Have a good question about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers? The Tampa Tribune's beat writers - Roy Cummings and Ira Kaufman - will answer it.
Click here to send us your own question.
Answered May 24:
Q: Who do you think will start Day One at running back? I think it should be LeGarrette Blount, he has shown flashes of being great and fits Schiano's physical mentality. Don't get me wrong, Doug Martin will get a lot of touches as well. At this point in time LeGarrette is just the better back.
Andrew Athans, Arnold, Md.
A: I don’t disagree with what you say about Blount, but I think Martin will be the starter. He's more versatile than Blount and doesn't have the problems holding on to the ball that Blount does. Martin can break tackles, too, and he has the speed to break free for a home run. He'll likely get the chance to be the starter out of the chute but it's nice to have a starting-caliber player like Blount in reserve, who can finish games and punish tired defenses.
-- Roy Cummings
---------
Q: I understand that Kellen Winslow may not have been so easy to control, but given his productivity and ability, and also the fact that he had not missed a game with the Bucs, why is it a smart move to trade him and bring in Dallas clark, who is older not as much of a playmaker and has had his own injury problems?
I'm not saying Winslow was the best ever, but I fail to see how this makes the Bucs a better team. Do they have some other plan at tight end?
Joe Baisden, Sharana, Afghanistan
A: I think the plan is to de-emphasize the tight end a little bit in the passing game. The Bucs threw to Winslow 114 times last year, the fourth most in the league for any tight end. I think they want to get the ball to their wideouts and running backs a little more, so the possible de-emphasis may have had something to do with the dismissal.
There was also the issue of Winslow's desire to work out in San Diego during the offseason. He said that didn't sit well with Schiano and Schiano never denied it. We have to believe then that the issue was a factor and that Schiano used Winslow to send yet another message to his players that they will do things as he wishes, not as they wish, or they will be out of here.
-- Roy Cummings
---------
Q: I can smell the excitement all the way from Washington about the Bucs' new regime. I'm curious though what your opinion(s) are about the discipline and demeanor of new Bucs head coach Greg Schiano. I'm a school teacher with traditional values and make my students "toe the line." After watching every game last year and following up with studying game film I saw immaturity prevail. Last year's Bucs looked lifeless and careless.
My question is this: How is the progress so far at One Buc Place for Schiano's "Buccaneer Way" transformation? Working with late adolescent millionaires might require little less than a miracle compared to my 8th grade P.E. class.
P.S. Thanks for all the in-depth coverage. I'm 3,000 miles away from being a season ticket holder. It means a lot.
Curtis Weber, Spokane, Wash.
A: First off, thanks for being a loyal reader and I know the Bucs appreciate your loyalty to them, as well.
As for the transformation, all seems to be going well. Coach Schiano is clearly getting rid of those who choose not to buy into his program and that will send a clear message to the current and potentially future Bucs that his way is the only way. That's a good thing. Like your students football players, even veteran ones, need guidance and leadership.
No team has 53 Hardy Nickersons or Ronde Barbers or Warren Sapps, guys who "get it'' from the very start and know how to be pros, work their game and improve steadily as time goes on. Most teams have two or three of those guys and so the coaches have to be the real leaders and they have to lead with smart discipline. By that I mean there has to be a payoff for all that they're doing.
It's kind of like the Karate Kid. He didn't understand why he was washing and waxing all those cars until his mentor showed him the skills he'd developed through consistent work habits. It's the same with football. If you get used to running from one drill to another all day in practice, you'll run all day on Sunday, too.
The bottom line answer will come in the shape of wins and losses. If he produces more wins than losses, Schiano's transformation of the organization will be deemed a success.
-- Roy Cummings
---------
Q: Coach Schiano impresses me by trying to instill work ethics back in the Bucs. His selection of experienced ex-pro assistants and his style are impressive. My concern is his ability to develop a pro-caliber offense. The Rutgers offense was mediocre by college standards and the jump to the NFL is a concern. Can Schiano make the leap scheme-wise?
