Never too early for depth chart

The Bucs, like many NFL teams, won't publish a depth chart until they're a week or two into training camp. It's just too hard to tell right now.

But that doesn't mean we can't offer our take on what it might look like. So, for now, let's take a peek at the defense. Remember, these are projections based on what we know at the moment (not much). If someone breaks out and has a spectacular camp, anything could change.

I've gone over the roster several times now, comparing it against last year's starting lineup. Gotta tell you: I'm having a hard time getting up the nerve to replace any of last season's starters.

So here's my lineup -- for now:

RDE: Gaines Adams

DT: Jovan Haye

NT: Chris Hovan

LDE: Kevin Carter

SLB: Cato June

MLB: Barrett Ruud

WLB: Derrick Brooks

RCB: Ronde Barber

LCB: Phillip Buchanon

SS: Jermaine Phillips

FS: Tanard Jackson

You might disagree with my take. I'll admit there are a couple of positions for which you can make an argument. For example, it's entirely possible new acquisition Marques Douglas will beat out Carter at left end. Or, maybe the Bucs have a different plan that involves playing Adams there while sliding Greg White into the starting lineup at right end. I happen to think the Bucs like White as a spot player in passing situations as he still hasn't proven himself against the run. But that's just my educated guess.

Another position up for debate: left cornerback. Maybe Eugene Wilson opens camp by turning heads and gives Buchanon a run. Wilson has been a starter for most of his career, albeit at safety. But my guess, for now, is that Wilson will be the nickel back on opening day.

For the most part, the signings on defense, in particular, have been for the purpose of adding depth. We all know that's critical after last season's rash of injuries. But, at least for now, I'm having a hard time finding new acquisitions who are going to crack the starting lineup. We'll tackle the offense some other time. Feel free to dissect this at will.

Comments

[Bob]

it's pretty good but i do believe Greg white will start at LDE and Eugene Wilson will show what he's made of and be the starter at LCB

[JR]

i dont know if greg white has shown enough against the run to be the starter we'll see in training camp. Buchanan will be the favorite for LCB so wilson will have to do alot to unseat him. All in all, starting the same defense that finished no. 2 overall last year doesnt sound like a bad idea

[BEENABUC]

Well another way to look at it is this is the same defense that was carved like turkey in the playoffs last year also by Eli the other "Patriot-Killer", but it also was without Jackson and June...Im not so happy about Brooks starting because his age showed in the playoffs also and the lack of pass rush/blitz packages absolutely floored me. So, I am expecting the same top-ten defense but not "Championship" quality yet, missing pieces on the line.

[Jay]

Stephen, that's pretty much as I see it as well, but why do you have Cato June playing SLB when his natural position has always been WLB. He split time with Brooks last year, and as good as he is, I don't see him as beating out Ryan Nece or Quincy Black if he's playing an unfamiliar position. He was GREAT last year as WLB.

[Stephen_Holder]

Jay, it wasn't my idea to put June at SLB. That's where he played the overwhelming majority of his snaps last season, so until I see a willingness to move him to WLB full time, I'll just assume it's status quo. Maybe it won't be, but I have no indication they're going to make a change. And, yes, they did split reps -- sort of. I wrote a story about that. They were sharing reps in the nickel package ONLY, meaning one of them would come off the field. In the base package, it was always as I have it in the chart above. Here's a link that story I just referenced: http://www.sptimes.com/2007/12/12/Bucs/Star_LBs_work_in_harm.shtml

[Duane]

The Giants "carved us up" by dinking an dunking down the field which is what the Cover 2 is designed to allow. His brother did the same thing earlier in the season. Time for Monte to think up some different blitz packages and schemes to overcome that so Rhonde Barber isn't fuming on the sidelines like he was against the Colts.

[John P]

Looks pretty good, Stephen. I think Carter won't be a starter next year though, but in a split platoon with Douglas and on the field in passing situations.

Until he gets into game shape I don't see Piscitelli challenging Phillips at all. As for Wilson - he's the apparent nickel corner next year - and taking Buchanon's spot as a starter isn't going to happen. Buchanon (fingers crossed) might finally have his job figured out.

