Let's take a look at the offense

Now that we've said our piece about the potential defensive depth chart, let's turn to the offense.

Again, we have no idea what might transpire between now and training camp. The roster is still a work-in-progress. So, please don't hold me to this beyond, say, today.

Anyway, here goes:

QB: Jeff Garcia

RB: Earnest Graham

FB: B.J. Askew

LT: Luke Petitgout

LG: Arron Sears

C: Jeff Faine

RG: Davin Joseph

RT: Jeremy Trueblood

TE: Alex Smith

WR: Joey Galloway

WR: Michael Clayton

I struggled with two positions in particular: left tackle and the No. 2 receiver. At left tackle, Donald Penn was surprisingly solid last season after Petitgout went down with that season-ending knee injury. It's hard to ask any more of the guy. But IF Petitgout is completely recovered and performs well in camp, I can't see how they would keep him on the bench. Maybe I'm wrong, but I don't think so, especially considering the Bucs have far more money invested in him.

At receiver, I know I'm going to catch a lot of hell for this choice. But here's my rationale: Ike Hilliard is getting older. Even he will admit that. And we all agree the Bucs need a more dynamic playmaker at that spot. Clayton, if given the chance, has an opportunity to be that guy. He, of course, has to make good on that opportunity. That's up to him. But I get the sense he might at least get the chance this season. I'm basing this on conversations with people in the know and a general sense I get. Of course, this may be a moot point if the Bucs address the position in the draft or if new acquisition Antonio Bryant proves to be a valuable asset, but we can only stick with what we know at the moment. Remember, Bryant hasn't played since 2006. We've got no clue what he'll look like right out of the gate.

You might take some issue with running back, too, but here's my two cents there: I think it will be a by-committee approach, with Gruden going with the hot hand. But I think Graham will get the call early in games, and then things will go from there.

Comments

[Kurt]

Although I would love to see Clayton back to his old form, I believe you give less credit than is deserved for Hilliard, who had 722 yards on 62 receptions last year with a 11.5 yard average. Not to mention that the guy is clutch on 3rd down and that he played the second half of the season basically so injured that he wouldn't even practice during the week. If Clayton showed the mental fortitude of this guy with his size and talent, we would not be having a WR discussion. Let's hope Warren and Stovall continue to progress. That along with picking up Caldwell in the draft and a hopeful resurgence of A Bryant (once a stallwart at the position,) we should have plenty of playmakers at WR this season.

[JJ]

I thought Bryant never signed with the Bucs?

[Shane Johnson]

If Petitgout is healthy, let Penn compete with Trueblood at the right tackle position. Trade the first round draft choice to the Bengals for CJ and now you have a lineup that can compete for the NFC Championship. Otherwise, it's maybe a one playoff win team.

[DR]

Stephen, by saying Clayton will be given a chance this year, are you implying that he wasn't given a chance last year before? Was he put in the dog house like Eric Rhett under Wyche after Rhett had a solid year?
It's hard to believe that a guy who showed so much his rookie year just would disappear for the next few years. I know he was injured but there has to be something else that kept him off the field.

[Scott]

I don't see Clayton beating out Bryant and Bryant has shown big play ability. Sadly enough, over the last two years Bryant has more yards and TD's than Clayton and he didn't even play last year.

[Stephen Holder]

DR: here's what I'll say regarding your question. I'm not implying Clayton wasn't given any opportunity, but I think Gruden opted to play it a little safe and go with Ike. That's cool. But the problem is that the Bucs almost never used a three-wide formation, so Clayton never got off the bench. You might recall they started the Detroit game in 3-wide and Clayton made a couple plays right out of the gate. Of course, he got the high ankle sprain in the first quarter and that was that. Maybe it's just me, but I want to see what the guy can do with consistent snaps.

[kevin Mills]

Lets all just hope the Offensive line is healthy and effective.

I think Gruden would love to open things up and use more three and four receiver sets.

Seems like over the last two years because of injuries and/or poor pass protection he's felt the need to be conservative and play it close to the vest.

[Wally]

Antonio Bryant will be starting. No question there. That guy made plays with Alex Smith of all people. There's a reason why the Bucs went after him.

[mkurbo]

Exactly right, when you boil it down the problem still becomes the No. 2 WR position.

This was the biggest need headed into FA and the Bucs blew it bigtime ! So now that they didn’t move on one of the top WR’s in FA, we are stuck trying to resurrect Clayton, Bryant or some other… ..and I hate to burst everyone’s bubble, but a rookie WR (even from the 1st round) is not going to have an immediate impact in Gruden’s complex offense.

Where is the big playmaker to take the coverage off Galloway ?

