Thoughts on the depth chart

First of all, I talked to Michael Clayton, right in photo, this morning and he said he wasn't shocked that Maurice Stovall was listed ahead of him on the depth chart. He said he wasn't going to spend much time thinking about it at this point in the preseason because the depth chart is likely to change several times before the start of the season.

But anyhow, I see this as more than an effort to send a message to Clayton. The Bucs believe Stovall has earned the playing time, and he's going to get it until someone or something changes the coaches' minds.

Elsewhere, although the depth chart lists Kevin Carter as a backup at left end, we know that he will get a significant number of snaps there and at under tackle, where Jovan Haye, left in photo, is listed as the starter. This much we know: Carter is going to play A LOT. Heck, they need him. Outside of Haye and backup Ellis Wyms, the Bucs are in the same boat as last season at under tackle without Carter playing there.

At tight end, Alex Smith is listed as the starter, with Anthony Becht and Jerramy Stevens behind him. But remember, the Bucs use a whole lot of two-tight end sets, so they'll liikely use all three of those guys extensively.

Finally, at quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski's place at No. 4 on the depth chart tells us that he is in danger of being cut. But from where we sit, we can't see the Bucs paying a quarterback $2-million (Chris Simms) to be third on the depth chart. Typically, your No. 3 quarterback is a guy who costs next to nothing and is there largely for insurance purposes. Definitely something to keep an eye on.

For those of you out there, anything surprise you on the depth chart?

Photo by Carrie Pratt | Times: Jovan Haye, left, is listed as a starter at defensive tackle. Michael Clayton has been usurped by Maurice Stovall.

Comments

[Mike]

Looks like Clayton has had too many late nights partying in Ybor with Wild 98.7 and forgot what was important!!

[El Jefe]

...or maybe Maurice Stovall is really good.

[Jesse]

On offense, I am glad to see that David Boston has a good chance to make the roster at WR although we are in deep trouble if Joey Galloway suffers an injury. I am worried about the O-line as Petitgout is injured. If Buenning can't be at least a back-up center, can he make the team at all? I am sure that Darby will be on the practice squad. On defense, there are few surprises, but I am sorry to see that Pearson and Nicholson (pretty good special teams players) but also Hayward and Hamilton (2007 draft picks) are on the bubble. I am not sure if the D-line is better than last year. On special teams, the Bucs HAVE to settle once and for all on a KR/PR. Lots of question marks to make an impact this year: Chukwurah, Sims, Wyms, Zemaitis, Petitgout, A. Davis.

[Jesse]

Is Jovan Haye really that good to merit a starting position on the D-line?!

[StefPoX]

Where's Jake Plummer? He's still on the roster, but not on the depth chart.

simms is definitely getting cut. they put him at 3rd just to hide the decision a little longer. it's a done deal. gradkowski is safe if they keep three.

[derek]

stevens 3rd behind becht makes no sense stevens could even push smith for # 1 or he should at least and it speaks well that zemaitis has moved up over davis and cox even with his lack of experiance and darby already ahead of gates is a good sign

[DR]

Stevens shouldn't even be in the league. He's like a 7 footer in basketball, he's just there because he is fortunate to have the size. He's terrible. You guys seem to forget that the Bucs pick up others trash. These guys were released for a reason.

[Chris O]

The Bucs put Simms at #3 for trade value... Who would trade anything for a QB that's #4 on the depth chart?