I also think that Hovan at tackle will have someone drafted as an understudy this year. Ryan Sims is not a top-flight backup by any stretch.

What about Chukwurah though? He's not a starter, but they've got to want the guy on the field with as much as they talked him up last year. Switch him to left end maybe? Or - is he gone with White and now Douglas backing up at the end spots?

[Stephen Holder]

You know, sometimes I forget about Chukwurah. Guess it's easy to do so given the number of games he missed with injuries last year. He's going to have to prove himself all over again, I suspect. But I think he could be a factor this year, yes. But your point reminds me of something: I need to check on his cap number. Curious what his contract situation is. I do remember he got some decent money. Can't remember exactly how much off the top of my head. I'll do that tomorrow though. Right now, I'm going out for a (much-needed) run while my jeans still fit!

[RD]

Any thoughts on Wilson starting at FS and moving Tanard Jackson to CB?

[Ty Guy]

TJ played too good in his rookie season to move him this year. He is too good of a safety to move him in favor of Eugene Wilson and Phillip Buchanon can probably be a better CB next year than TJ so I personally cant see that happening even though I too once thought about that scenario.

[Stephen Holder]

RD, I have to agree with Ty Guy here. Tanard was a CB at Syracuse and the Bucs went through a lot of effort to convert him to a safety. Given how well it worked, I can't see why they'd mess with that. I don't know if he has NFL CB speed either. Not saying he doesn't. Just that I don't know whether he does.

[Joe Simmons (Slow Joe)]

Maybe not next year, but I could certainly see sometime in the future Tanard Jackson taking over Ronde Barber's role as the "nickel corner" that starts outside, moves inside on third downs, and occasionally blitzes the QB.

He would certainly be excellent in the run support responsibilities of a "Cover 2" corner.

[Tom]

Hey Stephen,
I think the guy that people are leaving out is Sabby Piscitelli. We didn't draft him in the second round to sit on the bench. I'm still not sold on Philips. I still think he takes bad angles and is not all that athletic. I see Sabby starting next year next to Tanard. Moving Tanard to CB is a possibility, too, if Jermaine is to stay on the field. I really think Monte is going to put the best playmakers on the field.

Another prediction is that we're going to move to more quarters defense rather than cover 2. Our safeties are now a strength of our secondary and playing more quarters will get them in the action. What do you think?

[Kipp]

Ugh, please let the bucs draft somebody to beat out Phillip Buchanon for the LCB job. The guy reminds me of a modern day Mario Edwards.

[Kipp]

Also what about moving Kevin Carter over to DT and letting Greg White play LDE? Maybe that could gernerate more pass rush.

[ATLRon]

Wow. Holy crap. I just had a Maalox moment looking at this depth chart. I mean can your starters get any older?? It has to be the oldest starting D in the league. Hope you've got some good depth behind these geezers for when they start breaking down about Week 6. I feel a lot better today after looking at this.

[Ed Mills]

Gotta love when the ATL fans come around talking trash. THe laughing stock of the division talking trash about the division champs. Don't worry about our D, they were #2 last year. Worry that you have an insurance sales man as your starting qb.

[Ed Mills]

And can you thank Rich McKay for us. The man ruined your franchise, God Bless him.

[Dan]

They really need to improve their pass rush this yr to go far in the playoffs.I don't think Carter will start.Douglas will probably take his place & they definitely need to play Greg White more, he led the team with 8 sacks playing sparingly. I like the secondary,but once again,the D-Line
pass rush makes a secondary look good.Giants are the perfect example.They need to sign Coleman.He would be perfect for the pass rush up the gut!

[aaron]

Tom i agree with you on the safety take. i really think sabby will challenge Flip this year for the starting spot at SS. As was stated he is a 2nd round pick, they dont pick you there to ride the pine. Flip was better last year than he was the year before. but who is to say that he wont revert back to that syle of play, bad angles and missed tackles. that is why sabby was brought in. sabby is stronger in the coverage department and is just as good against the run. and has just as much pop in his hits. he also is 6'3" 223 pounds and runs a 4.43 40. he is fast.
i dont see why Wilson is even being talked about as a safety. he should be the nickle back and pretty much thats it. if sabby doesnt beat out Flip then he should be the back up to bith tanard and flip.

