What an offseason, and we're still over a month away from training camps opening!
The Buccaneers have been as active this offseason as any in recent memory. There have been dozens of transactions including free agent signings, draft picks, college free agents, waiver pickups, and even street signings. Where is all this going and why? What can we determine are points of emphasis of Head Coach Greg Shiano and the new coaching staff? What can we find out about the current thoughts in the head of General Manager Mark Dominik? And finally, what can we see which shows us progress away from a repeat of last season?
Today we start with a list of who's gone. In order of occurrence:
The Departed
2012.01.02 - Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Raheem Morris, Offensive Coordinator Greg Olson, and the entire coaching staff are dismissed.
This included everything, all the way to strength and conditioning coaches and their staff. It was, truly, a purge of nearly everything related to regular season execution at One Buccaneer Place. All that remained was the regular season roster of players. It was a powerful statement by the executives of the organization that performances like 2011 will not be tolerated. Remember, this was shortly after watching the team cap the season by starting off down 21-0 to Atlanta after the first quarter.
2012.02.15 - Albert Haynesworth released.
While not a surprise considering the locker-room baggage which has been hung on Haynesworth since leaving the Titans, I have since heard indirectly from a couple sources Albert's time in the weight room was not exactly impressive, both from a conduct and an effort standpoint. As such, it's doubtful his on-field play would have improved next season and he has not played a 16 game season in several years. This one was probably just a matter of time, and General Manager Mark Dominik and newly hired Head Coach Greg Schiano probably figured better sooner than later applied.
2012.03.13 - Free Agency Begins.
The following players became free agents and have not been resigned by the Buccaneers:
Earnest Graham - A longtime performer in the Buccaneers' backfield, Graham has had a solid career and may show up elsewhere this fall, but now is probably a long shot to return to Tampa Bay.
Kregg Lumpkin - Lumpkin was starting to come on as a third down back after coming to Tampa Bay from the Packers via the waiver wire a couple seasons ago. This season's draft, however, may mean the team does not require his services at this time. Certainly young enough to get a chance somewhere else this fall.
Geno Hayes - Hayes was picked up by the Chicago Bears on a one-year contract on April 19th. We'll dive deeper here another day.
Sean Jones, Corey Lynch, Elbert Mack - There has been big change in the defensive backfield this offseason. This is a big pile of experience to lose. More on this upcoming.
Micheal Spurlock - Spurlock was the veteran of the receivers group last season and was a solid return man. But the amount of youth behind him means he'll probably have to look for work elsewhere.
James Lee - The big offensive tackle made the starting lineup during the injury plagued 2010 campaign but could not hold on. We'll dive deeper here another day as well.
Josh Johnson - When the NFL and Players Union decided to remove the "third QB" rule in the new CBA, Johnson's value skyrocketed to the rest of the NFL. He's been a solid backup, and now he'll get to compete in San Francisco for his college coach Jim Harbaugh.
Jovan Haye - Haye left Tampa Bay for the Titans a few years ago. His return was mostly as a known commodity to fill injury holes. He may get a chance to get into training camp if recently signed vets along the defensive line do not work out. I would not count on it.
2012.03.14 - Jeff Faine released.
While this looked to be due to the signing of free agent G Carl Nick as far as timing, this is probably more about just plain old time. Faine has been outstanding for a long, long time. He has had a couple serious injuries the past two years plus the Buccaneers have been grooming Jeremy Zuttah for a while. This is probably the natural NFL process of where two players cross. In one aspect, it's good when the pipeline works. In another aspect, there is no way to know the value of Faine until the first game of the regular season (which is commonly known as "risk") and it will be an important position to watch all preseason.
2012.03.22 - Tim Crowder, Nick Reed released.
Crowder, a DE pulled from the Broncos waiver wire in 2009, was part of the early rebuilding of the DE squad by GM Mark Dominik. He played in 40 of 47 games for Tampa Bay (including 13 starts) and scored three or more sacks in 2009 and 2012. Only a fifth year player, Crowder may find it rough to return to the youthful Buccaneers squad. DE Reed signed in December as injury insurance; since being release he has signed with Minnesota.
2012.04.04 - Rudy Carpenter released.
Carpenter was the #3 guy on a team which is no longer planning on keeping three quarterbacks on the roster. The young undrafted college free agent (2009) showed occasional promise in very limited play but is not likely to return to Tampa Bay.
