Make-the-Bucs-O-Meter Mini-Camp Edition

by JScott on May 15, 2008 8:00 AM EDT in Events

Mini-Camp is upon us (Begins tomorrow I believe) so here's where the players stand thus far:

Here's how this chart works: An Up-Arrow means the athlete's stock is on the rise, though it doesn't necessarily mean they are particularly likely to make the club. A Down-Arrow means they aren't doing so hot. Double Dashes means the player is neutral, the player isn't on the rise or down fall. A Lock means the player is starting barring injury or hail fire.

Potential Open Spots: Full Back, Wide Receiver, Tight End, Left Guard, Center, Defensive End, Middle Linebacker, Strong Safety, Free Safety.

I'll post an updated list once a week or so, as circumstances encourage me to do so.

Player, Position		Comment
Jeff Faine, C		Signed by the Bucs this off-season. Given one of the richest contracts for centers in the league.
John Rochford, C	--	UnDrafted Free Agent. You would think he would make the team given our lack of depth at the center position.
Elbert Mack, CB	--	Signed as an undrafted free agent. Has a ton of competition.
Talib Aqib, CB	--	1st Round Draft Pick. Can he wrestle the position away from Buchanon-Wilson?
Ronde Barber, CB		A main stay on the Bucs Defense for Years, no doubt starter.
Darrell Hunter, CB	--	Entered league as an undrafted free agent in ‘06. practice squad?
Torrie Cox, CB	--	He’ll add depth to the position for sure. If he falters he may lose his job though
Phillip Buchanon, CB		This is basically Buchanon’s starting gig to lose. Will he succumb to the pressure?
Marcus Hamilton, CB	--	Drafted in the 7TH Round of last years NFL Draft, Mr. Irrelevant. Should be key on Special Teams.
Sammy Davis, CB	--	Also competing for a spot at Cornerback, but is several ticks down on the depth chart.
Marquies Gunn, DE	--	Undrafted Free Agent by Giants in ‘07. Scout team..
Kevin Carter, DE	--	He’s not getting any faster. Kiffin will play him no doubt, but you would think his reps would be few and far between
Marques Douglas, DE	--	Signed this off-season, could start opposite of Gaines Adams….
Gaines Adams, DE		He should have started out of the gates last season. He definitely will this year.
Charles Bennett, DE	--	Drafted by the Bucs two years ago in the seventh round. Should provide depth
Jimmy Wilkerson, DE	--	Signed this off-season. Productive guy for the chiefs, not shot to start however
Greg White, DE	--	He’s got a tough season ahead of him with all the depth surrounding him. Despite his contract demands, he will have to prove himself more so than ever this year.
Chris Bradwell, DT	--	Undrafted Free Agent. Said to have a strong motor, could provide depth
Dre’ Moore, DE	--	4th Round Draft Pick. Needs to get in shape, who’s sick of hearing that? He should push the projected starters…
Chris Hovan, DT		Despite having a productive year, he should see fewer reps..
Greg Peterson, DT	--	Relative disappointment. Needs to stay healthy and contribute
Jovan Haye, DT		Signed his contract. Look for Haye to continue to impress and receive that contract extension he’s looking for.
Ryan Sims, DT	--	Signed last off-season with the Bucs, had a decent year providing depth. Would probably be a cap casualty if we didn’t have so much cap space.
B.J. Askew, FB		Signed last off-season. He desperately needs to have the ball put in his hands.
Byron Storer, FB	--	undrafted free agent signed by the Buccaneers. Should see an increase in reps
Carl Stewart, FB	--	UnDrafted Free Agent this year. Could surprise people and make the squad
Jeremy Zuttah, G	--	Could be starting by the end of the year. Definitely gets utilized this year.
Dan Buenning, G		Needs to fight the injury bug, may have been bumped on the depth chart.
Davin Joseph, G		Concrete Starter on the Right Side of the line.
Arron Sears, G	--	The main reason Dan Buenning is no longer considered a potential starter.
Brian Johnson, G	--	UnDrafted Free Agent. Thought of highly. Could surprise people
Matt Bryant, K		He's been flawless with his field goal kicking thus far .. Plus he has ZERO competition at the position
Derrick Brooks, LB		Second on the team in tackles last season. May see fewer reps in obvious passing situations. Other than that, rock steady.
Antoine Cash, LB	--	Was a solid special teams performer in his two full seasons with the Buccaneers....
Cato June, LB		He produced a lot last season despite being injured. Absolute lock
Ryan Nece, LB	--	Nice Player, adds good depth to the position. Depth behind him is catching up however
Barrett Ruud, LB		Proved he’s the real McCoy last season. Led the team in tackles, despite fading toward the end of the season
Quincy Black, LB		Probably one of the more improved Buccaneers on defense. Progressing well.
Matt McCoy, LB	--	Bucs added McCoy in march. Look to add depth.
Adam Hayward, LB	--	Like Greg Peterson, needs to stay on the field and prove his worth.
Leon Joe, LB	--	Bucs like this guy for some reason. He’s been cut and re-signed several times. Maybe he’ll stick this season..
Geno Hayes, LB	--	Showed promise early in Rookie Mini-Camp. Should make team..
Teddy Lehman, LB	--	Signed in March, should push Nece for primary back-up duties..
Patrick Chukwurah, LB	--	Despite seeing time as a LB last season, his worth is on the d-line..
Andrew Economos, LS		I graduated with a degree in Economics so I'm biased here.. and he’s the only long snapper on the team..
