist which would give him an edge. The three college free agents are potential practice squad targets -- Chris Brooks was impressive enough at the rookie camp to land a camp contract, can he make the roster? Urruita and Nunn are at a pivitol point in their NFL careers and must reach the 53-man roster to stay with the team.
Tight Ends
| Name | Strt/Gms | H/W | Acquired |
| Mastrud, Jeron | 0/0 | 6'5" 256 lbs | (2010 College Free Agent) |
| Purvis, Ryan | 0/0 | 6'4" 260 lbs | (2009 College Free Agent) |
| Gilmore, John | 2/13 | 6'5" 257 lbs | (2008 Free Agent) |
| Stevens, Jerramy | 8/16 | 6'7" 260 lbs | (2007 Free Agent) |
| 2009 Final Game Starter: | |||
| Winslow, Kellen | 14/16 | 6'4" 240 lbs | (2009 Trade) |
Barring unforseen circumstances, this spot is Winslow's for the next four years.
The Buccaneers carried four tight ends on the roster last season. With a significant push for additional receiving talent this year four may be too many. One thing is certain -- these men are going to have to be more physical in the running game to stay on the roster. Stevens and Gilmore must keep the youth at bay behind them. Stevens (15 catches for 130 yards) and Gilmore (3 catches, 23 yards) are two of the five oldest players on the roster now -- they must be productive or they will not make the team.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
2010 Offseason: The Defensive Front
The Buccaneers defensive line was in need of an overhaul after the 3-13 season of 2009.
Interior defensive linemen accounted for just 3.5 sacks (Hovan 0.5, Sims 1.0, Miller 2.0, D. Moore 0.0) and 159 tackles (Hovan 57, Sims 48, Miller 54, D. Moore 0.0) last season which averages out to less than 0.25 sacks per game and around 10 tackles per game. The unit was ravaged by teams with strong rushing attacks. The edges of the defensive line were in a constant state of flux last year. The defensive ends as a unit were not nearly productive or disruptive enough to put real teeth into opposing offenses.
But by far the most disturbing defensive statistic for 2009 was the Buccaneers giving up 158.2 rushing yards per game -- worst in the NFL. No wonder the Buccaneers used the first two picks (and their last pick) in the 2010 draft to update the front wall of the defense.
Defensive Ends
The rebuilding frenzy over the past year at this position is obvious. General Manager Mark Dominik literally rebuilt this unit from the gound up during the 2009 season. The men who started Game 1 of the 2009 season, Jimmy Wilkerson (gone to the Saints) and Gaines Adams (traded to Chicago before his tragic passing), are no longer with the team.
There are signs of progress, however. White was the sack leader last year with 6.5 sacks while only starting half the season. Crowder contributed 3.5 sacks and finished the season as a starter after being claimed off the wiaver wire (from Denver) after the first game in 2009. Kyle Moore had a rough rookie season working through some nagging injuries but, along with Micheal Bennett, started to come on late in the 2009 season.
Tampa carried four defensive ends on the 53 man roster last year. Based on experience alone White, Crowder, K. Moore, and Bennett are the front runners this offseason. With the drafting of Lorig, however, the team may opt to keep a fifth this year to give the rookie time to develop or may try to transition him to the practice squad.
Defensive Line
The other 2009 Final Game Starter was Chris Hovan, who was released by the Buccaneers shortly after the 2010 draft. With an open starting spot here the competition will be fierce. Keep in mind this is a "group position" for Tampa Bay so the quality of depth is as essential as the starting pair. Will the Buccaneers give five roster spots to this position in 2010 (only four were carried on the active roster in2009)? McCoy and Price will be involved starting with Game 1 of 2010, but how much will they be able to contribute?
This will be a telltale offseason for Dre Moore. Most defensive tackles have a magical third season where everything starts to come together. Fortunately for Moore this is his third season and he will need the magic to compete with the talent and experience around him.
Ryan Sims has his experience to fall back on but will that be enough to keep the youth from overrunning the position? If the Buccaneers decide to only keep four defensive tackles on the active roster this season I believe it will come down to a decision between Sims and Moore. Considering the youth, however, I am pulling for all five men to play in 2010. Since nobody on this unit is even a consideration for the practice squad there will be a lot of learn-by-playing at this position.
All four of the positions in the defensive trenches will be closely watched this offseason. Significant improvement here could make all the difference in the 2010 season.
Interior defensive linemen accounted for just 3.5 sacks (Hovan 0.5, Sims 1.0, Miller 2.0, D. Moore 0.0) and 159 tackles (Hovan 57, Sims 48, Miller 54, D. Moore 0.0) last season which averages out to less than 0.25 sacks per game and around 10 tackles per game. The unit was ravaged by teams with strong rushing attacks. The edges of the defensive line were in a constant state of flux last year. The defensive ends as a unit were not nearly productive or disruptive enough to put real teeth into opposing offenses.
But by far the most disturbing defensive statistic for 2009 was the Buccaneers giving up 158.2 rushing yards per game -- worst in the NFL. No wonder the Buccaneers used the first two picks (and their last pick) in the 2010 draft to update the front wall of the defense.
Defensive Ends
| Name | Strt/Gms | H/W | Acquired | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gilbeaux, Brandon | 0/0 | 6'3" 270 lbs | (2010 College Free Agent) | |
| Johnson, George | 0/0 | 6'4" 265 lbs | (2010 College Free Agent) | |
| Ruffin, James | 0/0 | 6'4" 263 lbs | (2010 College Free Agent) | |
| Lorig, Erik | 0/0 | 6'3" 281 lbs | (2010 Draft Pick) | |
| Evans, Maurice | 0/0 | 6'2" 265 lbs | (2009 Waiver Wire) | |
| Bennett, Michael | 0/7 | 6'3" 274 lbs | (2009 Waiver Wire) | |
| Moore, Kyle | 0/8 | 6'5" 272 lbs | (2009 Draft Pick) | |
| 2009 Final Game Starters: | ||||
| LE: Crowder, Tim | 4/15 | 6'4" 275 lbs | (2009 Waiver Wire) | |
| RE: White, Stylez | 8/15 | 6'3" 270 lbs | (2007 Signee (Arena)) | |
The rebuilding frenzy over the past year at this position is obvious. General Manager Mark Dominik literally rebuilt this unit from the gound up during the 2009 season. The men who started Game 1 of the 2009 season, Jimmy Wilkerson (gone to the Saints) and Gaines Adams (traded to Chicago before his tragic passing), are no longer with the team.
There are signs of progress, however. White was the sack leader last year with 6.5 sacks while only starting half the season. Crowder contributed 3.5 sacks and finished the season as a starter after being claimed off the wiaver wire (from Denver) after the first game in 2009. Kyle Moore had a rough rookie season working through some nagging injuries but, along with Micheal Bennett, started to come on late in the 2009 season.
Tampa carried four defensive ends on the 53 man roster last year. Based on experience alone White, Crowder, K. Moore, and Bennett are the front runners this offseason. With the drafting of Lorig, however, the team may opt to keep a fifth this year to give the rookie time to develop or may try to transition him to the practice squad.
Defensive Line
| Name | Strt/Gms | H/W | Acquired | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| McCoy, Gerald | 0/0 | 6'4" 295 lbs | (2010 Draft Pick) | |
| Price, Brian | 0/0 | 6'1" 303 lbs | (2010 Draft Pick) | |
| Moore, Dre | 0/7 | 6'4" 305 lbs | (2008 Draft Pick) | |
| Miller, Roy | 1/15 | 6'2" 310 lbs | (2009 Draft Pick) | |
| 2009 Final Game Starter: | ||||
| DT: Sims, Ryan | 16/16 | 6'4" 315 lbs | (2007 Trade - Chiefs) | |
The other 2009 Final Game Starter was Chris Hovan, who was released by the Buccaneers shortly after the 2010 draft. With an open starting spot here the competition will be fierce. Keep in mind this is a "group position" for Tampa Bay so the quality of depth is as essential as the starting pair. Will the Buccaneers give five roster spots to this position in 2010 (only four were carried on the active roster in2009)? McCoy and Price will be involved starting with Game 1 of 2010, but how much will they be able to contribute?
