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You Be The Bucs' GM: Pick The Defensive Line
Tribune file photos
If you were making the decision, who would build the defensive line around: Kevin Carter, Jovan Haye or Chris Hovan?
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Published: February 18, 2009
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Defensive Line
Regardless of contract status, impact on the salary cap or position on the depth chart, who do you want to see on the Bucs next season?
Keep or Cut: Gaines Adams
Keep or Cut: Chris Hovan
Keep or Cut: Dre Moore
Keep or Cut: Greg Peterson
Keep or Cut: Stylez G White
Keep or Cut: Jimmy Wilkerson
Keep or Cut: Kevin Carter
Keep or Cut: Patrick Chukwurah
Keep or Cut: Jovan Haye
Keep or Cut: Ryan Sims
The NFL free agency period begins at 12:01 a.m. on Feb. 27. For seven straight days, The Tampa Tribune and TBO.com will feature one position each day. We'll provide an analysis and list the players to consider: Bucs under contract for 2009 and Bucs and notable NFL players scheduled to become free agents.
OK, Bucs fans. You be the general manager.
DEFENSIVE LINE
If there is one defensive area where Tampa Bay needs to improve, it has to be up front.
Last season, Tampa Bay had a three-game stretch – Denver, Carolina and Seattle – when it did not record a sack, and the Bucs still won two of those games. Tampa Bay's defense had five total sacks in its final five games. Considering the key element of success in the 4-3 scheme is pressure up front, the line failed to do its part.
Former first-round pick Gaines Adams has not lived up to expectations, but he will be the first to tell you so. The defensive line was more successful in 2007, when Adams was on the left side and Stylez G White, formerly known as Greg White, was on the right. Adams was switched to the right side last season, and Tampa Bay's productivity slipped.
A high priority should be resigning DT Jovan Haye, who stops the run better than anyone on the team. The Bucs also need another strong defensive tackle to eventually replace Chris Hovan.
The biggest free-agent name being thrown around is Carolina DE Julius Peppers, who would seem to prefer a 3-4 scheme. Then again, guaranteed money always has a way of persuading free agents to reconsider their options.
Bucs Under Contract for 2009
DE Gaines Adams: Third-year pro needs to prove he is a franchise player.
DT Chris Hovan: Solid player needs to be spectacular to remain a starter.
DT Dre Moore: Former draft pick has the chance to redeem himself.
DT Greg Peterson: Small-school project player who has yet to blossom.
DE Stylez G White: Team's best pass rusher the past two seasons.
DE/DT Jimmy Wilkerson: Diamond in rough will compete for playing time.
Bucs Potential Free Agents
DE Kevin Carter: Ultimate pro whose contributions go beyond statistics.
DE/LB Patrick Chukwurah: Solid backup; injured most of 2008.
DT Jovan Haye: Team's best lineman, though oft-injured past two seasons.
DT Ryan Sims: Struggled as a starter, but could be re-signed for depth.
NFL Potential Free Agents
DE Julius Peppers, Panthers: One of NFL's best pass rushers when he tries.
DE Bertrand Berry, Cardinals: Played for Super Bowl team, but he is 34.
DT Shaun Cody, Lions: Could be an outstanding player on a good team.
DT Tank Johnson, Cowboys: Comes with talent, but also brings baggage.
DT Albert Haynesworth, Titans: Impact player comes with a high pricetag.
DE Antonio Smith, Cardinals: Postseason performance increased his stock.
DE Terrell Suggs, Ravens: Converted linebacker plays in a 3-4 scheme.
DE Josh Thomas, Colts: Could be Tampa Bay's perfect fit at left end.
DT Gabe Watson, Cardinals: Restricted free agent worth a draft pick to obtain.
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'You Be The GM' Categories
Tuesday: Quarterback
Wednesday: Defensive line
Thursday: Offensive line
Friday: Linebackers
Saturday: Running backs
Sunday: Defensive backs
Monday: Receivers/Tight ends
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