Graham still a no-show; Talib takes it in

Running back Earnest Graham was absent from Bucs workouts, which continued Tuesday at One Buc Place.

The voluntary workout was cut short due to lightning, but the few reps first-round pick Aqib Talib took at corner left a pretty big impression on the former Kansas star. He said the pace was much faster than the rookie camp a few weeks ago, and it'll likely take him a few workouts to get used to the speed.

"The reps I did get, it went pretty good," Talib said. "But this is a lot faster (than rookie minicamp). There were a lot more players thrown at you here. Plus you got (guys in) motion so you’ve got to know exactly what to check, exactly what to do. It was kind of overwhelming, but a couple more practice and I should be in tune with the situation."

Talib said he's worked the past two weeks to get in better shape - and brush up on the playbook. And though he didn't get much time to chat with veterans like Ronde Barber, Talib had his first welcome-to-the-NFL moment.

"It's sunk in now- my locker is right next to Derrick Brooks," Talib said with a grin. "I'm a Tampa Bay Buccaneer now."

Jeff Garcia was here at the workout, though there's been no new updates on any contract negotiations.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

Comments

[Tim]

The key word was voluntary workout. When manditory start and he a no show, it may be time to worry.

[Tim]

mandatory

[James]

2 words for Earnest to keep in mind...Eric Rhett.

[Valrico Rick]

Déjà vu all over again! University of Florida running back Errict Rhett, under guidance from his agent Drew Rosenhaus, holds out and grumbles of being underpaid after a “single” significant season of twelve hundred yards and loses his starting job to Florida State running back Warrick Dunn. Flash forward; University of Florida running back Earnest Graham, under guidance from his agent Drew Rosenhaus, holds out and grumbles of being underpaid after a “single” significant season of nine hundred yards and loses his starting job to Florida State running back Warrick Dunn. The writing is on the wall all ready. And by the way, voluntary workouts are only voluntary for players with attitude problems or the desire to make a statement. As a member of a “team” you have the responsibility to step up and show your commitment to your team, and only showing up when you have to is not a commitment to the team, that is doing only what you have to do. It’s the same thing as saying it’s okay to cheat on your wife as long as you don’t get caught. Your pretty much missing the point completely.

[Caleb]

Knowing how the front office is, we won't get any contract updates on Garcia or Graham. One is 39 and dying off and the other is a one year wonder.

[nick]

I hope E.G. gets in and signs a deal. He and Cadillac, who will come back, will be a nice one two punch in the backfield.

[Jay]

Meanwhile, at the Legion of Doom, Lex Luthor and Michael Bennett are laughing maniacally.

I love EG, but he's a fool if he thinks that Dunn and Bennett won't be happy to take his carries.

[Matt]

Michael Bennett is far more talented then E.G., and with a full year in the system he could be real dangerous. Warrick can equal or surpass EG's production, and if Graham holds out we'll bring Pittman back until caddy is healthy. Graham is sorely mistaken if he thinks the Bucs can't get along with out him. He played great in relief last year, and I'd love to bring him back for a fair price (little over a mil a year) but there was a reason he was 3rd and 4th on the depth chart all these years, and it wasn't because he was Barry Sanders incognito!

[Skylar]

Graham is mistaken if he thinks his slow game was the reason for his success last year. With the other backs that we have, we will do greater things behind an even better line this year. Graham only deserves a bump in pay as a legitmate back-up/end-the-game type running back. GO BUCS!!!

[jim j]

CUT HIM BENNET IS FASTER AND BETTER AND EG IS A ONE YEAR WONDER. YOU SIGN A TO RB'S AND THEY CAN MOVE ON.

