Based on Tampas Fan base , the Bucs have 3 areas where they need to answer questions . 1 The draft they said they will build through the draft, that will be seen by the players they draft and if they trade for more picks . 2 and 3 taking care of our LT and ILB positions . Each position is important on both sides of the ball . Why haven't the bucs been so quick to sign either player when they were so quick to sign an unproven Wideout in Michael Clayton maybe by the end of this post the answer will be clear ? 

First its this Rudd deal He has said that if a deal is not done he will play next year but will become a free agent at the end of the season . I don't know why Tampa has not sign this guy back yet lets just look at a few pros and cons . The Pros is that we sign our hands down leader , a guy who has seen the end of an era and knows how to win , also in a defense where speed is valued over size , Rudd has the instincts to play the Cover 2 scheme but stout enough to play the run . The Cons is he does not fit the mold of a Cover 2 linebacker he is supposed to be fast and instinctive not just instinctive ,there is another wrinkle Rah is adding to the Tampa 2 I am not sure Rudd fits that mold also . You have to remember with this guy he is a Gruden guy , they did not draft this guy with the visions of him being a leader on this team why would they when he does not fit the mold , they drafted the best guy because he was the best guy avaible on their draft board at the time , it just so happens working with Kiffin he turned into a solid ILB . Singleton was at 1 linebacker position ,Nate Webster and Ryan Nece were the future at linebacker back then . 

The deal with Penn is different to me they need to pay this guy . Think about it before this became an issue nobody was talking about drafting any offensive lineman , because before it was not a position of need . I have commented this on someones post that the deal with this situation is that the Bucs a year ago told Penn that he would have to lose some weight before they signed him to another contract . He has done that now the Bucs have been consistent in doing what they say ,it would be nice for them to live up to their end of the deal in this matter . Penn has got a reputation as one off the most athletic tackles in this league . With Peen dropping from 370 to some where in the 330s I have a feeling that he is going to be stronger and faster .

Both of these guys are in similar situations they both want new contracts . The difference is that the Bucs can do without Rudd without taking a step back in their development . Penn is one of those deals where you can do better at that position but you can do much worst . I seriously think that the Bucs feel that they can replace Rudd ,with so much responsibility being on the D line and secondary in a cover 2 the linebacker position is 1 area where you can plug guys in and out look at the Colts and Bears both teams play the Cover2 and both teams where moving guys all around at that linebacker position and both Defenses played average or better . If it was up to me they both will be back but if I had to pick 1 it would be Penn moving this guy effects Josh Freeman .I feel that Angelo Crowell fits the mold of Shelton Quarles the speed , the instincts and power are all the same he just stays hurt more . Think about this Angelo was going to play outside linebacker at the strong side ,Jermaine Phillips was going to play the weak side , any one who plays the strong side in Bates defense can play the Middle in a Cover 2 defense. Now with that being said Buc nation who would you chose Rudd or Penn and why .