[Ty Guy]

Andre Caldwell would be a great pick at no. 20 and could easily be our 3rd WR. I would love to see Clayton get consistent snaps too as well as getting more of a glimpse at Maurice Stovall. Hopefully Paris Warren can come back strong this year.

[Rube]

Graham at RB, the guy is an animal! Caddy who? Clayton needs to step up this year, what a disappointment that guy has been since his rookie year. My prediction is Stovall is going to step up this year and become a solid third receiver behind Galloway and Ike. Good predictions though.

[kevin Mills]

mkurbo,

"the Bucs blew it bigtime ! So now that they didn’t move on one of the top WR’s in FA"

Exactly which Top receiver did you want? and would you have been comfortable paying them what they got somewhere else?

Just curious... Berrian, Walker and Porter's contracts were all to High imo.

I know everyone wants another playmaker at receiver to go along with Galloway but they just don't appear out of thin air.

[DR]

I agree Stephen. The thing is, we already know what he can do with consistent snaps, 80 receptions, 1100 yards, 7 TD's. Those stats are better than all but one season of Galloway's career, and Clayton did that as a rookie. I would like to see the Bucs go into camp with Garcia having a true #1 posession type WR with size. Go into camp with Clayton as the #1, and the speedy Galloway as the #2 slot WR. It would be interesting to see how both players would react.

[Kipp]

hey kevin, what about Andre Johnson, Musin Muhammad, or Marty Booker? Those guys are cheap AND skilled.

[Stephen_Holder]

Kipp, I'm assuming you're talking about BRYANT Johnson, right?

[mkurbo]

Kevin,
I suggested Bryant Johnson long before the FA period started because I though he would be an “economical” answer – and sure enough he did not sign a ridiculous contract.

Beyond that, I would have settled for Hackett, Stallworth, A. Davis or Porter. Porter being the only one that received a nutty $$$ contract – if you break down the others they are not prohibitive…

It was an important aspect because there is an accumulative effect that occurs on offense when you have another playmaker. Garcia will have a little more time this year (line will improve) which would have allowed Galloway to be even more of a deep threat – but only if you had a serious No. 2 guy to balance attention.

[cory]

Clayton needs to be giving a chance. Gruden has been saying for over a year someone needs to step up and be a number 2 and there is no clear choice. So I don't understand why he never gave anyone a chance besides hilliard. Hilliard is a 3rd down specialist and a very good #3 reciever. Clayton is the only reciever we have with the proper skill set for being a great possesion reciever. I hope we draft reciever anyways because Galloway and Hilliard are so old, but I think Clayton should start as our #2 if he has a solid camp.

[Oliver]

Ike is a quality slot reciever...remember that big catch he made vs. Carolina (away)? Great speed from the guy.

Clayton has been a sufferer of the quarterback carousel over recent seasons. Galloway is a veteran, he has the natural speed to get himself open for any quarterback to throw to.

Clayton isn't really like that. During his time here, he's had Griese, Simms, Gradkowski and now Garcia since 2004. Garcia is undoubtably the best of that group - I see no reason that Garcia can't make Clayton the reciever he once was...so long as Clayton is willing to take his chance.

[kevin Mills]

mkurbo,

Other than Bryant Johnson I dont think any of those guys are proven, consistent playmakers.

Stallworth has been a bust that keeps getting chances just cause he's fast.

The others are probably no better than Antonio Bryant.

Why there wasnt more of a push For Bryant Johnson is my only gripe about FA.

The one thing that is annoying is people screaming about our lack of a move on this FA crop of receivers like there were four pro bowlers we just passed up on.

[Kennedy]

Steven,
Some guys are just better in the slot and Ike has done so well there, I would hate to see him at the 2 with Stovall or Clayton vying for the slot spot. Their blocking on sweeps is enough of a reason to have either/both out there. Also, how many games did we watch where you never heard Penn's name mentioned (as opposed to Walker, Kenyatta)? He has every right to be the front runner at LT, regardless of what Luke is being paid.

[Vince]

Stephen, not sure that you and DR have it right. I hope Clayton does well, but the one season he did well was when he was the only option. Even though he receives less opportunities now, he is also playing against the nickel or, at least, the weaker CB. Clayton's problem (and Stovall's) is failure to achieve separation due to lack of speed.
Clayton's problem may also be that his first year created a false impression about his actual abilities. Add in a confidence problem (many drops) and I do not see the same value you guys see.

[dv7401]

I agree regarding, Penn. Not hearing an O lineman's name being mentioned is usually a great thing! Also, I know it would never happen... but I would put Clayton in as the #1 reciever. Galloway's ego would probably not handle it well, but lets face it, there isn't a tougher reciever on the team to make the tough catches in traffic. Some people just perform at a different level when they know that they're "the guy". It will either make or break his career, but that's better than what he's been going through.