Al, Belleview
A: Well, the Bucs aren't going to run Schiano's offense. They're going to run his defense and Mike Sullivan's offense. We're still not sure what Sullivan's offense will look like but the word we have from the players we've talked to, including QB Josh Freeman, is that it will look a lot like what the New York Giants have been running lately. That makes sense since Sullivan came from the Giants, where he was receivers coach and then quarterbacks coach. That offense has won two Super Bowls so it must be rather effective. It's primarily a rush-oriented attack that takes shots down the field, which is definitely what Schiano wants.
-- Roy Cummings
---------
Q: I am assuming that Gerald McCoy is attending OTAs. What is his health status?
Keith Henderson, Lecanto
A: McCoy isn't just attending, he's participating. Regularly. And he's really working hard. There is nothing at this point to indicate he's been slowed at all by his season-ending surgery. He's doing all the drills and mixing it up in the 11-on-11 work, as well. Now, they're only in shorts, but that's probably a good thing. So far though, so good. He looks well down the road to recovery.
-- Roy Cummings
---------
Q: Who's getting more touches at running back? LeGarrette Blount or Doug Martin?
Phillip Groenstein, Florida
A: Right now it's Blount, but that's only because Martin continues to be limited by a sore hamstring. The Bucs are being cautious there, but look for Martin to start getting more of the work once training camp rolls around.
-- Roy Cummings
---------
Answered May 14:
Q: Thanks for answering my questions, you guys are great. I have heard Dwight Freeney could get cut by the Colts. If he is willing to sign a one-year deal, he could replace Da'Quan Bowers. I know its a long shot, but he would be a veteran hard worker that could teach the defensive line.
Andrew Athans, Arnold, Md.
A: I have to believe the Bucs would have a great deal of interest in Freeney, but he'll have to get cut first. Until that happens, the Bucs need to prepare for life without both Bowers and Freeney.
-- Roy Cummings
--------
Q: I can understand in a way the media silence from the coaching staff at One Buc Place; however, I think it might be hurting ticket sales and it is also leading to a huge amount of speculative "news" as media tries to make things up to fill column space.
Do you anticipate that media restrictions might loosen up a bit during training camp? Also have you heard anything about whether or not fans will be able to go watch some of the practices as in the past?
Kathy Bee, St. Petersburg
A: The Bucs selected the players we were allowed to interview during the rookie minicamp. That will certainly change, at the latest, once the regular season begins because we will have open locker room access four days a week then. As for fans watching practice, I am sure the Bucs will continue to have most of their training camp workouts open until preseason games start, as in the past. A schedule will be made available later in the summer.
-- Roy Cummings
--------
Answered May 11:
Q: Now we have a situation on our hands with Da'Quan Bowers going down (hamstring). We had a great combo with Adrian Clayborn, Bowers and Michael Bennett, but now we need a third DE in the mix. Can George Johnson be the guy? I am not sure about that. One thing we could do is put Dekoda Watson in at DE in passing situations .The free agent market is weak so I am hoping that someone gets cut that will have better value. Do you know any DE's that are likely going to hit the market?
Andrew Athans, Arnold, Md.
A: The free agent market is pretty weak at this point and you have already mentioned the possibilities the Bucs are likely to explore. Losing Bowers is a big blow, but Michael Bennett is more than serviceable, George Johnson has some burst to contend with and Watson has the ability to make an impact in sub packages. My guess is the Bucs will use a combination of those three to get the results they're looking for.
-- Roy Cummings
---------
Q: Is there any chance the Bucs will trade for CB Mike Jenkins from the Cowboys?
Nick White, Homosassa
A: Mike Jenkins would be more attractive if the Bucs learn that Aqib Talib won't be available for a significant part of the season. Jenkins is a local kid from USF and he's been a decent player for the Cowboys. He wouldn't be a bad addition if the Bucs find themselves thin at corner. Dallas did grab CB Brandon Carr from the Chiefs and drafted CB Morris Claiborne, but owner Jerry Jones said as recently as Wednesday he's not planning to trade Jenkins.
-- Ira Kaufman
-------
Q: The Bucs didn't address CB in the early rounds. Can rookies Mark Barron or Lavonte David rotate into the CB position if Talib can't play?
Al, Belleview
A: The Bucs would be very hesitant to move Barron from safety to corner, where his coverage skills would be tested. He's a natural safety and like most safeties, he would struggle trying to keep up with the Steve Smiths and Roddy Whites the Bucs face. David covers very well for a linebacker in a short space, but he's not used to lining up across from a wide receiver. I think Tampa Bay coaches would consider it a last resort to use either David or Barron at the corner.
