Discussion Time: Who Should/Will the Bucs Keep?
by MNeilson on Jan 11, 2011 12:29 PM EST
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Raheem Morris has been consistent in saying that he wants the same team back next season. However, there is a laundry list of free agents and coaching moves are always possible. As RJBlitz posted earlier, Todd Wash probably won't be back next season as Tampa is offering Karl Dunbar the position.
This article is primarily for discussion, but I will also give you my two cents on each player:
CB Ronde Barber – My guess (though it's pretty 50/50) is that Ronde will, indeed, retire. If, however, he chooses to return for one more season the Bucs should extend him a 1 year offer. Ronde isn't a world beater at corner any more, but he was better than Lewis and Biggers this season and I imagine will still be so, marginally, next year as well. My only concern is that if he returns and Biggers beats him out, will he be OK with a Nickel role?
RB Cadillac Williams –This will pain many of you. Williams has been a fan favorite and a staple of the Bucs offense for many years. He has poured into the community of Tampa, is a leader and a good guy. However, all of that has proven to be insignificant when signing players. Derrick Brooks defined character and was handed the papers. Williams will be offered a backup role worth slightly more than what the Bucs are paying him elsewhere (New England, Miami, Washington, etc). If Williams doesn't get a better off than the little the Bucs would be willing to pay him, you may see him back, but don't expect Dominik to extend his hand too far. My prediction is that he will NOT be back.
LB Barrett Ruud – Let the debate begin. I know this will likely be the player most discussed in this thread. To me, Ruud is a smart player that lacks some physical tools. I said it this year, but I still think it applies, that much of Ruud's success will be determined by the play of the tackles in front of him. Ruud isn't great at shedding blocks or running through lead blockers to get to his hole. He is what he is at this point, but with the right pieces around him he can be successful. Bucs should bring him back because he is smart enough to survive. The Bucs would bring him back for the lack of an upgrade, but may not bring him back if Ruud asks for too much (which is the likely outcome).
LB Quincy Black* – Black regressed some this year. I don't think the Bucs dropped off much with Watson and Hayward filling in. Bringing Black back is certainly an option, but at what cost? A team desperate for an OLB may overpay for him. I think they should bring him back, without breaking the bank. I think Black finds a better offer elsewhere.
G Davin Joseph* – After a disappointing season that ended with an injury (and could have been the cause of inferior play) Joseph is a bit of a mystery to me. He has the tools to be a pro-bowl caliber player. He needs to learn defenses and blitz packages to be a better guard. Bucs should bring him back because he is better than Ted Larsen. Bucs will likely offer him more than he will get elsewhere.
DL Tim Crowder* – Bucs will pay for him. A solid 3rd DE on a team that wishes to rotate their #2 (or is forced to).
TE John Gilmore – I really like Gilmore as a #2. Bucs have found some other options with younger guys, but none can block like Gilmore, and Gilmore is still a viable option in the end-zone. He's not Kellen Winslow, but a good offense needs a 2nd TE. Bucs should and will bring him back.
LB Adam Hayward* –I love how Hayward filled in for Black this season. Morris did a phenomenal job of using Hayward and Watson to match their talents. Hayward is capable of playing any LB position and should be kept. I don't see any reason the Bucs wouldn't bring him back, but Hayward may seek a place in which he can start.
LB Niko Koutouvides –ST standout. Emergency depth. Not a high price. Should/will bring him back.
WR Micheal Spurlock* – f Should and will. I love how Spurlock stepped up this season as a 3rd WR. It was a remarkable turnaround. He made some big catches this season. I think Yarber likes Spurlock and will continue to fit him in the offense, even with the rise of Arrelious Benn.
WR Maurice Stovall* – Should/will be gone. The Bucs won't re-sign a guy who was injured most of the season and failed to ever make a difference.
T Jeremy Trueblood *– Trueblood lost his starting gig to James Lee, but is still a viable option at Tackle. To me, Trueblood was playing better than he ever had before being yanked, but he still left a lot to be desired. I like JT better than Lee as a starter and would like to see Trueblood back. I think the Bucs will make some effort to bring him back, but certainly won't go crazy with an offer.
DE Stylez G. White* – White is much like Ruud. He is what he is at this point. He is a marginal pass rusher and average against the run. If the Bucs want to have a better pass-rush they will look to the draft. Dominik said he won't overpay of help in the pass rush (which is consistent to his position the last two years). Though, if the Bucs do get an upgrade in say, Ryan Kerrigan, in the draft it could be possible to slide White to the LDE position. Anything to keep Kyle Moore out of the starting rotation.