This will be a telltale offseason for Dre Moore. Most defensive tackles have a magical third season where everything starts to come together. Fortunately for Moore this is his third season and he will need the magic to compete with the talent and experience around him.
Ryan Sims has his experience to fall back on but will that be enough to keep the youth from overrunning the position? If the Buccaneers decide to only keep four defensive tackles on the active roster this season I believe it will come down to a decision between Sims and Moore. Considering the youth, however, I am pulling for all five men to play in 2010. Since nobody on this unit is even a consideration for the practice squad there will be a lot of learn-by-playing at this position.
All four of the positions in the defensive trenches will be closely watched this offseason. Significant improvement here could make all the difference in the 2010 season.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Rookie Camp Weekend 2010
Around 65 former college football players will be in Tampa this weekend for the Buccaneers Rookie Camp. This is an invitation only event for players who do not have one league year in the NFL (which is different from a calendar year in many ways). Those rules mean the camp is populated by rookies just drafted, rookies just signed as undrafted free agents, and players not claimed by other teams (either fresh out of college or without a league year in the NFL).
Generally, camp is run with three full squads of players (11 offense, 11 defense; three full sets of each unit or 66 players). The first thing you want is for your drafted players to c-l-e-a-r-l-y stand out among others at their position. If this happens then your draft was very successful. Secondly, you would like your undrafted free agents to also stand out at their position. Also, remember that the rookies plus the undrafted free agents (along with the returning veterans) make up the 80-man roster at this point in time. So to sign a player which was not drafted nor was an undrafted free agent means you must cut a player from your 80-man roster. As we have seen, the Buccaneers have a nice position chart already set up for their young offensive and defensive players -- to unbalance those charts would be a significant move for the team.
So there is a bit of information which can be gathered from this camp. Let's see what we can find out about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Good Luck to each of these men as they continue to fight for their dream of playing in the NFL!
Players list in bold are 2010 draft picks.
Players listed in italics are 2010 undrafted free agents.
Players listed in regular font are invited players with less than one NFL year of experience.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
QB Matt Grothe, USF
QB Bobby Reid, Texas Southern
QB Jevan Snead, Mississippi
We have the necessary three players here to conduct camp. To make the roster, Reid or Grothe has to outperform Snead. Snead did not have a great final year in college and came out early, so the opportunity is real for Reid and Grothe.
Wide Receiver
WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois
WR Brandon Banks, Kansas State
WR Chris Bonner, Florida Atlantic
WR Chris Brooks, Nebraska
WR Eyad Salem, Illinois State
WR Mike Williams, Syracuse
WR Preston Parker, North Alabama
With seven players in camp, two of which were drafted, it will be a hard group to crack. Parker needs to have a good camp to defend his roster spot. If someone shows a talent level equal to either of the draft picks the Buccaneers will have found a real diamond -- and that player will quickly advance to the roster.
Tight Ends
TE Jeron Mastrud, Kansas State
Obviously Mastrud would have to have a horrific camp to not stay on the 80-man roster.
Running Back
RB Chris Garrett, Ohio
RB Dana Brown, Youngstown State
RB Darius Marshall, Marshall
RB Demetrius McCray, Indiana
RB James Mallory, Central Connecticut State
It will be hard for any of these men to crack the roster in Tampa as there is plenty of talent at the position with a good mix of veterans and youth. 2009 Buccaneer Kareem Huggins made it to the roster from the same position as these men. Some could be considered for upgrading special teams play.
Fullback
FB Isaac Stockton, Chadron State
FB Phil Riley, Hofstra
FB Rendrick Taylor, Clemson
This comes down to a matter of numbers on the roster. These men could be playing for the practice squad. Considering BJ Askew was cut but no fullbacks were drafted or signed, Tampa Bay may have all it needs at this position. Some could be considered for upgrading special teams play.
Center
C Ian Bustillo, UCF
C Jared Zwilling, Purdue
C Jeff Tow-Arnett, Minnesota
At Center we have the requisite three players. To make the team these men have to rate out higher than 2nd year pro Johnathan Compas (Incumbant starter Jeff Faine is going nowhere). What provides a spark of possibility here is that when Faine went down with an injury last year, Compas did not replace him -- the Buccaneers went to the free agent market and brought back Sean Mahan instead. Was Compas not ready in 2009, or was he underperforming? Bustillo, Zwilling, and Tow-Arnett must make the most of this chance to slide in the door.
Guard
G Abdul Kuyateh, Louisville
G Lee Grimes, Texas A&M
G Sergio Render, Virginia Tech
G Vladimir Richard, Tennessee
This should be a competitive group. Two roster spots available between four men. Normally there should be six guards in camp. These men are all going to get extra opportunities to show their talents. It seems the team is looking for something to happen here -- this will be a battle to watch. 2009 Buccaneer Marc Dile rose from this position onto the regular roster last year.
Tackle
T Brandon Parks, Kent State
T Carl Spitale, Florida Atlantic
T Lavoris Williams, Florida Atlantic
T Wesley Yarbough, Fort Hays State
T Derek Hardman, Eastern Kentucky
T James Williams, Harvard
With no draft picks here the two roster positions should create some highly competitive action. Unlike at Guard there are six men in camp, so each must make the most of his opportunities to impress the coaches. 2009 Buccaneer Demar Dotson began his career at this point last year.
DEFENSE
Tackle
DT Brian Price, UCLA
DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
DT Boo Robinson, Wake Forest
DT Justin Lawrence, Morgan State
DT Melvin Matthews, Grambling
There are four players on the roster drafted by the Buccaneers at this position: Dre Moore (2008), Roy Miller (2009), Brian Price (2010), and Gerald McCoy(2010). With the release of Chris Hovan, the Buccaneers signal they believe the talent on their roster is ready to replace a steady, 11-year veteran. Quite a statement. There is probably no room for these men on the roster. Next year, the Buccaneers will not need another defensive lineman in the draft. Robinson, Lawrence, and Matthews are, most likely, playing for a spot on the practice squad.
Defensive End
DE Aaron Harris, USF
DE Brandon Gilbeaux, Delaware
DE Erik Lorig, Stanford
DE George Johnson, Rutgers
DE Greg Middleton, Indiana
DE James Ruffin, Northern Iowa
It has the look here as though it is six men competing for two roster spots. Lorig was the last player selected by the Buccaneers in 2010 (very late in the 7th round). If I was an unsigned college defensive end I would want be in Tampa Bay this weekend. A strong performance here could reach the playing rotation this fall.
Cornerback
CB Armando Murillo, Nebraska
CB C.J. Lovett, Fort Hays State
CB Darrell Pasco, Georgia Southern
CB Kennard Banks, Iowa State
CB Myron Lewis, Vanderbilt
CB Quincy Wofford, Northern Colorado
CB Roderick Williams, Alcorn State
To make room on the 80-man roster for Lewis, the Buccaneers cut Stony Woodson. Meaning Tampa Bay feels there has already been an upgrade in talent at a position which had a constant revolving door during the 2009 season. It would be shocking for any of these men to unseat the 2010 fourth rounder Lewis, which means they must make themselves more valuable than a veteran player already on the roster. Hard to do when the veterans are watching from the sidelines.
Linebackers
LB Bryan Parker, Florida A&M
LB Dekota Watson, Florida State
LB Fred Garrin, Iowa State
LB Mike Nixon, Arizona State
LB Nekos Brown, Virginia Tech
LB Pat Benoist, Vanderbilt
LB Rico McCoy, Tennessee
LB Ryan Reeves, Wayne State
Watson was a 7th round pick and considered to be someone who must find a way through special teams to stay on the roster. The same would hold true for the rest of these men. Getting a true outside linebacker from this group would be a nice bonus.