[DR]

Seriously, please stop talking about being division champs. A 9-7 record is really a bad season. Just because you lucked out playing in a terrible division in a weak conference isn't anything to brag about. It shows others how pathetic the Bucs franchise is. If the Colts go 10-6 next AND win the division, the fans would be mad about their season. The Bucs are forcing the NFL to apply a new rule so a better team doesn't have to play a road game against an inferior opponent who won a crappy division in the playoffs.

[RD]

Hey DR, that rule won't be implemented- you can have a great record off a weak schedule, that doesn't make you better than a team playing a tough schedule with less wins. How's it feel to be a Cowgirls fan anyway... knowing that your head coach is pretty much already fired because Jerry Jones really wants Garrett to be the head coach? I bet there's a ton of respect for Wade Phillips there, huh? lmao!!!
Don't get your Romo replica panties all in a wad, now...

[Michael]

DR, STOP POSTING HERE!! THE TRUE BUCS FANS DONT WANT YOU HERE!!!! CANT WAIT TO SEE WHAT A FOOL YOU WILL LOOK LIKE WHEN THEY BUCS REPEAT AS DIVISION CHAMPS!! You will probably say that you just didnt want to be over optimistic, or some lame responce after the season. I think this will be the starting defence next year:

RDE: Gaines Adams

DT: Jovan Haye

NT: Chris Hovan

LDE: Greg White

SLB: Cato June

MLB: Barrett Ruud

WLB: Derrick Brooks

RCB: Ronde Barber

LCB: Phillip Buchanon

SS: Jermaine Phillips

FS: Tanard Jackson

The only reason I say that it would be Greg White over Kevin Carter is that White is younger, and while ALOT less inexperienced, probably isnt going to get tired as quickly, always important, ESPECIALLY with the heat Florida has. However, I wouldn't be shocked if Carter gets the starting job.

[Mike]

Kevin Carter I'm sure is in much better shape than Greg White. The main reason that Carter has lasted as long as he has without injury is because of his conditioning. Oh, and the Florida heat is not a factor seeing how he was born and raised in Miami, played college ball at Florida, and recently came from the Dolphins.

[IMISS_No47]

Sounds like sour grapes DR

[James]

DR you're a joke. Everything you post here is always a weak attempt at a slam againts the Bucs. Why don't you run back to Dallas where you'll fit in quite well with your 'Boys and thier not winning a single playoff game since 1995. Fu(kin Bum!

[DR]

DR, the worst thing is the bucs played an easy schedule and only had 9 wins. From what reports are saying, it's a matter of when the rule will be approved, not if.

[Tom]

DR,
If you were to look at the schedule prior to the season starting last year, it would appear to be an extraordinarily tough schedule.
@Seattle
Saints
Rams
@Carolina
@Indy

Those were considered all very tough teams. Anyways, how has the Cowboys fared in the playoffs in the past decade? Enough said.

[vikingdan]

Don't waste your time with DR.

I think, for some reason, the Bucs like Gaines Adams on the LDE. Towards the end of the year, you saw a lot of Gaines at LDE and White at RDE on key passing situations. However, this will be a DL by committee. I think Gaines and White will get lots of help from Douglas and Carter. Chakurra may make a big run at some playing time soon as well.

One concern: Adams, Hovan, Haye, and White are all smaller DL's. Our run defense could suffer if the ends don't get better at run support. We also need to get better at rushing the passer from DT.

Lastly, I've heard people mention bringing back Sapp as a back up. However, I don't think he is eligible. I may be wrong, but he retired with time left on his contract. I think if he chose to "unretire", he'd have to go back to Oakland.

[kevin Mills]

Apparently DR and others dont remember the last 2 weeks of the season.

If the rule they SHOULD pass had been in effect the Bucs probably would have finished 11-5.

The Bucs were 9-5 had clinched a spot and rested many players and managed to blow the last two games.