*Indicates player is a restricted free agent under the current (CBA-less) system. Allowed to test the waters, but the Bucs will have the opportunity to match that offer. Not entirely up to the players camp where he goes. More restricted free agents are
Connor Barth (K)
James Lee (T)
Corey Lynch (S)
Frank Okam (DT)
Elbert Mack (CB)
Here is also a list of the coaching staff (copied directly from Buccaneers.Com). Feel free to talk about whether they should be gone or not. The only coach that I feel worthy of giving the boot to is Todd Wash.
| Raheem Morris | Head Coach |
| Joe Baker | Linebackers Coach |
| Tim Berbenich | Assistant Wide Receivers Coach |
| Tim Holt | Offensive Assistant Coach |
| Richard Bisaccia | Associate Head Coach/Special Teams Coordinator |
| Jay Kaiser | Assistant to the Head Coach |
| Chris Keenan | Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach |
| Jimmy Lake | Defensive Backs Coach |
| Steve Logan | Running Backs Coach |
| Pete Mangurian | Offensive Line Coach |
| Chris Mosley | Assistant Defensive Line Coach |
| Greg Olson | Offensive Coordinator |
| Alfredo Roberts | Tight Ends Coach |
| Kurtis Shultz | Head Strength and Conditioning Coach |
| Byron Storer | Assistant Special Teams |
| Dwayne Stukes | Assistant Defensive Backs Coach |
| Alex Van Pelt | Quarterbacks Coach |
| Todd Wash | Defensive Line Coach |
| Eric Yarber | Wide Receivers Coach |
Discuss.
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Comments
I think these guys won't be here next season
Barber, Ruud, and Stovall. I just don’t see the Bucs re-signing them.
"1 - 2 - Freddy's coming for you, 3 - 4 - Better lock your door, 5 - 6 - Grab your crucifix, 7 - 8 - Better stay up late, 9 - 10 - Never sleep again..."
The Bucs want to re-sign Barber, they've said so several times
It’s more about whether Barber wants to come back.
Yeah that is true
I just feel like Ronde will retire.
"1 - 2 - Freddy's coming for you, 3 - 4 - Better lock your door, 5 - 6 - Grab your crucifix, 7 - 8 - Better stay up late, 9 - 10 - Never sleep again..."
He hinted at it many times before this last season, but he had a very good year.
So I would not be surprised if he comes back, unless of course there is a lock out.
I'm not negative, I'm just telling you how it is.
Caddy wants to test free agency
But I think he’ll be back.
I think Ruud, Black, Stovall, Trueblood, White won’t be back. None of them stood out this year, none of them are needed.
I think Ruud and Black are a tossup.
Trueblood is a good possibility to be gone. Stovall may be kept around for the offseason. White should come back for depth. We need an upgrade.
I’m really interested to see how the draft takes shape and where Kerrigan is projected to go after the combine. Bucs are in his range right now.
...the Seminole guy from the other site.
About Ruud
I’ve been back and forth on him.
I wanted to like him. He played well in 2008, it seemed like he could be the leader of our defense. But he seems to have relapsed. The real problem with Ruud is that he’s not Derrick Brooks, and that’s what people wanted him to be. That’s what we came to expect. I think if our DL was better, then Ruud would be better, not as good as Brooks, but good enough that we wouldn’t complain about him. As it is, I think some team somewhere will offer him more money than we will.
What concerns me is if we lose Ruud AND Black, we’ll basically have no depth at LB whatsoever and that’ll have to be addressed in the draft. I’d rather we kept one of them around so we can focus more on DE in the draft, two picks would be fine with me. If I had to choose between Ruud and Black, I think I’d rather have Ruud stay, but I doubt we’ll give him a long-term deal like he seems to think he deserves.
I’d love to see Barber back for another year. I think he’s still better than most CB’s in the league.
If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
I don't think he's better than most cb's in the league, but definitely better than the ones on our roster.
...the Seminole guy from the other site.
Used correctly I think he's solid.
He can get beat downfield and he won’t shut down a top-tier receiver, but he’s got smarts. He sniffs out screens and keeps backs from turning the corner well. I think he might have a few more pick sixes left in the tank. Just needs safety support more than Talib.
If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
I personally am torn on Ronde...
as he has lost some speed. He is my favorite remaining player – but I am trying to set that aside. He can usually make up for it with his experience and complete mastery of his position, but big fast receivers give him fits. I don’t believe we have a true quality CB replacement for him currently on our roster. Lewis, Biggers perform well at times but also look very bad at times. Mack is a boat anchor. I think our answer lies somewhere else.