Safties
S Andrew Sendejo, Rice
S Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech
S John Wilson, Sacred Heart
S Kevin Thornton, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
S Taylor Lanigan, Murray State
S Dennis Rogan, Tennessee
There will be a lot of eyes on this group. Safety play was erratic in 2009 and Tampa Bay will continue to look for a way to improve the position having bypassed it until the 7th round in the draft. And, one more time, some could be considered for upgrading special teams play.
Specialists
K Hunter Lawrence, Texas
P Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech
LS Chris Mauriello, Penn State
While intriguing may be too strong a word, each of these players can get to the roster. Lawrence comes from a state with a billion kickers, so he probably better than average. Can he handle the Florida humidity and wind? Bowden was chosen in the 6th round and the incumbent punter, Sam Paulescu, has already been released. Mauriello is a unique case -- current long snapper Andrew Economos is on his fifth year and could become a free agent soon. How much cap space do you give to a long snapper? A younger option here means more to spend elsewhere. It's not a sure thing, but I think Mauriello will be given every chance and it could be the shortest line to playing on Sunday for anyone at the Rookie Camp.
Generally, camp is run with three full squads of players (11 offense, 11 defense; three full sets of each unit or 66 players). The first thing you want is for your drafted players to c-l-e-a-r-l-y stand out among others at their position. If this happens then your draft was very successful. Secondly, you would like your undrafted free agents to also stand out at their position. Also, remember that the rookies plus the undrafted free agents (along with the returning veterans) make up the 80-man roster at this point in time. So to sign a player which was not drafted nor was an undrafted free agent means you must cut a player from your 80-man roster. As we have seen, the Buccaneers have a nice position chart already set up for their young offensive and defensive players -- to unbalance those charts would be a significant move for the team.
So there is a bit of information which can be gathered from this camp. Let's see what we can find out about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Good Luck to each of these men as they continue to fight for their dream of playing in the NFL!
Players list in bold are 2010 draft picks.
Players listed in italics are 2010 undrafted free agents.
Players listed in regular font are invited players with less than one NFL year of experience.
OFFENSE
Quarterback
QB Matt Grothe, USF
QB Bobby Reid, Texas Southern
QB Jevan Snead, Mississippi
We have the necessary three players here to conduct camp. To make the roster, Reid or Grothe has to outperform Snead. Snead did not have a great final year in college and came out early, so the opportunity is real for Reid and Grothe.
Wide Receiver
WR Arrelious Benn, Illinois
WR Brandon Banks, Kansas State
WR Chris Bonner, Florida Atlantic
WR Chris Brooks, Nebraska
WR Eyad Salem, Illinois State
WR Mike Williams, Syracuse
WR Preston Parker, North Alabama
With seven players in camp, two of which were drafted, it will be a hard group to crack. Parker needs to have a good camp to defend his roster spot. If someone shows a talent level equal to either of the draft picks the Buccaneers will have found a real diamond -- and that player will quickly advance to the roster.
Tight Ends
TE Jeron Mastrud, Kansas State
Obviously Mastrud would have to have a horrific camp to not stay on the 80-man roster.
Running Back
RB Chris Garrett, Ohio
RB Dana Brown, Youngstown State
RB Darius Marshall, Marshall
RB Demetrius McCray, Indiana
RB James Mallory, Central Connecticut State
It will be hard for any of these men to crack the roster in Tampa as there is plenty of talent at the position with a good mix of veterans and youth. 2009 Buccaneer Kareem Huggins made it to the roster from the same position as these men. Some could be considered for upgrading special teams play.
Fullback
FB Isaac Stockton, Chadron State
FB Phil Riley, Hofstra
FB Rendrick Taylor, Clemson
This comes down to a matter of numbers on the roster. These men could be playing for the practice squad. Considering BJ Askew was cut but no fullbacks were drafted or signed, Tampa Bay may have all it needs at this position. Some could be considered for upgrading special teams play.
Center
C Ian Bustillo, UCF
C Jared Zwilling, Purdue
C Jeff Tow-Arnett, Minnesota
At Center we have the requisite three players. To make the team these men have to rate out higher than 2nd year pro Johnathan Compas (Incumbant starter Jeff Faine is going nowhere). What provides a spark of possibility here is that when Faine went down with an injury last year, Compas did not replace him -- the Buccaneers went to the free agent market and brought back Sean Mahan instead. Was Compas not ready in 2009, or was he underperforming? Bustillo, Zwilling, and Tow-Arnett must make the most of this chance to slide in the door.
Guard
G Abdul Kuyateh, Louisville
G Lee Grimes, Texas A&M
G Sergio Render, Virginia Tech
G Vladimir Richard, Tennessee
This should be a competitive group. Two roster spots available between four men. Normally there should be six guards in camp. These men are all going to get extra opportunities to show their talents. It seems the team is looking for something to happen here -- this will be a battle to watch. 2009 Buccaneer Marc Dile rose from this position onto the regular roster last year.
Tackle
T Brandon Parks, Kent State
T Carl Spitale, Florida Atlantic
T Lavoris Williams, Florida Atlantic
T Wesley Yarbough, Fort Hays State
T Derek Hardman, Eastern Kentucky
T James Williams, Harvard
With no draft picks here the two roster positions should create some highly competitive action. Unlike at Guard there are six men in camp, so each must make the most of his opportunities to impress the coaches. 2009 Buccaneer Demar Dotson began his career at this point last year.
DEFENSE
Tackle
DT Brian Price, UCLA
DT Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma
DT Boo Robinson, Wake Forest
DT Justin Lawrence, Morgan State
DT Melvin Matthews, Grambling
There are four players on the roster drafted by the Buccaneers at this position: Dre Moore (2008), Roy Miller (2009), Brian Price (2010), and Gerald McCoy(2010). With the release of Chris Hovan, the Buccaneers signal they believe the talent on their roster is ready to replace a steady, 11-year veteran. Quite a statement. There is probably no room for these men on the roster. Next year, the Buccaneers will not need another defensive lineman in the draft. Robinson, Lawrence, and Matthews are, most likely, playing for a spot on the practice squad.
Defensive End
DE Aaron Harris, USF
DE Brandon Gilbeaux, Delaware
DE Erik Lorig, Stanford
DE George Johnson, Rutgers
DE Greg Middleton, Indiana
DE James Ruffin, Northern Iowa
It has the look here as though it is six men competing for two roster spots. Lorig was the last player selected by the Buccaneers in 2010 (very late in the 7th round). If I was an unsigned college defensive end I would want be in Tampa Bay this weekend. A strong performance here could reach the playing rotation this fall.
Cornerback
CB Armando Murillo, Nebraska
CB C.J. Lovett, Fort Hays State
CB Darrell Pasco, Georgia Southern
CB Kennard Banks, Iowa State
CB Myron Lewis, Vanderbilt
CB Quincy Wofford, Northern Colorado
CB Roderick Williams, Alcorn State
To make room on the 80-man roster for Lewis, the Buccaneers cut Stony Woodson. Meaning Tampa Bay feels there has already been an upgrade in talent at a position which had a constant revolving door during the 2009 season. It would be shocking for any of these men to unseat the 2010 fourth rounder Lewis, which means they must make themselves more valuable than a veteran player already on the roster. Hard to do when the veterans are watching from the sidelines.
Linebackers
LB Bryan Parker, Florida A&M
LB Dekota Watson, Florida State
LB Fred Garrin, Iowa State
LB Mike Nixon, Arizona State
LB Nekos Brown, Virginia Tech
LB Pat Benoist, Vanderbilt
LB Rico McCoy, Tennessee
LB Ryan Reeves, Wayne State
Watson was a 7th round pick and considered to be someone who must find a way through special teams to stay on the roster. The same would hold true for the rest of these men. Getting a true outside linebacker from this group would be a nice bonus.