-- Ira Kaufman
-------
Answered April 24:
Q: Am I correct in assuming that the Bucs will draft a cornerback, linebacker and running back with their first three picks? If so, what is the next most pressing need, in your opinion?
Eddie, Oldsmar
A: I would not assume that the Bucs will draft a CB, LB and RB with their first three picks. Those are all needs and even if they have a plan to do that, the draft can be unpredictable and plans usually have to change at some point. My guess is they will draft a CB, LB and RB at some point, but I'm not sure what the order will be and when they'll do it. Beyond that, I believe they need help at safety and tight end the most, followed by depth in the offensive line.
-- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: Please tell the powers that be: All the NFL Draft nerds I know (including myself) hate the new draft format (Thursday, Friday, Saturday). Draft Saturday used to be kinda Super Bowl for us. Now? well it just sucks.
Barry Cavey, Dade City
A: I'll pass that along, although I'm sure they realize it is not as much fun for the hardcore fans. Or maybe they think it's better because it's dragged out longer. One thing we know for sure is that the teams like it and that's probably why it won't change.
-- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: Will Da'Quan Bowers ever be the same dominating force he was in college? Can you discuss your expectations of him for the 2012 season? Will he ever fully recover?
Joseph Sims, Howard, Kan.
A: Bowers was fully recovered late last season. And it showed. He was often a dominant force as a pass rusher and run stopper late in the season and was just beginning to develop a comfort level when the year ended. I think he will prove to be a pleasant surprise for the Bucs in 2012 and beyond. He'll likely split time with Michael Bennett again, but he's probably going to surpass Bennett within a year or two and become the leading left end on this team.
-- Roy Cummings
----------
Answered April 10
Q: After the rollercoaster of coaching searches and splashes made in free agency, I think I speak for most Bucs fans when I say that it's exciting to hear that the team is finally getting to work. Can you offer any details about their workout routines, or who looks good? I heard that Freeman called V-Jax and Carl Nicks workout 'freaks'!
Nick, New York, NY
A: The vibe at One Buc Place appears to be very positive at the moment. The additions of three free agents who figure to play a prominent role has excited returning veterans like Ronde Barber and Davin Joseph. We'll know more soon, now that players are allowed to work out on the field.
-- Ira Kaufman
---------
Q: If the Browns don't take QB Ryan Tannehill and do take RB Trent Richardson with the fourth pick in the draft, what do you think prospects are for Bucs trading down from No. 5 with a team like the Dolphins, Eagles or Bills?
Matt Chancey, Largo
A: I think trading down is one of the options the Bucs will consider, but only if the player they want is not there. But it's hard to believe at this point that they want someone who ranks 12th overall, for example, as opposed to someone who ranks fifth overall. They need help everywhere. No sense in trying to outsmart the draft. My guess is if the player they want most is still there at No. 5, they'll stay put and take him.
-- Roy Cummings
---------
Q: Thanks a lot for answering my last question, I really appreciate it. How much trade value do you think LeGarrette Blount has? If Tampa ends up getting Trent Richardson I could definetly see Blount being shipped out to bring in some help, hopefully with the linebacker corps. How about Green Bay's first-round pick?
Mike Griczika, Gardner, Mass.
A: There's no way the Bucs could get a first-round pick for Blount at this point. His trade value is diminished because he hasn't proven himself as a blocker or pass catcher, and he has had some ball security issues. His future is in his own hands because he has some rare skills and he could prove effective in Tampa Bay's new offensive scheme, whether or not Richardson arrives in Tampa.
-- Ira Kaufman
---------
Answered April 3:
Q: We know that the first two picks of the draft will be QBs. Yet what if Minnesota drafts Claiborne and Cleveland drafts Richardson. Then at No. 5 OL Matt Kalil is there for the taking. Nothing better than a left tackle that you can plug in for 10 years. You'd have Freeman's blindside protected with more time for all the new weapons we have.
Jeffrey La Fleur, Tampa
A: That's a very interesting scenario you have put forward. If the draft develops as you suggest, with Claiborne and Richardson off the board, Kalil could very likely be the top-rated player left on the Bucs' list. They could try to trade down at that point and pick up extra choices, but if they stuck to their board, they would likely take Kalil. That would make for a very dynamic offensive line for a new coaching staff.