2012.04.10 - Tanard Jackson released.
This is the third safety released (see 2012.03.13 above) this offseason. With the youth on this team, his inability to stay out of the Commissioners office, and draft picks spent at the safety position the past two drafts, Jackson was facing an uphill battle.
2012.05.04 - John McCargo and Raymond Webber released.
DT John McCargo had a bizzarre Tampa Bay experience. The day after he signed (11/8) as a replacement for the injured Gerald McCoy he was cut to create a roster spot for Albert Haynesworth. The following week, McCargo was signed again after DE George Johnson was placed on IR. Around a month later, McCargo himself went on IR. It's worth noting he played in all four games he was on the roster but as a sixth year player he probably did not have a roster spot with all the youth Tampa Bay has playing in the defensive interior. McCargo has since signed with the Chicago Bears.
WR Raymond Webber was an undrafted college free agent last summer but spent the year on the disabled list after an injury in camp. He led the NCAA in receiving yardage his senior year at Arkansas -Pine Bluff.
2012.05.21 - Kellen Winslow traded to Seattle.
This could be the most unexpected event of the summer (so far). Since signing one of the most lucrative Tight End contracts in NFL History, Winslow has been a favorite target of young QB Josh Freeman. He gained over 725 yards per season and caught more than 65 passes each year. Now he's gone, and in his place is a different veteran, Dallas Clark, the longtime target of Peyton Manning. Former Head Coach Raheem Morris treated Winslow very differently from the rest of the team; could it be new Head Coach Greg Schiano was not willing to soft shoe with Winslow? Regardless of the reason, this is another strong Schiano fingerprint on the roster.
The rookie mini camp on May 7th generated a large number of signings, leading into more typical offseason roster churn. As the mini camp and OTAs start to show the coaches what they have and what they are missing there will continue to be a rotation of players in and out of One Buccaneer Place. Those are stories for another day. The players listed above represent a remarkable amount of talent and production for a team to release (mostly) prior to draft day.
How much change has occurred? Today, exactly half the offseason roster of 90 players were not with the team last season.
It is going to be a very different looking Buccaneers team this fall.
Showing posts with label kellen winslow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kellen winslow. Show all posts
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Buccaneers wrap up TE position before draft
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers appear to have the Tight End position wrapped up for the next few seasons.
With the signing of Chase Coffman late last month, Tampa Bay now has a squad of five tight ends already set for the 2012 training camp. Depending on how new Head Coach Greg Schiano wants the offense to run, up to four of these men could be on the roster when the regular season starts. What Tampa Bay needs is someone to emerge behind Kellen Winslow as the next-in-line when Winslow (entering his 9th season) decides to hang it up. Tampa Bay also needs quality depth at this position, plus the opportunities provided by two tight end sets.
Kellen Winslow (6'4", 240 lbs)
- drafted by Cleveland in Round 1 (#6 overall) in 2003 from Miami
- acquired via free agency from Cleveland
Chase Coffman (6'6", 250 lbs)
- drafted by Cincinnati in Round 3 (#98 overall) in 2007 from Missouri
- acquired via free agency from Cincinnati
Luke Stocker (6'5", 253 lbs)
- drafted by Tampa Bay in Round 4 (#104 overall) in 2011 from Tennessee
Collin Franklin (6'6", 256 lbs)
- undrafted from Iowa State in 2011
- acquired via waiver (Jets) on August 8th, 2011
Zack Pianalto (6'4", 250 lbs)
- undrafted from North Carolina) in 2011
- acquired via waiver (Buffalo) on September 5th, 2011
Coffman and Stocker, strictly by the fact they were drafted players, will be expected to lead the competition this offseason. Stocker not only gets the benefit of being at One Buccaneer Place since getting drafted last year, he appeared in 14 games (starting 9) and gathering 12 receptions for 92 yards. Coffman, once expected to be the long term answer for the Bengals, arrives with a grand total of 3 career catches for 30 yards since being drafted in 2007.
Franklin was released after training camp last season. A week later, Pianalto was claimed from waivers and was on the active roster throughout 2011, appearing in 13 games and snaring 4 passes for 40 yards.
With this set of players, the Buccaneers can ignore this position during the 2012 NFL Draft and let the competition play out. Having these men in the fold already provides additional flexibility to seek the best players available when the Buccaneers are on the clock.