Safties
S Andrew Sendejo, Rice
S Cody Grimm, Virginia Tech
S John Wilson, Sacred Heart
S Kevin Thornton, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
S Taylor Lanigan, Murray State
S Dennis Rogan, Tennessee
There will be a lot of eyes on this group. Safety play was erratic in 2009 and Tampa Bay will continue to look for a way to improve the position having bypassed it until the 7th round in the draft. And, one more time, some could be considered for upgrading special teams play.
Specialists
K Hunter Lawrence, Texas
P Brent Bowden, Virginia Tech
LS Chris Mauriello, Penn State
While intriguing may be too strong a word, each of these players can get to the roster. Lawrence comes from a state with a billion kickers, so he probably better than average. Can he handle the Florida humidity and wind? Bowden was chosen in the 6th round and the incumbent punter, Sam Paulescu, has already been released. Mauriello is a unique case -- current long snapper Andrew Economos is on his fifth year and could become a free agent soon. How much cap space do you give to a long snapper? A younger option here means more to spend elsewhere. It's not a sure thing, but I think Mauriello will be given every chance and it could be the shortest line to playing on Sunday for anyone at the Rookie Camp.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Post Draft Update: The Young Core Offense
Yesterday we had a look at the future of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense. Today it's the offense, and there is plenty to be excited about here as well.
We last reviewed the young core offense as part of our pre-draft team needs analysis. The "young core" is made up of the players on the 80-man roster with five or fewer seasons.
Bold is a 2010 draft pick, italics is 2010 college free agent, slashed is cut, and bold with italics is an exclusive rights free agent not yet under contract. The players are arranged by experience, nothing else:
WR - Maurice Stovall (5th Year), Terrance Nunn (2), Mario Urrita (1), Mike Williams (0)
LT - Donald Penn (5), James Lee (3), Marc Dile (1), Derek Hardman (0)
LG - Jeremy Zuttah (3), Sergio Render (0),Arron Sears (3)
C - Johnathan Compas (2)
RG - Davin Joseph (5), Vladimir Richard (0),Shawn Murphy (3)
RT - Jeremy Trueblood (5), Demar Dotson (2), Xavier Fulton (2). James Williams (0)
WR - Micheal Spurlock (3), Sammie Straughter (2), Arrelious Benn (0), Preston Parker (0)
TE - Ryan Purvis (1), Jeron Mastrud (0)
QB - Josh Johnson (3), Josh Freeman (2), Rudy Carpenter (2), Jevan Snead (0)
RB - Clifton Smith (3), Kareem Huggins (1)
FB - Chris Pressley (2)
PK - Conner Barth (3), Hunter Lawrence (0)
P - Brent Bowden (0),Sam Paulescu (1)
LS - Andrew Economos (5)
Another perfect position chart for the Buccaneers. Competition at every position. Some of these lists have all players at that position (QB, for instance) demonstrating the efforts put into the youth movement over the past two years. The rebuilding process is also complete on this side of the ball. Note also that, unlike the defense, there are still young players on this side of the ball who are not under contract for 2010 as yet.
While some are completely confused by what they see on this side of the ball it is clear to me that the plan is in place, competition will be fierce, and there will be an offseason and preseason unlike anything in recent memory at One Buc Place. The offensive line can still be a major strength of this team and will need to be for this team to improve over the 2009 season.
There will be some real battles at some of these positions this offseason. There are only 22 positions on the two-deep for offense and some positions have up to 8 players competing (WR, T). If the quality rises to the top and there is talent to back them up the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could surprise some people in 2010.
We last reviewed the young core offense as part of our pre-draft team needs analysis. The "young core" is made up of the players on the 80-man roster with five or fewer seasons.
Bold is a 2010 draft pick, italics is 2010 college free agent, slashed is cut, and bold with italics is an exclusive rights free agent not yet under contract. The players are arranged by experience, nothing else:
WR - Maurice Stovall (5th Year), Terrance Nunn (2), Mario Urrita (1), Mike Williams (0)
LT - Donald Penn (5), James Lee (3), Marc Dile (1), Derek Hardman (0)
LG - Jeremy Zuttah (3), Sergio Render (0),
C - Johnathan Compas (2)
RG - Davin Joseph (5), Vladimir Richard (0),
RT - Jeremy Trueblood (5), Demar Dotson (2), Xavier Fulton (2). James Williams (0)
WR - Micheal Spurlock (3), Sammie Straughter (2), Arrelious Benn (0), Preston Parker (0)
TE - Ryan Purvis (1), Jeron Mastrud (0)
QB - Josh Johnson (3), Josh Freeman (2), Rudy Carpenter (2), Jevan Snead (0)
RB - Clifton Smith (3), Kareem Huggins (1)
FB - Chris Pressley (2)
PK - Conner Barth (3), Hunter Lawrence (0)
P - Brent Bowden (0),
LS - Andrew Economos (5)
Another perfect position chart for the Buccaneers. Competition at every position. Some of these lists have all players at that position (QB, for instance) demonstrating the efforts put into the youth movement over the past two years. The rebuilding process is also complete on this side of the ball. Note also that, unlike the defense, there are still young players on this side of the ball who are not under contract for 2010 as yet.
While some are completely confused by what they see on this side of the ball it is clear to me that the plan is in place, competition will be fierce, and there will be an offseason and preseason unlike anything in recent memory at One Buc Place. The offensive line can still be a major strength of this team and will need to be for this team to improve over the 2009 season.
There will be some real battles at some of these positions this offseason. There are only 22 positions on the two-deep for offense and some positions have up to 8 players competing (WR, T). If the quality rises to the top and there is talent to back them up the Tampa Bay Buccaneers could surprise some people in 2010.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Post Draft Update: The Young Core Defense
The draft is barely over and a pandemic of hope is sweeping across the NFL. Fans believe their teams have the players they need to improve. Front offices around the league are celebrating their new, young stars. It is no different in Tampa. A closer look shows the hope is very well founded in the Bay Area.
Here is the updated young core defense, last reveiwed just before the draft. The "young core" is made up of the players on the 80-man offseason roster with five or fewer seasons.
Bold is a 2010 draft pick, italics is 2010 college free agent, slashed is cut since the draft. Players are arranged by experience, nothing else:
RE: Stylez White (4th year), Tim Crowder (4), Maurice Evans (1), Brandon Gilbeaux (0)
DT: Roy Miller (2), Brian Price (0)
DT: Dre Moore (2), Gerald McCoy (0)
LE: Kyle Moore (2), Micheal Bennett (2), Erik Lorig (0), James Ruffin (0)
SLB: Jon Alston(5), Quincy Black (4), Lee Robinson (1)
MLB: Adam Hayward (4), Rico McCoy (0)
WLB: Geno Hayes (3), Dekoda Watson (0)
LCB: Aquib Talib (3), Derrick Roberson (2), Brandon Anderson (1)
RCB: Elbert Mack (3), E.J. Biggers (1), Myron Lewis (0),Stony Woodson (1)
SS: Sabby Piscatelli (4), Emanuel Cook (2), Donte Nicholson (2), Cody Grimm (0)
FS: Tanard Jackson (4), Corey Lynch (3), De'von Hall (1), Dennis Rogan (0)
This is an absolutely perfect looking defensive position chart with at least two players competing at every spot. The rebuilding phase is officially over for the defense! From this point on it's about getting as much talent on this chart as possible each offseason and letting them fight it out through Organized Team Activities (OTAs), work in the weight room, conditioning, and finally in the preseason. This is how and this is when depth is born. A 3-13 team is generally not in this position due to some combination of poor drafting, poor use of the wiaver wire, poor player development, or too much reliance on veteran free agents. The Buccaneers appear to have these issues resolved. It's an exciting indicator of progress and good things to come this fall to a unit which struggled last year.
These 33 players will compete for 22 positions on the two-deep depth chart. Around another 4 of these players may go to the practice squad. Best of Luck to all these men as they chase their dream of playing in the NFL!
Here is the updated young core defense, last reveiwed just before the draft. The "young core" is made up of the players on the 80-man offseason roster with five or fewer seasons.