[The Bull Gator]

I'm a huge Gator and Earnest Graham fan, but I can't help but agree with all the others out there who think this is becoming a little much. Due to injuries, Graham stepped in and had a nice season, but he's still Earnest Graham. There's a reason why he wasn't getting carries in his first few years and there's a reason the team isn't budging at the moment. He's not a star back. He's a good guy to have on your team who gives great effort and can come in when needed. Right now, the Bucs have 3 other backs on the roster who have proven more in this league than him. Dunn...is older now, but obviously has done a lot. Bennett...should get more carries now that he's been part of the system longer. Williams...if he can ever come back (fingers crossed), he's the #1 guy. It was fun watching Graham last year because it was a feel-good story, but the way he's being portrayed now, you'd think he ran for 1,500 yards and had 20 TDs. When it comes down to it, he had less games in which he carried the ball 10 or more times and averaged over 4 yards per carry (5), than he did averaging under 4 yards per carry (6), and his longest run of the season was only 28 yards. I think Graham can...and will...contribute to this team. But as a hard runner between the tackles that's best limited to that role while someone else can be the explosive #1 guy.

I like that the Bucs may be holding off on this for now. The league is full of guys who perform well during 1 season, get a big deal, and then disappear. Let's see Graham do better in 2008 and then talk.

[max]

Go ahead and be greedy Earnest. You're ruining your career. PROVE yourself before you get so demanding. You're expendable. Just ask Warrick, Michael and Cadillac, they'll be happy to take your carries. Stupid.

[DV]

Am I the only one who thinks that maybe the offensive line gave a little extra when Williams went down? Maybe they should all hold out too.

[charlesdog]

everybody seems to be on the same page here.Yea E.G. hold out or hold your breath till you get some attention.Nobody cares son,go DUNN.

[Steve L]

Valrico Rick, that was a great analogy; nicely done. Michael Bennett is still here and I'll bet you that Cory Boyd is a factor down the road, if not earlier. Message to Ernest: man up and sign whatever offer is on the table, which is likely 2-3 times more than you were making not counting bonus. You were given a chance, you did well and deserve to be rewarded; however no one is mistaking you for an elite back and they likely never will. Heed the Rhett analogy. It was all downhill for him after that point.

[MikeG]

Drew Rosenhaus thinks he is the Scott Boras of the NFL but he's just another idiot doing a disservice to his clients.

[MikeG]

Oh just because I think Rosenhaus and Graham are dumb for holding out doesn't mean I don't like Graham. Those of you who are saying we don't need him may be the fools. Graham has consistently shown that he performs when given the paying time. Bennet did nothing for us last year. Graham may not be flashy or have all these "feature back qualities" everyone talks about. Earnest Graham just produces quietly, almost never loses yards or the football and it would not be good to lose him. Cadillac will never be what he was, that injury he sustained gives him odds of maybe 1% of ever being successful at this level again.

[Jimmy V]

First and foremost I do believe that Bennet came in too late in the season to "produce" cause of the unfamiliarity of the system. The times he did go in he showed flashes of what made him an all-pro in 2003. His legs are fresh after being behind LJ in KC and now he knows the system and he will be behind a good going on great o-line! I will bleed orange and blue till I die, and I too love EG, BUT I also believe that he has to prove himself one more year before he gets greedy I mean c'mon man Bruce Allen is not a retard, Cory Boyd can come in and provide between the tackle running just fine and I bet he will be in before 3-4 years like EG. Prove that you are not a flash in the pan before thinking you are THE RUNNING BACK for the BUCS.

[Mikebloms]

I know Graham isnt the best back ever but he does deserve more money hes making pennies in this league and he has done nothing but show up to work day in and day out doing his best even when Gruden refused to give him an opportunity untill he had to. This guy is classy he works hard. I dont think he should get a huge deal but give him an extension with some opportunities for more money if he keeps getting better. The biggest reason I like Graham is that he has a body built like a brick house you wont see this guy breaking down late in the season like our Cadillac has been doing the last few years......... I vote give him a little more money with incentives its that simple.......

I do love the extension of BJ Askew though he is a beast.....

[chucktownbuc]

Graham have to realize there is a different when you are an afterthought for a Defensice coordinator and a game breaker. If you want the big contract play great another year, take Cadilac spot or just shut up and settle on being a careeer long back up