-- Ira Kaufman
----------
Q: I think the possibility of trading down would make sense. Schiano wants his SS to be able to play at all three layers, especially in the box for run support in Cover 1 and Cover Zero. We don't have that player on the roster yet. Given the depth of this class at corner, what do you think about the likelihood that we trade down to pick up S Mark Barron and another corner?
Dan, Spring Hill
A: Barron would fit in nicely with the Bucs, but not as a Top 10 pick. If Richardson and Claiborne are gone by No. 5, I could see the Bucs trading down if they can find a partner. You make a good point - one way or another, the Bucs would like to create more competition at the safety spot, especially with the way Schiano wants to play defense.
-- Ira Kaufman
----------
Q: Everyone is saying CB and LB are our biggest needs, but I disagree a little. We need to get rid of E.J. Biggers or at least only let him play on pass downs because he can't tackle. We have Myron Lewis and Anthony Gaitor, who I would like to see get a chance. I think we really need to get a third DT and a SS in free agency, then draft the rest of our holes.
Andrew Athans, Arnold, MD
A: The new Bucs coaching staff is evaluating the DT position heading into the draft, deciding whether McCoy, Price and Miller will be an effective rotation, especially against the run. While Biggers struggled much of the season, Gaitor showed some flashes as a rookie in the secondary. Lewis will need a strong training camp to make the team.
-- Ira Kaufman
----------
Q: Do you think the Bucs would keep their first round pick and trade the rest for another first round pick? That way we'll get Claiborne and Richardson.
Brandon, Pittsburgh
A: Interesting proposal, but Claiborne and Richardson are both going to be off the board within the top 10 picks, maybe Top 5. It's not realistic the Bucs can get two premium picks without heavily mortgaging their future. It'll take more than giving up the rest of their draft choices, starting with Round 2.
-- Ira Kaufman
----------
Q: At No. 5 would Tampa Bay trade down to No. 8 so Miami could get QB Ryan Tannehill out of Texas A&M? Tampa would when select the LB from Boston College and get another second- or third-round pick so they could get a RB, TE and other needs.
George L. Hicks, Alba, TX
A: If Tannehill gets past Cleveland at No. 4, he would probably still be there for the Dolphins to take. The LB from Boston College, Luke Kuechly, is a good run-stuffer, but he would be a bit of a reach in the Top 10. I don't think the Bucs will have much luck finding a team that wants to move up to their No. 5 pick.
-- Ira Kaufman
----------
Q: Do you think it is possible for Tampa to draft Claiborne and then move Ronde Barber to safety? I think he's perfect for the position and could easily make the transition and it would help the team greatly, getting Talib, Claiborne, and Wright on the field and shoring up the safety position.
Mike Griczika, Gardner, MA
A: Interesting idea, Mike. If the Bucs wanted to get Talib, Claiborne, Wright and Barber all on the field at the same time, there may be occasions when Ronde is shifted to safety. He's certainly smart enough to learn the nuances of the position in a hurry. But it's all speculation at this point because Claiborne isn't a Buc and Talib's status for the fall is uncertain.
-- Ira Kaufman
-----------
Answered March 30:
Q: I used to be on the Claiborne train, and still wouldn't mind if we take him, but I am starting to think Trent Richardson should be the pick. This year has a deep corner class, so you can take a corner with the second-rounder. I would love Janoris Jenkins. It would be hard not to take Richardson at No. 5; he could be great.
Andrew Athans, Tampa
A: The Richardson/Claiborne debate is a fierce one among Buc fans and of course one or both could possibly be off the board by the time the Bucs pick at No. 5. There's plenty of ammo to support either choice, but with Schiano's background as a secondary coach in the NFL, my intuition is they're going with Claiborne.
-- Ira Kaufman
----------
Q: Do you think it would be a bad idea, if available, to draft Blackmon at number 5? Then if LaMichael James is still there in the second round to grab him also? That would make our offense explosive for the first time, maybe even a top 5. I don't believe our offense has ever been a top 5.