Bold is a 2010 draft pick, italics is 2010 college free agent, slashed is cut since the draft. Players are arranged by experience, nothing else:
RE: Stylez White (4th year), Tim Crowder (4), Maurice Evans (1), Brandon Gilbeaux (0)
DT: Roy Miller (2), Brian Price (0)
DT: Dre Moore (2), Gerald McCoy (0)
LE: Kyle Moore (2), Micheal Bennett (2), Erik Lorig (0), James Ruffin (0)
SLB: Jon Alston(5), Quincy Black (4), Lee Robinson (1)
MLB: Adam Hayward (4), Rico McCoy (0)
WLB: Geno Hayes (3), Dekoda Watson (0)
LCB: Aquib Talib (3), Derrick Roberson (2), Brandon Anderson (1)
RCB: Elbert Mack (3), E.J. Biggers (1), Myron Lewis (0),
SS: Sabby Piscatelli (4), Emanuel Cook (2), Donte Nicholson (2), Cody Grimm (0)
FS: Tanard Jackson (4), Corey Lynch (3), De'von Hall (1), Dennis Rogan (0)
This is an absolutely perfect looking defensive position chart with at least two players competing at every spot. The rebuilding phase is officially over for the defense! From this point on it's about getting as much talent on this chart as possible each offseason and letting them fight it out through Organized Team Activities (OTAs), work in the weight room, conditioning, and finally in the preseason. This is how and this is when depth is born. A 3-13 team is generally not in this position due to some combination of poor drafting, poor use of the wiaver wire, poor player development, or too much reliance on veteran free agents. The Buccaneers appear to have these issues resolved. It's an exciting indicator of progress and good things to come this fall to a unit which struggled last year.
These 33 players will compete for 22 positions on the two-deep depth chart. Around another 4 of these players may go to the practice squad. Best of Luck to all these men as they chase their dream of playing in the NFL!
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Post 2010 Draft Fallout
All NFL teams are limited to an 80-man roster for offseason activities. The Buccaneers have drafted, released, and signed players in the last five days to get to that limit.
First, between April 22nd and April 24th, 2010, Tampa Bay drafted nine new players:
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Brian Price, DT, UCLA
Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Myron Lewis, CB, Vanderbilt
Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
Brent Bowden, P, Virginia Tech
Cody Grimm, S, Virginia Tech
Dekota Watson, LB, Florida State
Erik Lorig, DE, Stanford
Second, on April 26th, the Buccaneers released six player:
Chris Hovan, DT
B.J. Askew, FB
Shawn Murphy, G
Sam Paulescu, P
Arron Sears, G
Stoney Woodson, CB
Not really many surprises here. Chris Hovan was noted to be nearing retirement some time ago. Askew has had a excellent career. Arron Sears recently developed some personal issues and did not play last year -- I hope he can solve his issues and have a long, happy rest of his life. Paulescu was a stop-gap after a rash of injuries, and Murphy and Woodson never made it to the stat books.
Third, the Buccaneers added twelve undrafted free agents over the past couple days:
DE Brandon Gilbeaux 6-3 270 Delaware
DE James Ruffin 6-4 263 Northern Iowa
G Sergio Render 6-3 311 Virginia Tech
G Vladimir Richard 6-4 300 Tennessee
K Hunter Lawrence 6-0 187 Texas
LB Rico McCoy 6-1 220 Tennessee
QB Jevan Snead 6-3 219 Mississippi
S Dennis Rogan 5-9 185 Tennessee
T Derek Hardman 6-6 300 Eastern Kentucky
T James Williams 6-5 295 Harvard
TE Jeron Mastrud 6-5 256 Kansas State
WR Preston Parker 5-11 199 North Alabama
We will take a deeper look at what these men mean to the roster over the next few days.
This brings the Buccaneer roster to an even 80 men, ready for Rookie Camp this coming weekend (April 30th - May 2nd).
But that is not the end of the story. Five men from the 2009 roster are now exclusive rights free agents. They are:
S Jermaine Phillips
T Donald Penn
T Jeremy Trueblood
RB Carnell Williams
These men have only two choices remaining: sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or not play in 2010. Let the chess games begin here. As each of these men sign a roster position will have to be opened by cutting someone from the current 80-man roster.
Of the offseason 80-man roster, 53 men will make the active roster and 8 will make it to the practice squad. That leaves 19 looming cuts (plus five more when the exclusive rights free agents sign). The 19 cuts will made during the preseason, which means these men have the summer and early fall to impress the coaches and their teammates. Tryouts start this weekend -- good luck, men!
First, between April 22nd and April 24th, 2010, Tampa Bay drafted nine new players:
Gerald McCoy, DT, Oklahoma
Brian Price, DT, UCLA
Arrelious Benn, WR, Illinois
Myron Lewis, CB, Vanderbilt
Mike Williams, WR, Syracuse
Brent Bowden, P, Virginia Tech
Cody Grimm, S, Virginia Tech
Dekota Watson, LB, Florida State
Erik Lorig, DE, Stanford
Second, on April 26th, the Buccaneers released six player:
Chris Hovan, DT
B.J. Askew, FB
Shawn Murphy, G
Sam Paulescu, P
Arron Sears, G
Stoney Woodson, CB
Not really many surprises here. Chris Hovan was noted to be nearing retirement some time ago. Askew has had a excellent career. Arron Sears recently developed some personal issues and did not play last year -- I hope he can solve his issues and have a long, happy rest of his life. Paulescu was a stop-gap after a rash of injuries, and Murphy and Woodson never made it to the stat books.
Third, the Buccaneers added twelve undrafted free agents over the past couple days:
DE Brandon Gilbeaux 6-3 270 Delaware
DE James Ruffin 6-4 263 Northern Iowa
G Sergio Render 6-3 311 Virginia Tech
G Vladimir Richard 6-4 300 Tennessee
K Hunter Lawrence 6-0 187 Texas
LB Rico McCoy 6-1 220 Tennessee
QB Jevan Snead 6-3 219 Mississippi
S Dennis Rogan 5-9 185 Tennessee
T Derek Hardman 6-6 300 Eastern Kentucky
T James Williams 6-5 295 Harvard
TE Jeron Mastrud 6-5 256 Kansas State
WR Preston Parker 5-11 199 North Alabama
We will take a deeper look at what these men mean to the roster over the next few days.
This brings the Buccaneer roster to an even 80 men, ready for Rookie Camp this coming weekend (April 30th - May 2nd).
But that is not the end of the story. Five men from the 2009 roster are now exclusive rights free agents. They are:
S Jermaine Phillips
T Donald Penn
T Jeremy Trueblood
RB Carnell Williams
These men have only two choices remaining: sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or not play in 2010. Let the chess games begin here. As each of these men sign a roster position will have to be opened by cutting someone from the current 80-man roster.
Of the offseason 80-man roster, 53 men will make the active roster and 8 will make it to the practice squad. That leaves 19 looming cuts (plus five more when the exclusive rights free agents sign). The 19 cuts will made during the preseason, which means these men have the summer and early fall to impress the coaches and their teammates. Tryouts start this weekend -- good luck, men!
Monday, March 22, 2010
General Manager Dominik's Plan, Year 2
Tampa Bay General Manager Mark Dominik has stated his intent since taking over at the top of the Buccaneers was to mold the Buccaneers into a powerful, fast team and build through the draft for the long term, not through free agency for the short term. Let's see if that is indeed the approach he has been taking so far.
Getting Younger
As documented here many times before Dominik has made the hard (and, in retrospect, dead on right) moves in this area. The intent behind the veteran purge during the 2009 offseason was to provide opportunities for young players to step up and demonstrate they are capable of competing at the NFL level. Although the team did not put up many wins, players like Geno Hayes and Maurice Stovall demonstrated skills that the team can build around. In addition, those moves helped the Buccaneers to reduce payroll from $104 million in 2008 to $94 million in 2009, generating room to retain young talent as they become free agents. While the CBA has changed free agency into a chess match this year, the Buccaneers nonetheless have ample resources to play the game.
