Defending the Bucs defensive line

The Bucs haven't done much to address their needs on the defensive line this off-season.

They were out-bid for Titans defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who signed with the Redskins. They lost Jovan Haye to Tennessee in free agency. They retained defensive tackle Ryan Sims.

But coach Raheem Morris says the Bucs could get better in the draft and there is more time to add players before training camp.

"We did re-sign Ryan Sims, who was our free agent, so to speak. I know it wasn't the big splash that everybody wanted,'' Morris said. "We did make a bid for Albert (Haynesworth). It didn't work out. We felt it went past our limit where we wanted to go, where we were comfortable going and we didn't go there. We feel good about that.

"We still have the upcoming draft. We still have to get ready for training camp. We don't know where we're going to end at. We don't know where we're going to be. We just are looking to improve every position and obviously that's a position we have to improve. We feel pretty good about the guys we have. Hovan is not a slouch. We've got Ryan Sims and we've also got some young guys who are really unproven when you're talking about Greg Peterson, when you're talking about Dre Moore. We feel pretty good. I can't wait to see what happens. It's a competitive situation.

"There's so many players on our team, on defense that people just haven't heard about -- the Quincy Blacks and the Geno Hayeses and (Adam) Haywards. These guys are quality draft picks and we can't wait to give them a chance to prove themselves.''

Morris says anybody who believes the Bucs are content to rebuild and have lowered expectations for 2009 are mistaken.

"Well, they obviously haven't talked to myself and Mark Dominik,'' Morris said. "People are entitled to their own opinion, I tell people that all the time.You can think whatever you want to think. Until you get out there. It's nothing you really have to talk about. It will all be determined in September between wins and losses.

"I think we've done a good job. I guess (the media) made it a youth movement. We didn't really see it that way. We went that way to make our team tougher, more physical, faster, more ready to finish down the stretch. That's some of the things we wanted to do by bringing in some of the guys we brought in during free agency, good guys, character guys as well. Also guys who have been part of winning teams and are able to finish.

"We lost some great leaders and we've got to find some new leaders. There are some guys on our team we feel comfortable with, some guys on our team that have to step up and fill those roles, but we think they're ready to do it and really hope they will.''

Comments

[Erick]

If Dre Moore can be in shape this time he may be able to help. Isn't Peterson a pretty big dude too?

[bucatologist]

dont let this stuff fool you, we are not in good shape on the d line going into this year. these guys are almost all backups at best. and for good reason. its pretty telling when the best thing said is that hovan is no slouch. whoopidy dooo!!! we're hurting pretty bad. believe it. we've almost forced ourselves into taking a dt first round. jerry,hood,brace. somebody

[Brandon]

Bucketologist:

Are you kidding about Ron Brace? And in the first round even! Brace is a big fat, slow bodied marshmallow that doesn't belong anywhere north of the top 60 picks.

If the Bucs are trying to get bigger upfront, why would they take Jerry, an undersized (290) overaged (25) prospect that really isn't what we need.

Evander Hood could be the guy, however, big enough with good quickness and a great motor. If we don't go DE (like Michael Johnson or trade down and take Connor Barwin), then this is the guy we need to grab.

[Brandon]

I'd love to see Greg Peterson out there at LDE or DT, this guy is a physical specimen who was losing valuable experience snaps to bums like Kevin Carter. Give this guy a shot and see what he can do, he played very well in very limited snaps in the first half of 2007. He and Dre Moore need to make a splash this season.

[bucatologist]

brandon. somebody!! we could trade down to gain an extra pick because bates might like slow marshmallows to plug the middle. just an option/thought.

their has been two other people comment on here so far and both have mentioned dre moore. why?? the fact that we mention a guy who cant even make the team further proves how bad we are hurting at this particular position.