Ruud is another matter. He is horribly over-rated, he will want big money because he believes he is something that he is not. Would have liked a replacement drafted for him last year because we all knew this day was coming. Plays without the fire you need at that position. Both Black and Ruud seem more like products of the system here…
Stovall… meh. We have Williams, Benn, Stroughter and Briscoe. He Stovall can keep the 5th WR position – fine. If not – fine. He looks like a beast but his play is so inconsistant.
I see trouble on the OL. Should Davin Joseph leave, we need a starting OG. Should Faine remain brittle – we need another. Still would like to see a top OT here instead of some reclaimation project.
DL is a train wreck on the edges, as most of us here fully expected. Stylez White is a bench player on any other team. Complete overhaul at DE is needed.
There are a lot of holes here for a 10-6 team…
by Cracker Ball on Jan 11, 2011 4:28 PM EST up reply actions
Barber would be great in a sort of Charles Woodson role
Woodson plays mostly on the slot and TEs and is used in a variety of different ways, but not really as a corner on the outside.
Also
Curious to see what kind of deal they offer Lynch, and whether they bother to keep Mack around.
If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
I'm not so sure we go defensive end in the draft.
Dominik proved to me last year that he will take value over need (and that’s what you want from a GM) with the selection of a sliding Brian Price at the second round. If we can get the #1 or #2 linebacker in the first round as opposed to the #4 or #5 defensive end I think he may go with linebacker.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
*first line should read "go defensive end in first round of the draft"
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
As all teams, I think they try to marry need and talent
Sometimes they have someone rated very highly and he drops a long way, so they select him. I think that’s what happened with Price, not that they just stared, said “BPA, take him!” without considering their own needs.
Plus, it’s pretty likely that at that point a DE will be the best or one of the 3 best players available anyway. Lots of DE talent in this draft.
It’ll depend basically on where they have everyone rated. The #1 LB (excluding rush OLBs) on the board may be rated behind the #5 DE in this draft anyway.
If Ruud and Black do not re-sign then I think linebacker will be the #1 need anyway.
We’ll just have to wait and see. Defensive ends are so hit and miss I hope we don’t take one in the first round, but trust Dominik and Co. to do their homework and pick a good one if they do.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
I don't think that is the case, though
Hayward (though he is a free agent too) and Watson have shown they’re fairly dependable starters at SLB so missing Black wouldn’t really create an immediate need. Missing Ruud would create an immediate need, though supposedly the team is really high on Tyrone McKenzie to come and step in at MLB. The biggest need may be at the ‘QB of the defense’ position – I don’t know if there’s anyone on the team who could take over that role (doesn’t need to be an MLB, can be any LB or S).
But more importantly perhaps, MLBs generally don’t go that high in the draft. Their value simply isn’t that great.
I agree with Sanders
DE is easily the position we need to upgrade no matter the situation with Rudd and Black. There was virtually no drop off in production with Hayward the starter and Watson the relief. One full offseason as a starter and Hayward could be ready to go without Watson behind him. The big question is, like Sanders said, the Qb of the Defense. The team may be high on McKenzie, but in his second year Idk if he can manage the D like Rudd can. But no rookie we draft will be able to handle it either. I say try to keep Rudd to manage the position until McKenzie can take over and go for a premier DE in the 1st round. Thats the 1 position where we dont have an understudy that we are high on. We need fresh faces to bring life to that position.
Sean Weatherspoon (OLB) and Rolando McClain both went in first round last year.
MLB may not be valued that high, but it seems teams are increasingly hesitant to draft DEs in first round as well. Only three went in first round last year, and the first one wasn’t picked until JPP was picked at #15. Six defensive ends were picked in the second round, which leads me to believe that teams feel that unless there is someone really special out there that they can get good value a little later.
"Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." ~ Mark Twain
I think its
More the case that DE wasnt strong in the draft that year. No player was seen as a sure fire first round talent except JPP and Graham. It also could be attributed to team needs. Some teams had higher needs than DE and drafted accordingly. This year DE is much stronger with guys like Bowers, Quin, Clayborn, Kerrigan, and Jordan all considered 1st round talents. Thats 5 guys we could use that probably wont make it to the 51st pick. (Our pick in the 2nd round) I say Go DE first. If we feel the need for a LB go for a 2nd rounder.I think Haywards ready and cant see Tampa letting both Rudd and Black going so I doubt LB will be a position we spend a pick on till at least the 3rd round if at all. Remember that Tampa’s coaches are supposedly high on McKenzi also.
