Bucs at USF pro day
I'm here at the University of South Florida where the Bulls are holding their pro day.
Among the Bucs representatives here is defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who said he is intrigued by USF cornerback Mike Jenkins and linebacker Ben Moffitt, in particular.
Players are running the 40-yard dash as I write this, but it appears Jenkins will rest on the 4.38-second 40 he ran at the combine and skip today's sprint session.
Other Bucs staffers here include linebackers coach Casey Bradley and director of college scouting Dennis Hickey. Also present is Detroit secondary coach Jimmy Lake, a Bucs assistant the past two years.
Bucs Beat is the online destination for Tampa Bay Buccaneer fans interested in the latest news about the team. St. Petersburg Times reporters Rick Stroud, Stephen Holder, Dave Scheiber and Joe Smith will provide regular updates. Readers can comment on players, coaches, the front office - all of it.
first to comment
Posted by: 1 | March 07, 2008 at 12:09 PM
Jenkins would be a great addition. We could plug him at nickel his rookie year and hopefully he'd grasp the system by 2009 well enough to start.
However, he'll probably be picked in the draft ahead of us. Plus, he doesn't quite fit the mold of a cover-2 corner.
Posted by: Joe Simmons (Slow Joe) | March 07, 2008 at 12:58 PM
USF runs a good mix of zone and man coverage ... more man in 07 due to Jenkins' coverage abilities. I think he could excel in either. Hopefully the kid goes early for his own sake but ... if he is available at #20 he would be an easy selection.
Posted by: Brian | March 07, 2008 at 04:38 PM
Well, Joe, I think that situation would put Jenkins on the outside, as Ronde plays inside in that package. Do you trust a rookie there?
Posted by: Mr. S | March 07, 2008 at 05:33 PM
Jenkins would be the ideal candidate to replace a guy like Ronde Barber. He has great cover skills, not afraid to stick his nose in on tackles and SPEED that Gruden loves. I agree he could play on nickle package inside or outside. He's strong and aggressive with the speed to blitz more effective then Barber. He can stay outside and cover the bigger receivers due to the ability to jam them at the line and recover with his speed. This guy or Dominque Rodgers-Cromartie would be the perfect fit for this system. With Raheem Morris teaching them we could have the next Barber or even better. Jenkins is a three tools guy: good tackler, good cover skills and return threat. Let's do what it takes even if we have to move up at least we would be getting a quality corner for the future.
Posted by: Str8BucIn | March 07, 2008 at 06:02 PM
I think with the 10 players from Vet FA on board. And the Bucs have a few surprises at NFL Draft days. I wouldn't be surprises that Tampa trades a couple of draft choices to NY for Hall. Plus pickup another RB, CB, and WR plus a safety or two in later rds. Also how about trade with Denver for Lynch to return. Remember Tampa won the Division last year. Go Bucs.
Posted by: George L Hicks | March 08, 2008 at 12:46 PM