[jason in lake mary]

any chance we could make a trade for Shaun Rogers? I don't think we'd have to pay him anywhere near what Hanyesworth is making, but he is almost as productive... I just read a blog on nfl.com that the Browns are trying to unload a lot of players, maybe we could give up a draft pick for him (not our first round pick, but something...maybe a 3rd or a 4th)....

[cody]

My guess is Shaun Rogers will cost at the very least a 2nd rounder and some change.

[jason in lake mary]

yeah, i was thinking the same thing...i just really don't want to give up too many draft picks for any one player, (considering that we are "rebuilding"...) but, it would be nice to have a DT like Rogers. i'd love to see us draft a DT in the first round, but i'm not too sure who will be left by the time we pick. I really hope we address the DT spot, either with a high draft pick (1st round) or in a trade/free agency.

[aj]

Because of salary cap implications, Rogers is pretty much untradeable. The Browns would take a huge cap penalty to trade him.

[jason in lake mary]

oh...damn, i didn't realize that. well, maybe tank johnson...or the draft... but, i hope the add someone to DT

[conradbuff]

dre moore could be a stud he was considered a fringe first rnd pick if he wasnt so inconsistent if the coaches can light a fire under him he has the potential to be great

[Plunderin]

Anyone who thinks The Bucs are going to Cutler is living in lala land. And for that matter no one will get Cutler unless he has ticked off the owner by not returning his calls etc.. I think its all about money and Cutler is worth more than other teams than give.

[Gru]

Thought I'd take a few moments away from my busy schedule spending the Glazers money and offer some insight into the state of affairs. The Defense is not as healthy as the organization is communicating. If the offense is incapable of scoring 30+ points a game this season, then prepare yourself for a lot of disappointment.

The organization realized the defense was aging and inexperienced. Explaining the offensive free agent signings. The hope is the offense will be capable of carrying the defense while it's in the rebuilding stage.

The defensive free agents that have been signed are coming off of injuries and were offered contracts at their market value. Assuming they pan out, then it's a win-win situation. If they don't pan out, then there's no experienced depth.

Well that's all for now. By the way, I'm still enjoying life and the two year retirement plan offered to me by the Glazers.

[cpdogg99]

I really think this Jarron Gilbert fron San Jose State will be this years' sleeper... Third round GOLD!!!

[Go Long]

Uh Gru - pretty funny....but from what I have read....I think you have 3 years on the current plan - not that there won't be A LOT of callers for you next year. 2009 will really be something to watch.

and Brandon - are you kidding?! Calling Kevin Carter a bum? You have ZERO CLUE. He was quite possibly the Bucs best DL last year. DL in first round - no doubt.

[cody]

I'd like to see the Bucs pursue a trade with the Chiefs, but not for Glenn Dorsey.

Tamba Hali was a very productive Left DE opposite Jared Allen and I just don't see where he would fit into the 3-4 that KC is going to shift to. They may be willing to let him go for a 3rd round pick. Adams, Hali, White, and Wilkerson would be a nice rotation at DE.

What's everyone think? Fills a need too.

[CVal]

Petersen has been a bust as a backup and Dre Moore (39 reps/225 @ his combine) looked good on paper, but is a lazy bum. Carter and Hovan have been great for Bucs, but are old and worn out. Hood or Jerry are best bet for 1st rd. Gilbert or Sidbury were 3rd rd guys, but after Combine are flying up charts.Dorell Scott is a stud DT (poss 3rd rd)Brandon Williams is a likely to be there DE in 3rd (Texas Tech)6'5"/252 & 4.76/40. He's a boom or bust guy.

[CVal]

I saw the neg on Dorsey of Chiefs. He had a rough Freshman year but also was injured at end of College senior campaign. Prob the reason. He's going to be a great DT and every bit worth a 1st rd trade. We would be lucky to get him for that. If Chiefs go to a 3-4 Def, Dorsey is wrong guy for them and they may trade if asked. HaLI IS a backup. Chiefs may want to trade Dorsey for Panther Peppers. That would be a good swap but not as good as Bucs getting him (for us).