Thoughts on the depth chart

First of all, I talked to Michael Clayton, right in photo, this morning and he said he wasn't shocked that Maurice Stovall was listed ahead of him on the depth chart. He said he wasn't going to spend much time thinking about it at this point in the preseason because the depth chart is likely to change several times before the start of the season.

But anyhow, I see this as more than an effort to send a message to Clayton. The Bucs believe Stovall has earned the playing time, and he's going to get it until someone or something changes the coaches' minds.

Elsewhere, although the depth chart lists Kevin Carter as a backup at left end, we know that he will get a significant number of snaps there and at under tackle, where Jovan Haye, left in photo, is listed as the starter. This much we know: Carter is going to play A LOT. Heck, they need him. Outside of Haye and backup Ellis Wyms, the Bucs are in the same boat as last season at under tackle without Carter playing there.

At tight end, Alex Smith is listed as the starter, with Anthony Becht and Jerramy Stevens behind him. But remember, the Bucs use a whole lot of two-tight end sets, so they'll liikely use all three of those guys extensively.

Finally, at quarterback, Bruce Gradkowski's place at No. 4 on the depth chart tells us that he is in danger of being cut. But from where we sit, we can't see the Bucs paying a quarterback $2-million (Chris Simms) to be third on the depth chart. Typically, your No. 3 quarterback is a guy who costs next to nothing and is there largely for insurance purposes. Definitely something to keep an eye on.

For those of you out there, anything surprise you on the depth chart?

Photo by Carrie Pratt | Times: Jovan Haye, left, is listed as a starter at defensive tackle. Michael Clayton has been usurped by Maurice Stovall.

Bucs release first depth chart

Hey, it's the preseason. Everything is subject to change.

But the Bucs released their first depth chart of the season (click here) and there are some interesting developments.

Luke McCown is the No. 2 quarterback behind starter Jeff Garcia. More surprising is that Chris Simms is listed third, ahead of Bruce Gradkowski. Simms, who has been limited with a sore throwing elbow and still is struggling to recover from spleen surgery, has had almost no throwing reps during team drills.

First-round pick Gaines Adams is a backup at right defensive end behind Broncos free agent Patrick Chukurwah. Jovan Haye is the starter at under tackle, ahead of Ellis Wyms.

Rookie Arron Sears is listed as the starter at left guard ahead of Anthony Davis. But with the recurring back problems suffered by Luke Petitgout, Davis has moved back to left tackle.

Second-year pro Maurice Stovall is listed as the No. 2 receiver, ahead of former first-round pick Michael Clayton. Joey Galloway, of course, is the other starter.

Despite some fierce competition, John Wade has managed to retain his job at center. Falcons free agent Matt Lehr is his backup and Dan Buenning, who isn't completely recovered from knee surgery, is third.

Alex Smith is listed as the starting tight end for the first time in his three-year pro career, ahead of Anthony Becht and Jerramy Stevens.

Phillip Buchanon and Alan Zemaitis are the primary backups at cornerback to starters Brian Kelly and Ronde Barber.

Finally, Mark Jones is listed as the first punt and kickoff returner. But given Buchanon's versatility, that could change.

Again, teams are required to have a depth chart for the preseason. But it is subject to change once the games begin.

Photo by Joseph Garnett Jr. | Times: First-round pick Gaines Adams, with defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, is a backup at right defensive end behind Broncos free agent Patrick Chukurwah.