Fighting for a playoff spot those two games would have more than likely been wins. although you can never assume anything.

But going on about 9-7 like we struggled and just squeaked out an above 500 record is a weak argument.

[John P]

vikingdan,

Sapp retired while under contract to the Raiders, so they own his rights.

As far as the Bucs record goes, they finished 9-7, but easily could have been 11-5 had they bothered playing starters through the final 2 games. I think they played very well against the lesser competition, and rather poorly against better teams. You can take that two ways:

1. They beat the teams they were supposed to - why apologize for it?
2. They were a 2nd class team against better competition.

They were by no means supposed to be great last year. I figured they'd be quickly looking for a new head coach after the opener against Seattle. But they meshed together and became a functional, solid team.

To me, the big question is - can they do it once more - against what appears to be a very tough schedule? One nice thing about the NFL though, is that a schedule that looks tough on paper can get very easy after a few injuries and meltdowns (see Carolina and New Orleans last year).

[Niraj K Patel]

It is a good start, but Jovan Haye is a situational player, we need someone more dominant on the inside. I won't forget the Giants playoffs game for a long time, there was no pass rush from the middle. Neither he or Hovan could do much for last 3 quarters and the LBs blitzed ineffectively, allowing Giants to throw where LBs were supposed to be in Cover 2 D.

Also, I want to see Quincy Black in the middle. I saw very little of him last year in the preseason but I liked his speed and aggressiveness.

Niraj

[dv7401]

Monte Kiffen toyed with the 3-4 formation last year. With the quality and speed of our linebackers and the lack of a pass rush from our line, I was surprised to see him abandon it altogether. I'm hoping Monte will stray from his comfort zone and use the personnel to their strenghts. Rudd and Black in the middle with Brooks and June or Chuckwurah and June on the outside with our larger run stopping linemen would seem to be a good combo. You can blitz any of the linebackers, or drop them into coverage, and I'm not sure about Black, but the other LB's are solid tacklers... just an idea.

[Kurt]

I really don't see Buchanon starting. He makes a much better nickle back and Wilson is fine as a cover 2 corner. It's not like Barber has blazing speed. And when we have a our next Lynch (Piscatelli) with blinding speed; nobody's gonna do much running on us. We were pretty damn good against it last year anyway!

To the Atlanta fan: there are only going to be 3 aged starters on our opening day roster (on defense:) Barber, Brooks and Hovan. Thats just a little veteran leadership in each level of defense.

DR; you're still a nimwit. Nothing more needs to be said.

[j.]

PHILLIP BUCHANON REALLY SCARES ME!!

[Maurice]

I can see both Douglas and Carter playing some defensive tackle in certain situations. Douglas can play the under tackle and Carter can play the nose. We have versatile linemen so there's no telling how they will line up each play.

I agree that the Bucs can begin to use that 3-4 defense they worked on. Adams and Chuckwrah can play the edges and Douglas and Carter can play the ends. I guess Hovan will play the nose and who know who the middle line backers would be.

Being a "starter" in Tampa means nothing on both sides of the ball. Gruden will use a zillion different packages each game and Monte can mix it up as well.

[ryan callahan]

I think Wilson could be a very decent LCB, but i really like Buchanon, and albeit he isnt the biggest guy out there, he still gets the job done.

[dv7401]

Hmm, that's odd. I thought depth charts ususally showed DEPTH? This is a list of starters... where's the depth? Are we only one person deep at every position? Dang! Why did I have to listen to my guidance councellor! I shoulda been a sports writer or a newspaper editor, aparently you don't have to go to college for that...

[JS]

Here's a wacky idea... why not bring warren sapp back? we brought back warrick, so why not sapp? I know he said: "I'M DONE!" but anybody playing for the raiders might say that.. We bring a fan favorite, alot of baggage, future HOF (I strongly think so), leadership?, and most important it makes our avg. age on defense go up... don't get me wrong i would love sapp back.

[The King]

JS, Sapp is still under contract to the Raiders, so it would cost the Bucs a draft pick to get him. While you're at it, try and see if Brad Culpepper is still available. Maybe Hardy Nickerson will come out the booth?