Bryan, Riverview
A: It's been a long time since the Bucs were blessed with an offense that kept coordinators up until the wee hours. Your Blackmon scenario sounded plausible until the Bucs signed Vincent Jackson as a free agent to provide a deep threat. With Mike Williams and former second-round pick Arrelious Benn on the roster, I don't see Tampa Bay going for Blackmon at No. 5. The thinking is Jackson will open things up for the other WRs and TE Kellen Winslow to do some damage over the middle.
-- Ira Kaufman
----------
Q: If Janoris Jenkins is there when the Bucs pick at No. 36, I don't think you can pass up on a talent like that. I know he has off the field issues but Schiano will keep him on a tight leash. You have to take the best player available; it would be a steal.
Andrew Athans, Arnold, MD
A: There's some merit to your argument, especially if the Bucs take Richardson in the opening round. If Claiborne is the pick, they are highly unlikely to double up at corner in the first two rounds. Jenkins is an intriguing prospect with some well-chronicled character issues. If he keeps his focus, he can be an NFL standout for many years.
-- Ira Kaufman
----------
Q: Who do you think the Bucs should draft, Claiborne or Richardson? I personally think they should draft Claiborne, since we need the help on defense. Blount is a great back, and to draft Richardson would mess up everything. The two backs would compete against each other. I think Blount is a good enough back that we don't need to replace him.
Roberto James Hall, Racine, WI
A: Personally, I would take Richardson. He's a rare talent at the position and he wouldn't mess up anything in the backfield because he wouldn't be brought in to replace Blount; he'd be brought in to complement him. Blount does not do a lot of what Richardson does exceptionally well, such as catch the ball out of the backfield and block. Think of what the Panthers have had with DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart and you start to get an idea of what the Bucs will have with Blount and Richardson. That's very enticing.
-- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: Is there more a need to take Justin Blackmon or Morris Claiborne as far as the fifth pick? I don't see the Browns passing up on Richardson. Is Ronnie Hilman of interest if LaMichael James is unavailable in the second round? And are there any pending free agent fullbacks in the league left? Do we have the money to spend?
Tyrone Odom, San Diego
A: Claiborne probably fills a bigger need. Even though the Bucs added Eric Wright and will have Ronde Barber back, they still don't know how much access they'll have to Aqib Talib and you just can't have enough top-level corners. As for the running back issue, I still think the Bucs have a good shot at getting Richardson, but if they don't they'll grab someone to complement LeGarrette Blount. At fullback, there really isn't much out there. Earnest Graham, 32, may be the best of the bunch, but he's coming off that Achilles tendon tear. The Bucs believe they have a starting caliber FB in Erik Lorig, so it's really a backup that they're looking for. They can pick that up off the street at almost any time.
-- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: I saw the article about drafting Claiborne and dumping Talib. I believe it would be best to have all three with Talib at No. 1, Claiborne No. 2 and Wright in the slot. Talib has shut down star receivers and in 2010 he proved he was a shutdown cornerback, when healthy. Last year he played on a bad hamstring.
Andrew Athans, Arnold, MD
A: I don't think the Bucs have any plans to dump Talib. They've dealt with him and his problems for this long; it wouldn't make much sense to dump him now or even after the draft. Not with only a year left on his contract. And for a player of his abilities, he comes rather cheap this year. Talib is due $1.85 million, which is a bargain for a top-level cornerback. I believe the Bucs' plan is to see how Talib responds to the more disciplined approach of new coach Greg Schiano and take it from there. This is obviously a big year for Talib. If he can stay out of trouble and clean up his act he could earn himself a new contact here. If not, the Bucs will probably move on with someone else.
-- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: I'd be happy if the Bucs pick Richardson OR Claiborne at No. 5. If they're both there which would you guys pick? I see teams trading up to get either of them or Kalil. Could the Bucs get more picks and still get one of these two great players?
Michael Beck, Norwood, NC
A: Personally, I'd take Richardson. He's a dynamic offensive weapon who will automatically make your offense better and more potent. I couldn't argue with Claiborne, though, because he'll likely have a longer shelf life and would eventually make the defense better and fill a big need. It's really hard to argue with either one. As for trading and getting more picks, that's always a possibility and there are several ways to do it, not all of which include dealing your first-round pick.
-- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: The Bucs have brought in another TE and all of the analysts have them drafting another one, with Stocker already on the team. Do you see them doing something with Winslow? Also if the Bucs are going to use three backs in their offense why haven't they gone out and gotten someone or are they happy with the people they have plus possibly Richardson?
Corey, Newport News, VA
A: I really don't think the Bucs have the depth at TE right now to do anything with Winslow. Not only that, but he's still QB Josh Freeman's favorite target. Freeman may like him too much for some, but Winslow has done nothing but make this team better since he's been here. I think he's an asset worth keeping, in part because the Bucs still aren't sure what they have in Stocker. The Bucs were hoping he'd develop into a No. 1 TE last year, but that hasn't happened. It still could happen, but until it does, I think they're better off holding on to Winslow. As for the running back situation, I'd say the Bucs approach in free agency is a sign they believe they can fill that need through the draft.
-- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: Was it wise for the Bucs to go after a college coach that is nearly 20 years removed from the NFL after Raheem Morris was not able to control his professional players? Pros have different values and egos than college players; how is Schiano going to respond to a new environment?
Daniel Stewart, Oklahoma City
A: Great question. Wish I had an answer for you, but I don't. The answer lies in the future, meaning we'll all just have to wait and see how it all shakes out. I'll say this, though: From the standpoint of organization and laying a foundation of discipline and accountability, Schiano should prove to be an upgrade. Those are some of his strengths, along with player development. Now, can he win on Sunday? Like I said before, we'll just have to wait and see.
-- Roy Cummings
----------
Answered March 23:
Q: Do you really think Foster can play another year at middle linebacker?
Jim Stafford, Cambridge, Ontario
A: Sure. I'm not big on judging players based on one year of play on a bad team. Imagine if the league had done that with Brett Favre or Ronde Barber or even Warren Sapp. I believe Foster can play several years at MLB and I know for a fact that the Bucs believe the same thing.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: I was just wondering are the Bucs going to sign Blount or draft Richardson instead? Is his asking price too steep (Blount)? He is a great back.
Mike Desrochers, East St. Paul, Manitoba
A: The Bucs will sign LeGarrette Blount. He's an exclusive rights free agent, which means he can't sign anywhere else. But that doesn't mean the Bucs couldn't draft Richardson as well. The Bucs will not be a one-back offensive-minded team. They are sure to use a variety of backs and Richardson brings skills, particular an ability to catch the ball out of the backfield and block, that Blount currently does not excel at. I personally think there's room for both on the Bucs roster. We'll just have to wait and see what the Bucs think.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: Is it possible for the Bucs to get Clinton Portis?
JT, Dade City
A: Anything is possible, but I really don't see that happening. Portis hasn't played since 2010 and he only played in 13 games with 178 carries and 14 pass receptions in 2009 and 2010 combined. I'd say the Bucs are better off looking elsewhere for help in the backfield.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: Do you think internet rumors are right and the Bucs are waiting to steal Drew Brees out from under the Saints if he rejects his franchise contract? To do so would be the biggest deal the Bucs could make and ensure a playoff berth this year
Kevin, Palm Coast
A: I would have to say those internet rumors are false.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Answered March 22:
Q: Do the Buccaneers still have interest in linebacker Curtis Lofton? I saw they had given him an offer on March 15 and as of yet I have not heard of him signing elsewhere, even though he had a visit with the Saints on Monday.
Michael Ribelin, Port Charlotte
A: Yes, the Bucs do still have interest in Curtis Lofton, but not as much as you might think. Like a lot of teams, they see him as a two-down player who doesn't offer much on third down. That and his price tag are the two reasons the Bucs have moved to the sidelines on him. That doesn't mean they won't eventually sign him, but the chances are about 50-50 at this point.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: Please tell me that the Bucs are not going to go after a starting LB in the draft.
John F Ensch, Clearwater
A: I get the feeling you don't want the Bucs to make a LB their top priority on draft day. If so, I'm sure you are not alone. The lack of experience there is something the Bucs seemingly need to address, but the fact of the matter is, free agency may not offer them much of a solution. We'll have to wait and see how this one plays out. It could be that the team is hoping improved coaching will allow them to get more out of the likes of Quincy Black, Adam Hayward, Dekoda Watson and Mason Foster. If so, we may not see a big push for a new linebacker come draft day either. I'd be surprised, though, if they don't add to that position at some point this offseason.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Answered March 15:
Q: With the fifth pick, if Richardson is available, do you think the Bucs could really pass on an Adrian Peterson-type RB? Also, I know we need a CB, so what's the likely hood that we can get Cortland Finnegan?
