Gaines takes center stage

Simeon Rice's departure means the pressure just got turned up on first-round pick Gaines Adams.

With Rice on board, the thinking was Adams would have a nice tutor in Rice, the three-time Pro Bowl selection. Now, it's up to Adams.

"He's a great player and a great teacher," Adams said of Rice. "I would have loved to learn from someone like him."

Instead, Adams has other concerns. His first will be earning the job at right defensive end. It's becoming increasingly clear that Patrick Chukwurah will get a legitimate shot to win the job, too. Chukwurah joined the Bucs as a free agent from the Broncos in March and figured to be used as a situational pass rusher, but Rice's release could mean a more prominent role for Chukwurah. In fact, he was lined up with the first team at defensive end in today's morning practice.

(Pictured: Gaines Adams at camp Friday. Times photo - Brendan Fitterer.)

Comments

[George L Hicks]

I think with Gaines,Chukwurah and Carter will make this training camp a very pleasant training camp. One thing about this rookie from clemson. Didn't we have another rookie DE who was from Sooners back in the late 60's Name of Lee Roy Selmon. He was something Special back them. If Gaines can start off half of what Lee Roy Selmon did. He will be someone special.

[Larry]

I think Gaines , with his great college carreer, and work ethic will be great at his position. and if he plays smart, stays healthy and doesn't get a fat head from all that money, he will excel.You know that every offense we go against is going to test him.