[bucs fan 4life]

I think we will be okay at RB with the additions of Dunn and the resigning of Bennett. If we bring Pitman back we can draft a RB in the later rounds and put him on the practice squad. That would give us our standard 5 RB. And because Pit can play FB I feel we get two for the price of one.

At LT I'm not impressed with Penn. He needed a lot of help and we had to keep the TE in to help him out. With LP he can leave him on his own and he will do a great job. Remember we were running to the left a lot before he got hurt and we were putting up good yards. When he went out all of our big runs were to the right side.

At WR I think we did the right thing by not paying for overpriced WR. Since we couldn't get Moss no one else deserved a big contract. Johnson would have been nice, but I can understan him stayin in the NFC West where he knows the teams he's going to play 6 games a year. He's going to get his took up and sign a big FA deal next year. In the draft I think we should go after Sweed from Texas. He's big strong and fast and if he wouldn't have gotten hurt this year he would have been the first WR of the board. If we don't get him we'll still be okay. This draft is very deep at the WR postition. We'll be able to upgrade at a moderate price no matter what.

[mkurbo]

Kevin,

First, we both want the Bucs to win right ? If you don't think having B. Johnson, Hackett, Stallworth, A. Davis, or Porter would be more distractive to an opposing defense than CCC (Can't catch Clayton) or OOF (Out of football) Bryant, then ok, you're right - the Bucs did great in addressing the one important need with CCC and OOF...

[kevin Mills]

mkurbo,

I honestly don't think their production will be any greater. certainly not to the extent that we should use money next year on our own players or WORTHY free agent.

Stallworth's hands are no better than Clayton's and from from i've read from seattle fans neither are Hackett's.

I'm not in favor of wasting money just over some 'grass is greener' syndrome.

With a healthy Warren and Stovall, A. Bryant and whoever we draft [and JG,Clayton, and ike of course] I'm confident we'll be okay at receiver as long as our line is good enough where we can actually use some 4 receiver sets to take advantage of them.

[kevin Mills]

*edit*

I honestly don't think their production will be any greater. certainly not to the extent that we should use money ***we can use next year on our own players or a WORTHY free agent.***

[Adam]

Excuse me... how many opportunities does Michael Clayton get at WR before someone says enough's enough? The guy hasn't been anything short of abysmal since his rookie year. I keep seeing cliches like "return to form" and "recapture the glory" in the same sentence with Clayton. Let's face it - the guy's a stiff. The rookie season was the fluke - not every season since. Cut him and be done. I'll put real money on the notion that he will not sign elsewhere and become Jerry Rice.

[Adam]

Excuse me... how many opportunities does Michael Clayton get at WR before someone says enough's enough? The guy hasn't been anything short of abysmal since his rookie year. I keep seeing cliches like "return to form" and "recapture the glory" in the same sentence with Clayton. Let's face it - the guy's a stiff. The rookie season was the fluke - not every season since. Cut him and be done. I'll put real money on the notion that he will not sign elsewhere and become Jerry Rice.

[jason]

Just a note or two for bucfan4life, Pittman blows! he sucked at playing FB and I'm glad he's gone. We need two true FB's like maybe Lorenzo Neal and Askew.
Luke Petitgout is damaged goods and most likely will be cut after he gets hurt in camp... again!
Since we all seem to be dreaming here... I would love to see the Bucs trade Clayton, and a draft pick for Chad Johnson... ok throw in Gradkowski to what the heck.
Eitherway we have an extremely tuff schedule this coming season. The AFC west and the NFC north. Depth at all positions is going to be key.
Smash mouth football is the only way we're going to beat all those teams. We need to be a top 5 rushing team next year.
So the two pieces that I would add would be Chad Johnson and Lorenzo Neal. Oh and draft a Left Tackle.
Good times.. Go Bucs!

[Benny Buckles]

Michael Clayton = David Boston, steriods and all. Yeah, he's going to magically be good for the first time in years and Warrick Dunn is going back to the Pro Bowl. Rrrriiggghhht.

[Michael Caudill]

As we all should remember I think Bryant will be suspended for the first two games. Michael Clayton played well at the end of the season. I think he is poised to be a force this year. I also remember a guy by the name of Parris Warren that showed promise in preseason until he got hurt. I like the idea of Donald Penn and Trueblood battling out for right tackle. I remember Trueblood getting beat on more than one occassion. i think he was the weak spot on the line and I think there should be a back-up for him also.

[Chuck Norris]

Michael Clayton is ten feet tall, weighs two-tons, breathes fire, and could eat a hammer and take a shotgun blast standing.