With the signing of Chase Coffman late last month, Tampa Bay now has a squad of five tight ends already set for the 2012 training camp. Depending on how new Head Coach Greg Schiano wants the offense to run, up to four of these men could be on the roster when the regular season starts. What Tampa Bay needs is someone to emerge behind Kellen Winslow as the next-in-line when Winslow (entering his 9th season) decides to hang it up. Tampa Bay also needs quality depth at this position, plus the opportunities provided by two tight end sets.
Kellen Winslow (6'4", 240 lbs)
- drafted by Cleveland in Round 1 (#6 overall) in 2003 from Miami
- acquired via free agency from Cleveland
Chase Coffman (6'6", 250 lbs)
- drafted by Cincinnati in Round 3 (#98 overall) in 2007 from Missouri
- acquired via free agency from Cincinnati
Luke Stocker (6'5", 253 lbs)
- drafted by Tampa Bay in Round 4 (#104 overall) in 2011 from Tennessee
Collin Franklin (6'6", 256 lbs)
- undrafted from Iowa State in 2011
- acquired via waiver (Jets) on August 8th, 2011
Zack Pianalto (6'4", 250 lbs)
- undrafted from North Carolina) in 2011
- acquired via waiver (Buffalo) on September 5th, 2011
Coffman and Stocker, strictly by the fact they were drafted players, will be expected to lead the competition this offseason. Stocker not only gets the benefit of being at One Buccaneer Place since getting drafted last year, he appeared in 14 games (starting 9) and gathering 12 receptions for 92 yards. Coffman, once expected to be the long term answer for the Bengals, arrives with a grand total of 3 career catches for 30 yards since being drafted in 2007.
Franklin was released after training camp last season. A week later, Pianalto was claimed from waivers and was on the active roster throughout 2011, appearing in 13 games and snaring 4 passes for 40 yards.
With this set of players, the Buccaneers can ignore this position during the 2012 NFL Draft and let the competition play out. Having these men in the fold already provides additional flexibility to seek the best players available when the Buccaneers are on the clock.
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.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Buccaneer Building Blocks: Offense
The 2009 Buccaneers are one of the youngest teams in the NFL. Twenty-seven players (a.k.a. half) of the Buccaneers 53-man roster has less than 3 years of NFL experience. Tampa Bay also played a rugged schedule. With a 10-player 2010 draft ahead the team figures to not age much during the upcoming offseason. This means the inexperience will remain if the new draft picks are impact players and find their way onto the depth chart.
Although there are plenty of exceptions, young teams generally have to make the playoffs and lose before they make the playoffs and win. Said another way, teams with veterans who have been to the playoffs do better in playoff games than young teams who have been to the playoffs.
Assuming all this it follows that a realistic target for a deep-playoff-run-caliber-team is probably 2012 or 2013 for this franchise. The time to prepare for that run is now.
For the record, a winning record could happen next year and nothing says the team can't achieve ahead of schedule. I'm just following the probabilities.
The average NFL career lasts just 3.5 years. So three years from now (2012/2013) Tampa Bay will (probably) rely on players who have less than 5 years experience today. It is important to note that a 5 year vet now (that is, after the 2009 season) could be an 8 year player with some nagging injuries in three years. Also note this does not imply that all players over 5 years of experience in 2009 will be done and gone by 2012 (can Jeff Faine have an 11 year career? Sure, but that's another 50 games playing on the interior line). Again, it's just weighing the probabilities.
To build a crystal ball for a look three years ahead, I took the most recent Buccaneers team depth chart and roster (both of which have been a moving target all year) and added the players from IR since they are generally under contract. I ignored players on the practice squad as they are under a less-binding contract structure. This provides a glimpse of the "core" of the offense. These are the players which will determine how quickly the Buccaneers get back to the playoffs:
WR - Maurice Stovall (4th year), Mario Urrita (1st year), Terrance Nunn (0th year/rookie)
LT - Donald Penn (4), James Lee (2)
LG - Jeremy Zuttah (2), Arron Sears (3), Shawn Murphy (2)
C - Johnathan Compas (0)
RG - Davin Joseph (4)
RT - Jeremy Trueblood (4), Demar Dotson (0), Xavier Fulton (0)
WR - Sammie Straughter (0), Brian Clark (3)
TE - Ryan Purvis (0)
QB - Josh Freeman (0), Josh Johnson (2), Rudy Carpenter (0)
RB - Clifton Smith (2), Kareem Huggins (1)
FB - Byron Storer (3), Chris Pressley (0)
PK - Conner Barth (2)
NOTE: Tackle Demar Dotson has spent some time at TE but has yet to catch a pass and may only be getting used as an extra blocker at that position.
