Bucs Beat: Could these players help stop the run in 2010?

Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris confirmed earlier this week what a lot of fans have long suspected about the team's defense. Speaking quite frankly, Morris said the Bucs simply don't have the personnel up front to stop the run consistently.

Morris went on to say that, as part of their rebuilding project, the Bucs will take steps to correct the deficiency this offseason. There's only three ways to do that, of course, and that's through trades, free agency and the draft.

Bucs general manager Mark Dominik has shown a strong willingness to trade, but it's virtually impossible to know what could be obtained through that avenue. Here, then, is a look at five potential free agents and five draft prospects who could be the answer to the Bucs' run-plugging problem next year.

FREE AGENTS

Barry Cofield, New York Giants

At 6-foot-4 and 306 pounds, Cofield doesn't have the size the Bucs are looking for, but has everything else. The four-year starter is 25 years old, just entering his prime, and a Northwestern grad, so he's smart. Even better, he's strong, powerful and fast enough to shed blockers and make plays all along the line of scrimmage. If he hits free agency, he may be the most complete tackle available.

Johnny Jolly, Green Bay Packers

Jolly came into the league as a sixth-round pick in 2006, so he'll be looking to get paid this offseason. Jolly is versatile and mean on the field, and technically sound. He makes good use of his hands to shed blockers and does a lot with what scouts say is average athleticism. Given his age, skill set and temperament, the 6-foot-3, 325-pound Jolly seems like just the kind of guy the Bucs would take a chance on.

Clifton Ryan, St. Louis Rams

The Rams are a mess, so Ryan may want to get out of St. Louis while the getting's good. If so, the Bucs are sure to take a look at him. He's only 25, yet already is a two-year starter. He has the size (6-3, 324) and strength the Bucs want. He uses his hands well and stands his ground at the point of attack. It usually takes two blockers to move him.

Vince Wilfork, New England Patriots

It's hard to believe the Patriots will let Wilfork get away, especially after letting Richard Seymour go earlier this year. Stranger things have happened, though. Wilfork is easily one of the best nose tackles in the league and, while he's spent most of his career playing in a 3-4 scheme, has plenty of versatility. At 28, Wilfork still has a lot of good football left.

Ryan Pickett, Green Bay Packers

The Packers drafted B.J. Raji in the first round this year, ostensibly to replace Pickett. Pickett will turn 31 soon after the 2010 season starts, which is probably a little old for the Bucs. But Pickett is durable and still a productive run stuffer. At 340 pounds, he is a space-eater, though tends to wear down late in games. If Pickett splits snaps with someone such as Roy Miller, he could give the Bucs the power and bulk they need to force runners to look outside instead of inside.

DRAFT PROSPECTS

Ndamukong Suh, Nebraska

This kid is the prize that awaits the team that has the first overall pick in next year's draft. He is considered by many scouts to be the nation's best college football player, and the Bucs are convinced he's the real deal. He stands 6-4 and weighs 304 pounds but has incredible natural strength, allowing him to play the game like a man playing with boys.

Terrence Cody, Alabama

Cody is just plain massive. His 6-4, 365-pound frame has earned him the nickname "Mount Cody,'' and it's a fitting moniker. Cody is a mountain, which some consider a fault. As you might expect, he's not the most agile player. He tends to make his plays in a small space. But when he makes them, they stay made.

Dan Williams, Tennessee

This kid is starting to climb draft boards all over the NFL. At 6-3, 327 pounds, he has excellent size and the ability not only to slow the run but get into the backfield and harass the passer. With Monte Kiffin at Tennessee, the Bucs have a chance to know more about Williams than anyone else come draft day.

Phil Taylor, Baylor

Taylor is only a junior, but that's because he was forced to sit out the 2008 season after transfering from Penn State. At 6-4, 355 pounds, he's a massive kid with unique athleticism. He works well against the run and the pass and has even taken some snaps at fullback. He probably will need some work, but the payoff could be huge.

Gerald McCoy, Oklahoma

There's a chance the Bucs could go back to playing mostly Cover 2 next year. If so, McCoy could be a good fit for them. At 6-4, 296 pounds, he's more of a pass rusher than a run-stopper, but the Bucs need those, too. He's a player the Bucs have to keep an eye on.