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Who'll be here to see rebuilding through?

Staff file photos

Bucs management has to decide whether a number of regulars will be returning for the 2010 season.

By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: November 1, 2009

Updated: 11/01/2009 12:27 am

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TAMPA - By now you know - the Bucs' 2009 season never really was about 2009. It always has been about setting this team up for 2010 and beyond.

With the appointment of Josh Freeman as the new starting quarterback, the Bucs have pushed the transition into high gear. Lots of other changes will follow. By the time the Bucs are playoff contenders again they will barely resemble the team they are today.

Here is a look at the Bucs' 22 starters and who among them will still be starting a year from now when the Bucs take another shot at relevancy.

OFFENSE

QB Josh Freeman: If Freeman isn't the quarterback of this team a year from now, then Raheem Morris probably won't be the coach and Mark Dominik won't be the GM.

RB Cadillac Williams: Barring another serious injury, there is little reason to believe Williams won't still be the Bucs' lead ball carrier for at least another year or two.

FB Earnest Graham: Graham has been pushed into that role for now, and he just might stay there. The Bucs have a lot of needs. Spare running backs aren't really one of them, and good fullbacks are hard to find.

TE Kellen Winslow: The Bucs are as married to Winslow as they are to Freeman. He's been one of their best players this year, so there's little reason to believe he won't be around for a while.

WR Antonio Bryant: How Bryant connects with Freeman will determine whether he re-signs with the Bucs. This is just a guess, but look for Bryant to lose patience with the rebuilding program and go elsewhere.

WR Michael Clayton: The Bucs aren't going to cut Clayton, but they might demote him. If Bryant leaves, he has a better shot at keeping his starting job, but he has to watch out for Sammie Stroughter.

LT Donald Penn: Penn is the Bucs' best pass protector, but he is looking for a long-term contract that has been very slow in coming. Look for the Bucs to finally reward him and avoid creating another hole.

LG Jeremy Zuttah: The Bucs really aren't sure if Zuttah is the answer at this spot, but barring a sudden unexpected return to the game by Arron Sears, he probably stays right where he is, at least for another year.

C Jeff Faine: Faine is just as secure as Freeman and Winslow. The only thing that's going to knock him out of his job is an injury, and the Bucs go to bed every night praying that doesn't happen.

RG Davin Joseph: Joseph is in the Freeman-Winslow-Faine category. A player good enough to become a perennial Pro Bowl player, he's part of the core of this team and he's likely to stay that way for years to come.

RT Jeremy Trueblood: The Bucs could look to improve at this position this offseason. Trueblood is adequate as a run blocker and pass protector, but he takes a few too many penalties.

DEFENSE

LDE Jimmy Wilkerson: Wilkerson has been the Bucs' best lineman this year, but many in the NFL see him as a backup. With the Bucs he's a starter and he'll stay that way as long as he can outplay Kyle Moore.

DT Ryan Sims: Rookie Roy Miller is already getting at least 20 snaps a game as Sims' backup. That number will increase as this season goes on and will grow to starter's reps by the beginning of next season.

DT Chris Hovan: The Bucs have three picks in the first two rounds of next year's draft. One of them will be spent on Hovan's replacement, who very well could start immediately.

RDE Stylez G. White: White is a hustler and he is great for the team's chemistry, but the Bucs need a stud here. The eventual starter here will be obtained in the first or second round of the 2010 draft.

SLB Quincy Black: Black has been something of a disappointment this season. He has been adequate, but he hasn't been special and the Bucs need special. They'll get special in next year's draft or in free agency.

MLB Barrett Ruud: Ruud is looking for a new contract from the Bucs and he'll almost certainly get it. He's the leader of this defense now and he still will be when this team becomes a contender again.

WLB Geno Hayes: The Bucs seem to have found a real prize in Hayes. He has some shortcomings, but his speed, quickness and playmaking skills aren't among them. Look for him to stay where he is.

CB Ronde Barber: Few players have done a better job of adapting to Jim Bates' new defense than Barber. Look for the Bucs to draft a potential replacement next year, but don't look for anyone to replace Barber just yet.

CB Aqib Talib: Talib is tied for third in the league with four interceptions. The Bucs have made some mistakes on draft day the past few years, but picking Talib wasn't one of them.

FS Tanard Jackson: No less an authority on the subject than Carolina Panthers coach John Fox believes the Bucs have a Pro Bowl-caliber player in Jackson. He'll be a starter here for years to come.

SS Sabby Piscitelli: Piscitelli has some playmaking skills but he is horribly inconsistent. He looks like he'd be a good third safety, so look for the Bucs to find a replacement to start in his place.

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