Stability at Quarterback
After the selection of Josh Freeman with the #17 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft GM Dominik stated his intent was to make the quarterback position a source of strength and stability for the franchise instead of the revolving door it had been during the previous regime. And not just the Freeman pick -- during the season Dominik picked a young quarterback off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. This foresight removes the Buccaneers from the QB drama of the 2010 NFL Draft and allows the team to take the best available player with the #3 pick. New Cleveland Browns GM Mike Holmgren is fighting the same battle, first year GM Bruce Allen may be looking to get a young QB with the #4 pick for the Redskins, and the Rams are looking at that quarterback at the top of the draft with pick #1.
By settling the quarterback position last year, the Buccaneers will have plenty of great choices during the 2010 draft to address other positions on the team. How confident was Dominik that this part of his plan was working as he wanted? Rumor has it he attended the Oklahoma @ Nebraska fooball game on November 7th, 2009, in Lincoln, Nebraska (for the record, that was the Buccaneers Bye week in 2009). If so, looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft preparation for 2010 was right on the mark long ago as the top two non-quarterback prospects played in that game in the persons of Ndamukong Sun (DL, Nebraska) and Gerald McCoy (DL, Oklahoma). In 2008 Dominik attended a college game which involved 2009 first round pick Josh Freeman -- seems a pattern could be developing!
Moving foward
For 2010, the workings of the next phase of the plan could not be clearer. During the offseason the NFL roster limit is 80 players. Just prior to free agency, the Bucs trimmed their roster to 70 (anticipating 10 draft picks) by cutting Josh Bidwell (P), Dirk Johnson (P), and Torrie Cox (DB).
Nine men were then tendered free agent offers:
- Rod Wilson (LB)
- Byron Storer (RB)
- Matt McCoy (LB)
- Brian Clark (WR)
- Jimmy Wilkerson (DE)
- Jermaine Phillips (S)
- Angelo Crowell (LB)
- Antonio Bryant (WR)
- Will Allen (S)
Here is what has transpired since:
Lost: 3/8/2010: Brian Clark (WR, 4th season) signed by Detroit
Lost: 3/8/2010: Will Allen (S, 7th season) signed by Pittsburgh
Added: 3/10/2010: Reggie Brown (WR, 6th season, 6' 1", 197); Tampa Bay also gave up a 2011 6th round pick.
Lost: 3/10/2010: Antonio Bryant (WR, 8th season) signed by Cincinnati
Added: 3/12/2010: Jon Alston (LB, 5th season, 6' 0", 235 lbs)
Added: 3/16/2010: Sean Jones (S, 7th season, 6' 1", 220 lbs)
Lost: 3/17/2010: Matt McCoy (LB, 6th season) signed by Seattle
The pattern here is clear if you consider these transactions as sets of swap-outs: one with wide receivers (Antonio Bryant for Reggie Brown), one with safeties (Will Allen for Sean Jones), one with linebackers (Jon Alston for Matt McCoy), and one without a match (WR Brian Clark). These transactions are a good look into the thinking of the General Manager.
From the point of youth, the safety swap was a push, the wide receiver swap goes younger by two years, and the lineback swap goes younger by a year. These all fit the plan for getting young talent to create competition at all positions.
From the point of position these three swaps do not change the team composition. This, to me, is a glimpse into the head of the GM. There is a certain mix of players which is preferred, and the cuts before free agency landed the team at that mix. The obvious intent with tendering the nine free agents is to get them back at market value (playing the expiring CBA to his own advantage) or release them to a team which places a higher value on the player. When a free agent is hired away, a suitable replacement is signed. This shows that the organization does not feel a need to change the internal chemistry of the team. Put another way -- the Buccaneers are committing to their young players and not grabbing free agents which would reduce the minutes of the key players in the young core offense or defense. This is exactly what we've been told time and time again by General Manager Mark Dominik -- this team will be built around young player development and not around a crop of veteran free agents.
Now the interesting part: The team is "down" one wide receiver. Going by the trend this offseason, we should expect the Buccaneers to sign a wide receiver soon with somewhere between 3 and 5 years of experience. If Tampa Bay does not make such a move in the near future it tells me that the Buccaneers are anticipating drafting more than one wide receiver to bring the numbers into balance or the spot is staying open for a possible post-draft move later in free agency. I think both options are equally good and equally likely. UPDATE: This unbalanced free agency loss has been offset by the award of a compensatory 7th round pick for the Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL Draft. Expect at least one pick in the draft at WR because of the pattern outlined in this paragraph!
Barring another signing, the following players would rejoin the team at their tendered offer sometime in the near future:
- Rod Wilson (LB)
- Byron Storer (RB)
- Jimmy Wilkerson (DE)
- Jermaine Phillips (S)
- Angelo Crowell (LB)
These actions performed by General Manager Mark Dominik show that he is running this team with a steady hand, sticking to the principals he has stated he wants to build the team around, and keeping an eye open for young talent. These are tried and true philosophies teams like Pittsburgh and Indianapolis have used to stay at a highly competitive level for many years. I expect it will do the same for Tampa Bay.
Getting Younger
As documented here many times before Dominik has made the hard (and, in retrospect, dead on right) moves in this area. The intent behind the veteran purge during the 2009 offseason was to provide opportunities for young players to step up and demonstrate they are capable of competing at the NFL level. Although the team did not put up many wins, players like Geno Hayes and Maurice Stovall demonstrated skills that the team can build around. In addition, those moves helped the Buccaneers to reduce payroll from $104 million in 2008 to $94 million in 2009, generating room to retain young talent as they become free agents. While the CBA has changed free agency into a chess match this year, the Buccaneers nonetheless have ample resources to play the game.
Stability at Quarterback
After the selection of Josh Freeman with the #17 pick in the 2009 NFL Draft GM Dominik stated his intent was to make the quarterback position a source of strength and stability for the franchise instead of the revolving door it had been during the previous regime. And not just the Freeman pick -- during the season Dominik picked a young quarterback off the Dallas Cowboys practice squad. This foresight removes the Buccaneers from the QB drama of the 2010 NFL Draft and allows the team to take the best available player with the #3 pick. New Cleveland Browns GM Mike Holmgren is fighting the same battle, first year GM Bruce Allen may be looking to get a young QB with the #4 pick for the Redskins, and the Rams are looking at that quarterback at the top of the draft with pick #1.
By settling the quarterback position last year, the Buccaneers will have plenty of great choices during the 2010 draft to address other positions on the team. How confident was Dominik that this part of his plan was working as he wanted? Rumor has it he attended the Oklahoma @ Nebraska fooball game on November 7th, 2009, in Lincoln, Nebraska (for the record, that was the Buccaneers Bye week in 2009). If so, looks like the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft preparation for 2010 was right on the mark long ago as the top two non-quarterback prospects played in that game in the persons of Ndamukong Sun (DL, Nebraska) and Gerald McCoy (DL, Oklahoma). In 2008 Dominik attended a college game which involved 2009 first round pick Josh Freeman -- seems a pattern could be developing!
Moving foward
For 2010, the workings of the next phase of the plan could not be clearer. During the offseason the NFL roster limit is 80 players. Just prior to free agency, the Bucs trimmed their roster to 70 (anticipating 10 draft picks) by cutting Josh Bidwell (P), Dirk Johnson (P), and Torrie Cox (DB).
Nine men were then tendered free agent offers:
- Rod Wilson (LB)
- Byron Storer (RB)
- Matt McCoy (LB)
- Brian Clark (WR)
- Jimmy Wilkerson (DE)
- Jermaine Phillips (S)
- Angelo Crowell (LB)
- Antonio Bryant (WR)
- Will Allen (S)
Here is what has transpired since:
Lost: 3/8/2010: Brian Clark (WR, 4th season) signed by Detroit
Lost: 3/8/2010: Will Allen (S, 7th season) signed by Pittsburgh
Added: 3/10/2010: Reggie Brown (WR, 6th season, 6' 1", 197); Tampa Bay also gave up a 2011 6th round pick.
