Preseason eye-openers

The preseason usually tells us more about the players we don't know than those we're familiar with. (View audio slide show)

So, while we might get only a taste of what the likes of Warrick Dunn and Jeff Garcia might do when the regular-season starts, we get a much better sense for what the Elbert Macks of the world have to offer. Obviously, that's because the backups and fringe players get an inordinate amount of playing time in exhibition games, largely because they need to be evaluated.

So, based on all we've seen thus far, let's look at the unfamiliar faces who have been most impressive this preseason.

CB Elbert Mack: This undrafted free agent from Troy led the nation in interceptions with eight (including one returned for a touchdown) . Some will say that's because he played opposite first-round pick Leodis McKelvin, meaning opponents more often threw the other direction. That's certainly true. But Mack made the plays when given the opportunity. And he's proving capable of doing that at this level, as he did with last week's interception against New England. A superb athlete who packs a bigger punch than his size (5-10, 175 pounds) suggests, Mack might not make the Bucs' final roster but sure has the film to get a look elsewhere.

OL Jeremy Zuttah: I know, I know. This guy is no longer a secret. And yes, he was a third-round pick, nothing to sneeze at. Still, who expected him to be arguably the most impactful rookie of this class? So far, that appears to be true. He'll likely open the season as the starting right guard while Davin Joseph's broken foot heals. And Zuttah's versatility -- he can play guard and center effectively -- makes him valuable on game day, when you're limited to just 45 active players. Your backups must be able to step in under a number of different scenarios, something Zuttah can definitely do.

RB Clifton Smith: If you haven't noticed this guy during the preseason, you'll have to watch closer. He is, after all, a blur. Showing rare speed and uncanny quickness, Smith has shown he has enough skills to leave you wondering why he wasn't drafted out of Fresno State in April. Even Jon Gruden has wondered aloud about the same thing. He probably gets squeezed off the final roster because of the Bucs' depth in the backfield, but his array of skills as a runner, receiver and returner make him a full package. There have been many instances where he has lined up in the backfield, gone into motion, then lined up wide as a receiver. And he does it all pretty effortlessly, looking like a natural.

WR Antonio Bryant: Here's a guy who wasn't exactly an unknown, having posted a 1,000-yard season in 2006. But I've been doing this long enough to know that guys who spend a year away from the game rarely come back in the same form. Bryant hasn't been perfect as he attempts to overcome the physical challenges of returning to the game after not playing in 2007, but he barely looks like he's missed a beat. If final cuts were today, I don't see a scenario in which he doesn't make the team. He is probably the only guy among this undistinguished group of receivers who has separated himself from the pack. Click here to see today's feature that includes an interesting story about his first meeting with Gruden.

[Photos: Times files]

Comments

[Tony Aiello]

How come we again ignored to upgrade the wide receiver position? should we ask Bruce Allen?

[Bruce Allen]

I was busy chasing farve. Give me a break! But we didn't make him an offer.

[Greg]

I would like to see Mack make the team. He has shown he is a playmaker (at least so far). That is the type of player that thrives in this defense. He would mesh very well. But when you have the loaded talent that we have in the secondary, it is hard to see who he would displace.

[Malcom Glazer]

Tony is a negative ninny.

[Wade]

What receiver would you have signed to upgrade the team? Javon Walker is looking like quite a find for Oakland, Berrian isn't doing much? Those were the highlights of the receivers... Don't even mention Randy Moss, he wasn't going anywhere other than NE and the entire world knew that.

[Jesse]

Is Mack having a better preseason than Talib?

[Stephen_Holder]

I didn't say Mack was outplaying Talib. That's a little strong. I'm just pointing out some lesser-known players who are making their presence felt. Talib will be fine. I think he'll be the nickel back for now, which puts him on the field for about 40 percent of the snaps.

[Newton]

Big Joe Jurevicius was available.

[Greg]

Talib in practice seems to show some strong instincts for making plays, but he did not seem to stand out in the games. But since he was #1 pick he will be a given.

[Jim]

sorry Newton,.. can we have a wide receiver that can play 16 games please? thats not Joe these days,.. and from where I'm sitting...Antonio Bryant looks like an upgrade to me,..

[Larry S]

Tony,
May I suggest that in the future, prior to commenting on an article that you actually read it? Bryant IS an upgrade and will be one of the top producers in the NFC if he stays healthy. When he's out there along with Air Galloway and D-Jax they're going to create some real problems for the opposition. No disrespect to Hilliard, as he's played very well for us, but if you don't think Bryant is an upgrade then you may want to scratch out "football scout" as one of your possible career options.

[Anthony Bryant]

Yeah Tony.........Larry and Jim have a good point there! You don't think I'm an upgrade???? I ought to come over there and kick your ***!

[Jay]

If Mack gets cut and Sammy Davis doesn't, there is, no Santa Claus, no Easter Bunny and no justice left in this world.

[Dean Martin]

I say keep Sammy Davis.

[Ben Doversky]

If Mack plays well Saturday, he stays. I also hear he's played a little QB. Gruden will love that. Rosters are too small for the amount of team injuries. The Owners need to hire a rocket scientist to tell them they need more players on their teams for contingency. Go Comrade Bucsky

[Hillary Clinton]

Mmmmm!!!! I love me some hot dogs!

[Smuckers]

With a name like Elbert he's gotta be good!

[Joey's Groin]

I'm feelin good!

[Bill Clinton]

Hillary,
If that were true I would'nt have had to mess with Monica, and wouldn't have had to go through all those issues with congress!
Anyways, this is not about you, this is about the Buc's!
Speaking of which.........here's my prediction:
They will lose their last game in Tampa this season...in the SuperBowl to Tony Dungy and the Colts! 20 - 17
You heard it here first!

[Monica]

I hate hot dogs

[Bill Clinton]

You always seemed to love my hot dogs, Monica. Now if you just hadn't been so darn messy with the mayonnaise!

[hammer]

Go Bucs!

[Monica]

Cigars? Cigarettes? Tiparillos?

[hammer]

ouch

[JScott]

We have an open thread running for the ball game if anyone wants to join: BucEm.com