Big contributors which might be gone include:
Jeff Faine (C, 7th season(2009)) - some linemen have very long careers, but serious injury and wear and tear can catch up to you quickly on the line.
Kellen Winslow (TE, 6th season(2009)) - injured more than once before he got to Tampa, Winslow may have a long career by the fact of how much time was missed early in his career. On the flip side, a re-injury could be devastating.
Carnell Williams (RB, 5th season(2009)) - Like Winslow, Williams has missed parts of more than one year. However, two reconstructed knees can't hold up as long as two healthy ones. Nevertheless, he could be around for several more years because he's splitting time in the backfield.
Derrick Ward (RB, 6th season(2009)) - He should be around for a while as he has pretty much split time for several years now.
Is that young core possibly a playoff-caliber offense? If not, where does it need to be upgraded/updated with draft picks or free agents?
The offensive line is young, has been playing together for a couple years, and performs well. It is certainly a playoff caliber unit and it certainly will be a strength going forward. One hole in the armor was revealed when Jeff Faine went down early in the 2009 season. The lack of depth required bringing in Sean Mahan to fill in. Should the Buccaneers draft a center? Should they find one in Free Agency? Is Marc Dile (South Florida rookie), who has physical size similar to Faine, a future center prospect or has Compas progressed to a point where only additional depth is needed? Can any of the reserve guards play center? Finally, is Aaron Sears healthy and able to continue his football career?
Wide Receiver actually looks pretty good. Straughter and Stovall have had good games and have become involved in many aspects of the game as the 2009 season has progressed. Brian Clark has had some moments as well. Only two questions here: can they continue to improve? Does Tampa Bay need more depth at this position?
Running Back is well stocked and young. If just one of the current backs (Williams, Ward, or Graham) has a longer career it is certainly a playoff caliber unit and matches up perfectly with the young offensive line.
Quarterback also seems well stocked. Both Joshes have both gotten playing experience and Josh Freeman has had full games where he played very well with numerous flashes of what is still to come. Carpenter brings accuracy and removes all pressure to make moves at this position this offseason.
The tight end position is a big unknown. Purvis spent all of 2009 on the practice squad and so is a complete unknown. In 2009, Kellen Winslow set yardage and receptions records at this position. This is a position of need -- possibly in need of two more players for the 2010 training camp. This assumes that Demar Dotson has taken snaps at TE for blocking and not for pass catching.
Placekicker Conner Barth has shown a good leg but also some inconsistancy. There will probably be routine competition at this position until someone can secure it hands down. Veteran kickers are generally available year round in free agency so no depth is needed here nor does youth have to be served.
So, with a tip of the hat to the 2009 offseason acquisitions (Freeman, Winslow, Ward, Straughter), it appears that the offense has a strong nucleus of players to build around. While there are not pressing needs, if a high caliber center, tight end (or two), or wide receiver is available in free agency (must be young) or is the best player available at some point during the draft it would solidify the young offensive core of the Buccaneers. This half of the team is well positioned to get the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back into the playoffs in the near future.
See also: Updated with 2010 Practice Squad Signings
Although there are plenty of exceptions, young teams generally have to make the playoffs and lose before they make the playoffs and win. Said another way, teams with veterans who have been to the playoffs do better in playoff games than young teams who have been to the playoffs.
Assuming all this it follows that a realistic target for a deep-playoff-run-caliber-team is probably 2012 or 2013 for this franchise. The time to prepare for that run is now.
For the record, a winning record could happen next year and nothing says the team can't achieve ahead of schedule. I'm just following the probabilities.
The average NFL career lasts just 3.5 years. So three years from now (2012/2013) Tampa Bay will (probably) rely on players who have less than 5 years experience today. It is important to note that a 5 year vet now (that is, after the 2009 season) could be an 8 year player with some nagging injuries in three years. Also note this does not imply that all players over 5 years of experience in 2009 will be done and gone by 2012 (can Jeff Faine have an 11 year career? Sure, but that's another 50 games playing on the interior line). Again, it's just weighing the probabilities.