Lost: 3/10/2010: Antonio Bryant (WR, 8th season) signed by Cincinnati
Added: 3/12/2010: Jon Alston (LB, 5th season, 6' 0", 235 lbs)
Added: 3/16/2010: Sean Jones (S, 7th season, 6' 1", 220 lbs)
Lost: 3/17/2010: Matt McCoy (LB, 6th season) signed by Seattle
The pattern here is clear if you consider these transactions as sets of swap-outs: one with wide receivers (Antonio Bryant for Reggie Brown), one with safeties (Will Allen for Sean Jones), one with linebackers (Jon Alston for Matt McCoy), and one without a match (WR Brian Clark). These transactions are a good look into the thinking of the General Manager.
From the point of youth, the safety swap was a push, the wide receiver swap goes younger by two years, and the lineback swap goes younger by a year. These all fit the plan for getting young talent to create competition at all positions.
From the point of position these three swaps do not change the team composition. This, to me, is a glimpse into the head of the GM. There is a certain mix of players which is preferred, and the cuts before free agency landed the team at that mix. The obvious intent with tendering the nine free agents is to get them back at market value (playing the expiring CBA to his own advantage) or release them to a team which places a higher value on the player. When a free agent is hired away, a suitable replacement is signed. This shows that the organization does not feel a need to change the internal chemistry of the team. Put another way -- the Buccaneers are committing to their young players and not grabbing free agents which would reduce the minutes of the key players in the young core offense or defense. This is exactly what we've been told time and time again by General Manager Mark Dominik -- this team will be built around young player development and not around a crop of veteran free agents.
Now the interesting part: The team is "down" one wide receiver. Going by the trend this offseason, we should expect the Buccaneers to sign a wide receiver soon with somewhere between 3 and 5 years of experience. If Tampa Bay does not make such a move in the near future it tells me that the Buccaneers are anticipating drafting more than one wide receiver to bring the numbers into balance or the spot is staying open for a possible post-draft move later in free agency. I think both options are equally good and equally likely. UPDATE: This unbalanced free agency loss has been offset by the award of a compensatory 7th round pick for the Buccaneers in the 2010 NFL Draft. Expect at least one pick in the draft at WR because of the pattern outlined in this paragraph!
Barring another signing, the following players would rejoin the team at their tendered offer sometime in the near future:
- Rod Wilson (LB)
- Byron Storer (RB)
- Jimmy Wilkerson (DE)
- Jermaine Phillips (S)
- Angelo Crowell (LB)
These actions performed by General Manager Mark Dominik show that he is running this team with a steady hand, sticking to the principals he has stated he wants to build the team around, and keeping an eye open for young talent. These are tried and true philosophies teams like Pittsburgh and Indianapolis have used to stay at a highly competitive level for many years. I expect it will do the same for Tampa Bay.
Tuesday, March 9, 2010
Bucs Pluck Reggie Brown From Eagles
Yesterday the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded away a 6th round pick in the 2011 draft to Philadelphia for wide receiver Reggie Brown. Brown (6' 1", 197 lbs, 6th NFL season) was a second round pick of the Eagles in the 2005 draft. Brown's career statistics show he has been a productive receiver each year with a high water mark of 46 catches for 816 yards in his second season in the NFL. Some injuries in 2008 and a young and improving core or receivers in Philadelphia (Jason Avant, DeSean Jackson, Jeremy Maclin) made him expendable. Buccaneers General Manager Mark Dominik may have been able to wait until free after the draft to see if the Eagles released Brown from his contract. However, the Buccaneers are in a position to absorb Brown's contract so to avoid a bidding war Dominik moved early and offered a late pick next year.
One thing you want with a young team is a player who loves the game. Reggie Brown certainly has, at least, a great sense of humor:
Combine that with a guy who's been man enough to go over the middle since college:
Reggie Brown appears to be that physical-type player Coach Raheem Morris has said he wants on this team. One other bit of trivia: if you check the video on Brown's NFL.com statistics page, you'll see he was the benefactor for the longest pass thrown by Micheal Vick in 2009 (and help set up Vicks only passing touchdown of the 2009 season).
Brown is not part of the young core offense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is more likely to replace some of the production lost when Antonio Bryant became an unrestricted free agent.
Welcome to the Buccaneers, Reggie!
One thing you want with a young team is a player who loves the game. Reggie Brown certainly has, at least, a great sense of humor:
Combine that with a guy who's been man enough to go over the middle since college:
Reggie Brown appears to be that physical-type player Coach Raheem Morris has said he wants on this team. One other bit of trivia: if you check the video on Brown's NFL.com statistics page, you'll see he was the benefactor for the longest pass thrown by Micheal Vick in 2009 (and help set up Vicks only passing touchdown of the 2009 season).
Brown is not part of the young core offense of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He is more likely to replace some of the production lost when Antonio Bryant became an unrestricted free agent.
Welcome to the Buccaneers, Reggie!
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Another Veteran Purge in 2010?
Will they do it again? Will the Buccaneers 2010 offseason have another veteran purge like during the 2009 offseason?
Free Agency begins March 5th, 2010, and while some of the players on this list are still under contract, a number of them could be missing by the time training camp rolls around next fall. And it would be with good reason: Tampa Bay purposely moved veterans out of the way to find out exactly what they had on the younger end of the roster. Now that all has been revealed it's down to who can help the team next year.
Will there be a purge like 2009? No. But with 10 draft picks looming at least some of these men have played their last game as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
The players with seven or more NFL seasons from the 2009 Buccaneers roster are:
Ronde Barber (13)
Josh Bidwell (10)
Chris Hovan (10)
John Gilmore (8)
Jermaine Phillips (8)
Ryan Sims (8)
Jerramy Stevens (8)
Antonio Bryant (7)
Torrie Cox (7)
Angelo Crowell (7)
Jeff Faine (7)
Byron Leftwich (7)
Jimmy Wilkerson (7)
Free Agency begins March 5th, 2010, and while some of the players on this list are still under contract, a number of them could be missing by the time training camp rolls around next fall. And it would be with good reason: Tampa Bay purposely moved veterans out of the way to find out exactly what they had on the younger end of the roster. Now that all has been revealed it's down to who can help the team next year.
Will there be a purge like 2009? No. But with 10 draft picks looming at least some of these men have played their last game as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer.
The players with seven or more NFL seasons from the 2009 Buccaneers roster are:
Ronde Barber (13)
Josh Bidwell (10)
Chris Hovan (10)
John Gilmore (8)
Jermaine Phillips (8)
Ryan Sims (8)
Jerramy Stevens (8)
Antonio Bryant (7)
Torrie Cox (7)
Angelo Crowell (7)
Jeff Faine (7)
Byron Leftwich (7)
Jimmy Wilkerson (7)
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
The February Draft: Players Return from Injured Reserve
On February 10, 2010, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cleared their injured reserve by welcoming players injured during the 2009 season back to the regular roster. This is the second round of potential improvements for the 2010 regular season roster (after practice squad promotions).
Notable among the list of returning players:
- Byron Storer, who missed some of 2008 and all of 2009 with a knee injury and re-injury. Storer started three games each in 2007 and 2008. An undrafted free agent picked up by the Buccaneers on May 3, 2007, they have stuck with Storer for some time. It will be worth watching to see if the new administration continues to believe Byron can come back from his injuries. If so, it creates a battle-to-watch with B.J. Askew, who is also returning from injured reserve due to back and neck injuries from a 2009 car accident. The cupboard is certainly full in the Tampa Bay backfield and keeping two fullbacks seems very unlikely with the versatile Earnest Graham on the roster.
- Two Punters, Josh Bidwell and Dirk Johnson, return to the roster. Which (if either) of these men will battle incumbent punter Sam Paulescu for the only roster spot? Again, a possible preseason battle-to-watch.
- Three 2009 draft picks ended the 2009 season on IR: Xavier Fulton (T), E.J. Biggers (CB), and Sammie Stroughter (WR). Stroughter played very well and only missed a few games at the end of the season. Fulton and Biggers, on the other hand, missed all and most (respectively) of the season and are basically 2010 draft picks.