Josh Bidwell, P		Main stay in line-up.
Jake Plummer, QB		Mail in your RETIREMENT PAPERS ALREADY, sheesh. I can’t believe he’s even listed on the roster at this point.
Jeff Garcia, QB		Despite absolutely hating his current contract, Garcia should continue to be a jolt of excitement on offense..
Bruce Gradkowski, QB		Here we go, probably one of the more interesting stories. Does he get cut?.
Chris Simms, QB		The other interesting story. There were talks of the Bucs receiving 6th round picks for Simms during the Draft and the Bucs rejected said offers, so that’s a decent positive for Simms… Then again those were just rumors…
Luke McCown, QB	--	Should become the third string QB and push Josh Johnson to the scout team..
Josh Johnson, QB	--	He ought to carry the clipboard Sabby Piscitelli carried all last season. He’s not going any where.
Brian Griese, QB	--	He’s a virtual lock as the teams second string QB despite being in Chitown for several years..
Earnest Graham, RB		Graham should allow Cadillac Williams to take it ultra slow, in other words, see you mid season Caddy..
Cory Boyd, RB	--	I figure he’s battling RB Kenneth Darby to make the scout team.
Michael Bennett, RB	--	He’ll see more playing time than last season, but he’ll never be the feature back.
Carnell "Cadillac" Williams, RB		Claims to be ready by July. Take your time Caddy, Graham and Company can hold the fort down...
Kenneth Darby, RB		I’m not sure what he has or hasn’t shown, but he’s clearly not highly thought of .....
Warrick Dunn, RB		I’m not sure what his role will be, but you would think he’s in the rotation near the top .....
Clifton Smith, RB	--	Has a real shot at making the team, as his returning capability is sorely needed .....
Sabby Piscitelli, S		Despite missing the majority of last season, he should contribute this season quite a bit ....
Jermaine Phillips, S		Really stepped up last season… Furthered his reputation as a hard hitter. Surprise of last season..
Tanard Jackson, S		Fantastic feel good story, he was sick in his first season and will only get better.
Jonathan Hefney, S	--	Undrafted Free Agent, special teams bound, if not the scout team
Donte Nicholson, S	--	Four-year safety prospect with good size who provides depth to Buccaneers secondary.
Will Allen, S		Got completely beat down last year by Tanard Jackson in the competition for starting duties. Still a fantastic back-up.
Eugene Wilson, S		Expected to battle Buchanon and Talib to fill Brian Kelly’s shoes. May be a situational Corner/Safety….
Chris Clark, T	--	Undrafted Free Agent aka Long Shot!
Luke Petitgout, T		He’s a lock at this point, but he’ll be competing with Donald Penn no doubt.
Anthony Davis, T	--	Showed his versatility last season, though he was out played by lesser talents....
Donald Penn, T		Played GREAT last season, if he keeps it up, he’ll become a starter in this league .....
Dennis Roland, T	--	2007 Practice Squad Player ....
Chris Denman, T	--	2007 Seventh Round Draft Pick, hasn’t shown much.
Jeremy Trueblood, T		Solid Starter on the Right side of the line, should be better due to experience.
Alex Smith, TE		I honestly thought he would have a better year then he did. Troupe will push him to new heights, one can only hope
Ben Troupe, TE	--	Off-Season signing, should prosper with Garcia as his QB.. Better produce more than Alge Crumpler or ELSE!! I kid.
John Gilmore, TE	--	Signed this off-season. Big on blocking, happy to be a buc.
Daniel Fells, TE	--	Signed futures contract in February. Has no future with team though. Just by shear numbers depth chart wise
Keith Heinrich, TE	--	Not to be confused with the Bulls Kirk Heinrich.....Signed as a free agent by Tampa Bay on January 17, 2007
Tyrice Thompson, TE		Undrafted Free Agent. Good luck kid!!
Maurice Stovall, WR		May finish Camp as the #4 Receiver.
Amarri Jackson, WR	--	Undrafted Free Agent, could find a spot, chances are slim though....
Dexter Jackson, WR		He has to contribute. The Bucs need his speed to compliment old man Galloway, even if he has to use glue to catch balls. He will contribute in ‘08.
Paris Warren, WR	--	Coming off a tough injury, will he be skittish over the middle where he flourished last pre-season?
Mark Jones, WR	--	Currently a unrestricted free-agent. He’s certainly replaceable and should be by Talib, DJax, or Enter-Name-Here in the return game
Taye Biddle, WR	--	Practice Squad bound, maybe even be cut out right....
Chad Lucas, WR	--	Bucs' practice squad `06....
Charles Spiller, WR		Futures contract recipient.
Cortez Hankton, WR	--	Futures contract as well, lightning in a bottle? nah ....
Joey Galloway, WR		He hasn't lost a step, still has a vice grip on the #1 Receiver spot in Tampa.. Throws touchdown catches to kids in the stands at Training Camp. Class Act. A bit banged up, but still light years ahead of the #2 Receiver on the roster.
Ike Hilliard, WR	--	Solid Rock, despite competition, he should remain the Bucs #3 receiver. He’s solid, consistent, and nobodies stepped up thus far to force him out.
Michael Clayton, WR		MAKE OR BREAK SEASON! So he blocks well, great thanks
Michael Spurlock, WR		The only man to return a kickoff to the house in Tampa Bay Buccaneer history! That buys you two seasons at the very least.. IMO
Brian Clark, WR	--	Return specialist, not expected to contribute much at all. Although the return game is WIDE OPEN…