[RD]

Superman wears Michael Clayton pajamas.

[noleriff]

I have a question to pose to everybody. We're only going to keep five WR's, six at the most. Galloway isn't going anywhere, so there's one. We're either going to trade for one or draft one in the first two rounds, so there's two. Michael Spurlock is a WR and he's not leaving either (three). That leaves Clayton, Stovall, Hilliard, Warren and Bryant fighting for, at best, three spots. Which two get cut?

[Jaquez Green]

what about me? I'm available

[Reidel Anthony]

me too!

[DR]

noleriff, what reason could you possibly have to say that an undrafted WR like Spurlock, with 0 receptions last year will win a spot in training camp?

[Krutch]

If we're talking about ridiculous situations (Chad Johnson, Spurlock making next year's team), what about trading for Shockey? Simulation of a year in Madden with Shockey on the roster netted us a 10-6 year with a playoff win over Minnesota.

[Homeboy]

This isn't a depth chart. There is no DEPTH. This is a list of starters.

How long did this take? 8-9 minutes?

[devin]

look bryant going 2 beat ccc cant catch clayton at wr and paris warren is going 2 start 2 cause we all saw what he was like in preseason

[QBKilla]

Y'all is some ignorant mofos

[Matt]

T.J. Houshmandzadeh thinks $2.525m in the last year of his contract is insufficient for a multiple pro-bowler and isn't going to Bengals Camp either. Given Ocho Cinco has a massive cap number, the Buc's may have more luck going after T.J.

[noleriff]

DR,

I just think that Gruden falls in love with these skill position guys based on a "what have you done for me lately" mentality. And based on his track record so far, I think that returning the first KO for a TD in team history is enough for Gruden to keep Spurlock around for another year. Ya gotta admit, that Gruden seems to love "splash" more than anything else. And even if Spurlock doesn't make it (and I'm not saying he should) you're still gonna have to cut probably two of the remaining five. I honestly think we only keep five based on the fact that it looks like were gonna stock up FB's and TE's this year.

[John P]

The most important part of this offense is the o-line. I don't care who lines up at receiver if Garcia (or whoever) can't get 3-4 seconds to set up and throw. He ran for his life too many times last year and that's got to improve. Remember the Giants game anyone? We could have Moss on one side and Reggie Wayne on the other and still not score many points if pass blocking stays the way it was. Maybe the addition of Faine is going to make the difference, but I'm not convinced yet. I don't think Gruden is convinced either, but we'll see who they draft.

[DR]

They're gonna draft my mom. She has man-hands.

[dv7401]

How is this a depth chart? It's only one person deep at every position... did I not get the memo?

[thomas]

LT- Donald Penn
WR- Anquan Boldin (available for a 2nd round pick)

[RD]

You may as well have put it like this:

QB- Garcia, Dilfer, Griese, King, Zeir, Young, Moon, Gradkowski
RB- Graham, Dunn, Bennett, Rhett
FB- Alstott
LT- Luke Petitgout, Donald Penn, Donald Duck
LG- Aaron Sears, Jenna Jameson
C- Brian Boitano, Jeff Faine
RG- Davin Joseph, Dave Mustaine
RT- Jeremy Trueblood, Pinyatta Walker
TE- Alex Smith, Silent Bob
WR- Galloway, Rice, Brown, Anthony, Green, Mike Tyson, Randy Savage

[AB]

Hey RD you forgot Michael Jackson, with his moves he can shake off anybody... and why is jenna not starting? she would capture the attention of the entire defense so we would score almost all the time...

[Richard]

Donald Penn??? did i read correctly.. donald penn?? Why don't we just call kerry jenkins or roman oben to start for us again?... LukeP injured is a better tackle than donald penn... and 2Wr in my mind is going to be our pick in the draft (hopefully not desean "midget" jackson)...

[The King]

we're gonna sign DR to be our #2 WR, and he's even promissed to wear his pink Romo jersey and Jessica Simpson replica panties. He's hoping to cause a huge distraction on the field.

[Buc Fan]

Gruden has proven time and time again his x's and o's are up there with the best. The things he has been able to accomplish with this team is commedable. I dont agree with all the decisions but most have been made with the intenetion to get this team a win. As far as the talent upgrade at WR I would agree but what truely has to start developing or evolving is the off line and until this occurs any player you bring into this system is going to struggle. There is no way this offense is going to open up until this gets sured up. To get these big plays you have to have the time to let things develope and that has not happened much. Our defense is truely built to hold on to a lead and come after your qb but when you cant score points or get the protection to execute a strategy on offense it makes things much harder. Bottom line is the offense line has to become a force and then we will start seeing some consistance success or atleast be contenders year in and year out. Maybe win it all again.