To build a crystal ball for a look three years ahead, I took the most recent Buccaneers team depth chart and roster (both of which have been a moving target all year) and added the players from IR since they are generally under contract. I ignored players on the practice squad as they are under a less-binding contract structure. This provides a glimpse of the "core" of the offense. These are the players which will determine how quickly the Buccaneers get back to the playoffs:
WR - Maurice Stovall (4th year), Mario Urrita (1st year), Terrance Nunn (0th year/rookie)
LT - Donald Penn (4), James Lee (2)
LG - Jeremy Zuttah (2), Arron Sears (3), Shawn Murphy (2)
C - Johnathan Compas (0)
RG - Davin Joseph (4)
RT - Jeremy Trueblood (4), Demar Dotson (0), Xavier Fulton (0)
WR - Sammie Straughter (0), Brian Clark (3)
TE - Ryan Purvis (0)
QB - Josh Freeman (0), Josh Johnson (2), Rudy Carpenter (0)
RB - Clifton Smith (2), Kareem Huggins (1)
FB - Byron Storer (3), Chris Pressley (0)
PK - Conner Barth (2)
NOTE: Tackle Demar Dotson has spent some time at TE but has yet to catch a pass and may only be getting used as an extra blocker at that position.
Big contributors which might be gone include:
Jeff Faine (C, 7th season(2009)) - some linemen have very long careers, but serious injury and wear and tear can catch up to you quickly on the line.
Kellen Winslow (TE, 6th season(2009)) - injured more than once before he got to Tampa, Winslow may have a long career by the fact of how much time was missed early in his career. On the flip side, a re-injury could be devastating.
Carnell Williams (RB, 5th season(2009)) - Like Winslow, Williams has missed parts of more than one year. However, two reconstructed knees can't hold up as long as two healthy ones. Nevertheless, he could be around for several more years because he's splitting time in the backfield.
Derrick Ward (RB, 6th season(2009)) - He should be around for a while as he has pretty much split time for several years now.
Is that young core possibly a playoff-caliber offense? If not, where does it need to be upgraded/updated with draft picks or free agents?
The offensive line is young, has been playing together for a couple years, and performs well. It is certainly a playoff caliber unit and it certainly will be a strength going forward. One hole in the armor was revealed when Jeff Faine went down early in the 2009 season. The lack of depth required bringing in Sean Mahan to fill in. Should the Buccaneers draft a center? Should they find one in Free Agency? Is Marc Dile (South Florida rookie), who has physical size similar to Faine, a future center prospect or has Compas progressed to a point where only additional depth is needed? Can any of the reserve guards play center? Finally, is Aaron Sears healthy and able to continue his football career?
Wide Receiver actually looks pretty good. Straughter and Stovall have had good games and have become involved in many aspects of the game as the 2009 season has progressed. Brian Clark has had some moments as well. Only two questions here: can they continue to improve? Does Tampa Bay need more depth at this position?
Running Back is well stocked and young. If just one of the current backs (Williams, Ward, or Graham) has a longer career it is certainly a playoff caliber unit and matches up perfectly with the young offensive line.
Quarterback also seems well stocked. Both Joshes have both gotten playing experience and Josh Freeman has had full games where he played very well with numerous flashes of what is still to come. Carpenter brings accuracy and removes all pressure to make moves at this position this offseason.
The tight end position is a big unknown. Purvis spent all of 2009 on the practice squad and so is a complete unknown. In 2009, Kellen Winslow set yardage and receptions records at this position. This is a position of need -- possibly in need of two more players for the 2010 training camp. This assumes that Demar Dotson has taken snaps at TE for blocking and not for pass catching.
Placekicker Conner Barth has shown a good leg but also some inconsistancy. There will probably be routine competition at this position until someone can secure it hands down. Veteran kickers are generally available year round in free agency so no depth is needed here nor does youth have to be served.
So, with a tip of the hat to the 2009 offseason acquisitions (Freeman, Winslow, Ward, Straughter), it appears that the offense has a strong nucleus of players to build around. While there are not pressing needs, if a high caliber center, tight end (or two), or wide receiver is available in free agency (must be young) or is the best player available at some point during the draft it would solidify the young offensive core of the Buccaneers. This half of the team is well positioned to get the Tampa Bay Buccaneers back into the playoffs in the near future.
See also: Updated with 2010 Practice Squad Signings
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