Key:
-- = Chance of making the team is even.
= Chance of making the team is going down.
= Chance of making the team is going up.

Martin Gandy put up a "Making the Team Meter" over at Talking Chop, as did my boy Eric over at Amazin Avenue and I liked it so much I decided to borrow it in true SB Nation fashion. Thanks fellas

Feel FREE to absolutely RIP me a "New One" over the opinions I have cast. I'm a fan just as much as you are, I could certainly be reading to much into certain bias' I have OR it could just be that I'm right and you're CRAZY. Tell me what you think ....... GO BUCS!!!!

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Comments

QB Situation

Obviously the QB situation has been analyzed to death at this point, but while listening to the Sports Animal the other day, more than a few people brought up a good point. Picking up Griese may provide good veteran depth, but it’s time to give the younger guys a real shot. From what NFL scouts say, they think McCown can play in this league, but is getting killed being pushed down the depth chart. If the Bucs were to release him, he would be gobbled up in a second. They are saying it’s time the Bucs make him the primary backup and stick with it. Let him get more reps in practice and be ready to take over when Garcia hangs it up. And don’t put Griese in at the 3rd spot either. Sorry, but cut him. Move on. It’s time to look at the future. Give Johnson a jersey and let him learn right there from the sidelines. He won’t get a lot of reps in practice, but he’ll get even less as the #4 guy. If there’s one things that’s irritated me the most about the Bucs, it’s that we’ve never had a career QB. Not even close. Just once, I want a guy that is our QB for 5, 6, 7, 10, 12 years. We need that consistency and we need to find it soon. Otherwise we are going to continue the up year, down year, up year, down year trend we started after the Super Bowl.

by The Bull Gator on May 15, 2008 1:11 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

i hear you

on that Franchise QB deal, that would be a breath of fresh air. A QB that we can grow with and although he makes mistakes, he makes up for it with his athletic ability and progressions throughout the year….

I’m not feeling the McCown talk though, nor do i think the organization buys into it either. Everytime he’s had an opportunity (few and far between i know), he’s never taken full advantage of it. He either gets sacked in an unopportune time or he trys to hard and turns the ball over… I see a lifetime back-up for him. He’s a nice guy, but i dont see it

As for Griese as back-up, i think the Bucs honestly feel they have a window and must hit it this and/or next year or they’re back in rebuild mode on offense (which feels like every season any way right?). Griese provides them a veteran (who despite having a knack for making the huge mistake) who has proven he can be productive in Grudens offense. If McCown takes over, who knows where the team will go, at least with Griese they know he can hold down the ship… But like you said (and why i hated them bringing back Griese), it would be nice to see this organization officially turn over the rock to somebody under the age of 30, who’s capable…

Buc 'Em - Where a select few of Bucs Fans spend their time...

by JScott on May 20, 2008 9:52 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs

Amen

I couldn’t agree more.

by ghosthippo on May 15, 2008 3:21 PM EDT reply reply 0 recs

BUC-O-METER

NICE JOB ON THE METER. PRETTY MUCH AGREE WITH ALL OF IT. I DO HOPE PARIS WARREN CAN SHOW THAT FLASH HE DID IN PRE-SEASON BEFORE HIS LEG WAS TWISTED UP. BOY THAT WAS LOOKING UGLY REMEMBER? BUT HE WAS CATCHING EVERYTHING RIGHT? AND HOPE THAT SABBY IS THE HEAD-HUNTER EVERYONE SAYS HE COULD BE. THEY WERE SAYING HE WAS “LYNCH LIKE” AT ONE TIME. SHOULD BE A GREAT CAMP AND AN EVEN BETTER YEAR THAN LAST. 11-5? PROBALLY 10-6 THOUGH. CYA, STIXX

by stixx692001 on May 16, 2008 2:16 AM EDT reply reply 0 recs

despite

the saints adding major additions this off-season, i think we’ll finish the season with a record similar to last season, but i think we’ll be better for it health-wise….

Paris Warren should be an interesting story to watch this off-season

Buc 'Em - Where a select few of Bucs Fans spend their time...

by JScott on May 20, 2008 9:53 PM EDT up reply reply 0 recs