Here is the full list of the players returning to the Tampa Bay roster organized by the day they were placed on injured reserve. Also noted is the start of the regular season and the three games won in 2009:
5/18 Byron Storer (FB) (knee)
PRESEASON
8/17 Josh Bidwell (P) (hip)
8/24 Angelo Crowell (LB) (torn biceps)
9/5 Xavier Fulton (T) (knee)
REGULAR SEASON BEGINS
9/19 E.J. Biggers (CB) (shoulder)
9/22 Jermaine Phillips (S) (broken left thumb)
10/20 B.J. Askew (RB) (PUP - back, neck)
11/8/2009 GREEN BAY WIN
11/10 Rod Wilson (LB) (undisclosed)
11/11 Will Allen (S) (thumb)
11/17 Arron Sears (G) activated from PUP
11/24 Byron Leftwish (QB) (right elbow)
11/30 Torrie Cox (CB) (hip)
11/30 Dirk Johnson (P) (hamstring)
Aaron Sears to Reserve/Non-Football Injury
12/8 Clifton Smith (RB) (concussion)
12/20/2009 SEATTLE WIN
12/21 Sammie Stroughter (WR) (foot)
12/27/2009 NEW ORLEANS WIN
12/28 Jimmy Wilkerson (DE) (torn acl)
12/28 Earnest Graham (RB) (toe)
Notable among the list of returning players:
- Byron Storer, who missed some of 2008 and all of 2009 with a knee injury and re-injury. Storer started three games each in 2007 and 2008. An undrafted free agent picked up by the Buccaneers on May 3, 2007, they have stuck with Storer for some time. It will be worth watching to see if the new administration continues to believe Byron can come back from his injuries. If so, it creates a battle-to-watch with B.J. Askew, who is also returning from injured reserve due to back and neck injuries from a 2009 car accident. The cupboard is certainly full in the Tampa Bay backfield and keeping two fullbacks seems very unlikely with the versatile Earnest Graham on the roster.
- Two Punters, Josh Bidwell and Dirk Johnson, return to the roster. Which (if either) of these men will battle incumbent punter Sam Paulescu for the only roster spot? Again, a possible preseason battle-to-watch.
- Three 2009 draft picks ended the 2009 season on IR: Xavier Fulton (T), E.J. Biggers (CB), and Sammie Stroughter (WR). Stroughter played very well and only missed a few games at the end of the season. Fulton and Biggers, on the other hand, missed all and most (respectively) of the season and are basically 2010 draft picks.
Here is the full list of the players returning to the Tampa Bay roster organized by the day they were placed on injured reserve. Also noted is the start of the regular season and the three games won in 2009:
5/18 Byron Storer (FB) (knee)
PRESEASON
8/17 Josh Bidwell (P) (hip)
8/24 Angelo Crowell (LB) (torn biceps)
9/5 Xavier Fulton (T) (knee)
REGULAR SEASON BEGINS
9/19 E.J. Biggers (CB) (shoulder)
9/22 Jermaine Phillips (S) (broken left thumb)
10/20 B.J. Askew (RB) (PUP - back, neck)
11/8/2009 GREEN BAY WIN
11/10 Rod Wilson (LB) (undisclosed)
11/11 Will Allen (S) (thumb)
11/17 Arron Sears (G) activated from PUP
11/24 Byron Leftwish (QB) (right elbow)
11/30 Torrie Cox (CB) (hip)
11/30 Dirk Johnson (P) (hamstring)
Aaron Sears to Reserve/Non-Football Injury
12/8 Clifton Smith (RB) (concussion)
12/20/2009 SEATTLE WIN
12/21 Sammie Stroughter (WR) (foot)
12/27/2009 NEW ORLEANS WIN
12/28 Jimmy Wilkerson (DE) (torn acl)
12/28 Earnest Graham (RB) (toe)
Sunday, February 7, 2010
2010 Practice Squad Promotion: Lee Robinson
Lee Robinson, newly promoted from the Buccaneers practice squad to the 2010 offseason roster, was described at the 2009 NFL combine as:
"An ultra-productive linebacker who finally made the All-SWAC team as a senior (first team), collecting 111 tackles, 10.5 for loss, 3.5 sacks, three interceptions and three forced fumbles. The four-year starter had 223 tackles (33.5 for loss) coming into the season, so he was no one-year wonder. NFL defensive coordinators who use 3-4 scheme principles may view him as a potential starter at rush linebacker."He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Denver Broncos. Here is an analysis of his game:
NFL.com Combine Profile
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
CBA Impact: Four- To Six-Year Players
With the CBA now officially heading for it's Final League Year (starting March 1st) some of the fog for the 2010 offseason has been lifted. The first group of players to be examined are players with four, five, or six years of NFL experience. For players in this experience range who's contract ended with the 2009 season the news is probably not what they want to hear. Instead of being unrestricted free agents (can sign with anyone for any price) in an uncapped year, they are instead restricted free agents (giving Tampa Bay the option to match the best offer they can find). Here is a list of Bucs players with 4-6 years of experience (in jersey number order):
24 Williams, Cadillac (5) -- signed 5-year contract in 2005; will be a Restricted Free Agent (RFA)
48 Economos, Andrew (4) -- signed 5-year contract in 2008; under contract through 2012
50 McCoy, Matt (5) -- drafted in 2005, signed with Buccaneers in 2008, on and off roster for 2009, suspect short term contract; will be RFA(?)
51 Ruud, Barrett (5) -- 2009 was last contract year; will be an RFA
65 Trueblood, Jeremy (4) -- signed 4-year contract in 2006; will be an RFA
70 Penn, Donald (4) -- signed one year tender in 2009; will be an RFA
75 Joseph, Davin (4) -- signed 5-year contract in 2006; under contract through 2010
85 Stovall, Maurice (4) -- contract expires at end of 2009, will be an RFA
I have no doubt that the one year tender offer given to Donald Penn last year was, in his mind, a bridge to unrestricted free agency. That bridge is now gone.
Williams was the team's leading rusher last year and showed great promise in returning from severe injury. Penn played well against most of the best defensive ends this past season and solidified his position as a rare talent at left tackle. If the deep pockets come calling, those will be the first places they stop. Trueblood has also shown he is a more than capable right tackle, and Stovall and Ruud were important contributors as well.
The good news is that Tampa Bay gets to match any offer other teams bring to the table. The bad news is that all five players highlighted above were important contributors last year and losing any of them will be problematic.
24 Williams, Cadillac (5) -- signed 5-year contract in 2005; will be a Restricted Free Agent (RFA)
48 Economos, Andrew (4) -- signed 5-year contract in 2008; under contract through 2012
50 McCoy, Matt (5) -- drafted in 2005, signed with Buccaneers in 2008, on and off roster for 2009, suspect short term contract; will be RFA(?)
51 Ruud, Barrett (5) -- 2009 was last contract year; will be an RFA
65 Trueblood, Jeremy (4) -- signed 4-year contract in 2006; will be an RFA
70 Penn, Donald (4) -- signed one year tender in 2009; will be an RFA
75 Joseph, Davin (4) -- signed 5-year contract in 2006; under contract through 2010
85 Stovall, Maurice (4) -- contract expires at end of 2009, will be an RFA
I have no doubt that the one year tender offer given to Donald Penn last year was, in his mind, a bridge to unrestricted free agency. That bridge is now gone.
Williams was the team's leading rusher last year and showed great promise in returning from severe injury. Penn played well against most of the best defensive ends this past season and solidified his position as a rare talent at left tackle. If the deep pockets come calling, those will be the first places they stop. Trueblood has also shown he is a more than capable right tackle, and Stovall and Ruud were important contributors as well.
The good news is that Tampa Bay gets to match any offer other teams bring to the table. The bad news is that all five players highlighted above were important contributors last year and losing any of them will be problematic.
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