Jason Charity, Tokyo
A: Personally, I would not pass on Richardson, not given what the Bucs have in the backfield now. And that's not a knock on LeGarrette Blount. But the Bucs will be looking to utilize as many as three running backs in their scheme, not including the fullback, so there is a need there for another body. And that kid has special written all over him.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: What do you think of the Bucs bringing in Derrick Harvey? He is a free agent and would give a home state discount, not to mention he is already cheap to sign. He has to be better than old backup Tim Crowder, and he is way younger. With good coaching hopefully he could at least provide some competition. The Bucs need more depth.
Andrew Athans, Arnold, MD
A: I see your point and does make some sense. I do believe, though, that the Bucs are very happy with their defensive ends and still believe Tim Crowder has some upside.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: Do you think that the new coach will try to go away from the Cover 2?
J.T., Tampa
A: That is a very good question. I wish I had a very good answer for you, but I don't because Coach Schiano has not offered up much in the way of an explanation as to what his defense is going to look like. He has said it will be something of a hybrid incorporating both 4-3 and 3-4 alignments, but he hasn't said how much Cover 2 he'll play.
- Roy Cummings
----------
A: As far as Trent Richardson goes, I'm with you. I think he's special and I think he fills a big need for this team. I told a questioner recently the same thing and added that I personally would not pass on Richardson, not given what the Bucs have in the backfield now. And that's not a knock on LeGarrette Blount. The Bucs will be looking to utilize as many as three running backs in their scheme, not including the fullback, so there is a need there for another body.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Q: I'm hoping with all the OCs on the coaching staff they have the common sense to know that a RB with the skills Trent Richardson has is rare. I'd compare him to Adrian Peterson - an every-down, take it to the house back with great hands to go along with lightning quick speed. Given the Bucs' story drafting CBs high, I'd draft Richardson and fix the problem at CB (retire, Ronde, with many thanks. Goodbye Talib, et lost.) through free agency and the draft. My two cents. What would you guys do?
Cpl. Mike Beck, Norwood, NC
----------
Q: Are the Bucs now done spending in free agency with the signing of Nicks, V-Jax and Wright? Do they pull the trigger on cutting Faine and possibly K2 and upgrade the TE position? Are we at all in discussions with Lofton/Bush/Tolbert?
Darek Kotas, Binghamton, NY
A: The Bucs aren't totally done. They're going to sit back and let the market settle a little bit and if they can find some value in some players they'll add some depth pieces. Not sure about the future of K2. The Bucs are very thin at that position and he's still very serviceable. My guess is they'll hold on to him until they know they have a legitimate No. 1 TE to replace him with.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Answered March 12:
Q: Do the Bucs have worthwhile prospects of making the playoffs this season?)
Michael Murphy, Dublin, Ireland
A: It's way too early to know. Once we get through free agency and the draft, we'll have a much better idea. Keep in mind that fortunes can change quickly in this league. Truth be known, though, the Bucs' first goal this year should be to regain relevance and respectability.
- Roy Cummings
----------
Answered March 9:
Q: Hey guys, do you have any idea what the deal is with Myron Lewis? He was highly regarded being drafted in the third round a couple years ago, and supposed to be Ronde's "heir apparent." However injuries have slowed him. Would you say he even has a chance of making the team under this new coaching staff? It would truly give us more options come draft time, because we could get Finnegan, and draft Richardson. But with this new Talib allegation to go along with his upcoming case, it would be nice to have someone like Lewis come on the scene. Does he still have a chance?
Ryan, Virginia Beach, VA
A: The Bucs haven't given up on Myron Lewis. They are a little disappointed in him, however. He has struggled to fight back from injuries and simply hasn't played very well when he's gotten the chance. The Bucs still believe he has a lot of upside and the hope is that new secondary coach Ron Cooper can get out of him what the Bucs saw in him in college. Currently, the Bucs don't see him as a starting caliber player, but if he can prove himself worthy of being a top four CB, then he's worth salvaging.
- Roy Cummings
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement
Advertisement