DE was weak this draft
The only good pass rusher at DE was Pierre-Paul, and he was extremely raw. DEs have gone as high as 1st overall (Mario Williams). LBs have not.
Exceptional talent, including MLB, will always be picked high (see Aaron Curry). But as a rule, MLB is not a position that is valued that highly because if the talent isn’t elite the impact on the field simply isn’t that big unless the player is truly exceptional.
Basically, someone who is expected to play at MLB or ILB has to be much better relative to his peers than a DE does to be drafted highly.
De or 3-4 OLB?
I know with more teams playing a 3-4 coverting a DE to OLB is a process so you don’t want to use a first rounder on a guy who might work out.
If you move Hayward and Watson to first string though
your depth is embarrassingly bad.
...the Seminole guy from the other site.
Idk
Like I said I doubt Tampa loses both Rudd and Black. So worst case I see 1 of the 2 starting. We would still have depth after that. We have Niko and McKenzie. Plus Im sure we pick up a few others to try out in the offseason.
Niko is not depth.
Emergency option, yes, but not depth. If he’s playing, it’s trouble.
I don’t know enough about McKenzie to make an intelligent statement.
...the Seminole guy from the other site.
Well, linebacker depth is pretty easy to find
Some replacement level plug-n-play players are probably easier to find at LB than at any other position. Except maybe RB or FB.
Niko
Being a liability is just all the more reason Rudd should stay. Whoever we decide is going to take over for him would be very young. Young guys cant always manage an entire defense just like that. Get rid of Rudd and your left with either an inexperienced player whos in over their heads or Niko. Keep Rudd and groom a replacement while Rudd handles the Defense till the understudy is ready. Other wise we are in sure fire trouble as an entire unit instead of just in one position.
Niko is horrible
The problem with keeping Ruud is that you have to give him an expensive multi-year contract to keep him. That’s a bit much for a temporary stopgap. If they ‘keep’ Ruud, they do so because they think he can be a starter for many years to come.
Idk
I dont believe Rudd will land a big deal from any team. He asks for to much and isnt really worth it. I think Tampa has a good chance of keeping him on a small 2 year deal because I doubt he will get another offer. Keeping him just to have a lil consistency at the spot till McKenzie or whoever is ready isnt a bad idea. But that all is subjective as to if another team gives Rudd a bid.
I think he will generate more intrest than you think.
He has good stats and is smart, someone will make him a decent offer at mid to high starter money.
I hope somebody in our division picks him up...
so we can break his tackles.
by Cracker Ball on Jan 13, 2011 11:56 PM EST up reply actions
Ruud's tackles don't get broken with any regularity
He may make the tackles too far downfield (according to some anyway) and he may not be a physical tackler, but he does make the tackles.
i dont really think he is as "smart" as we may think, its not like he audibled that many times when we would get beat deep on a pass every other play in 08 and early 09
its not like hes a physical tackler, yes he can make the tackle ten yards down the field hooray, its not like he called audibles to stop the run every single game we would get lit up this year so imo he needs to be let go and asking for anything above a small time deal is ridiculous
by Carlitin1988 on Jan 14, 2011 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
i meant in 09 and early this year *my bad*
by Carlitin1988 on Jan 14, 2011 4:30 PM EST up reply actions
Sander... perhaps you should have said
that Ruud “eventually” makes the tackles. He is no Hardy Nickerson.
by Cracker Ball on Jan 14, 2011 4:39 PM EST up reply actions
Never said that
And he isn’t a very physical player. But he doesn’t get his tackles broken. He’s not Sabby.
It's impossible to judge what he does in that respect
Or what means to do so are available to him. Not just because the TV crews don’t exactly show the MLB or the defense before the snap a lot, but also because we have no clue what’s being called. And judging him by the fact that big plays happened is poor form, as that’s not only a form of confirmation bias (you’re not going to remember plays where he got the defense into good defenses, you’re only going to remember plays where the Bucs got beat). Plus, player performance has as much to do with that as the called defense. Its not his fault that Grimm got turned around on a deep ball, or Talib got beat deep, or Sabby Piscitelli is terrible at playing football.
I’ll trust the universal praise he gets for his football intelligence, honestly.
yeah i guess you have a point but i wish he would take control of the defense
if someone on the ravens squad were to poorly tackle someone you bet they would get lit up by ray lewis, pushing them to play better. I mean you see freeman doing that on offense and most good teams have someone that takes control on both sides of the ball. i mean maybe hes not like that and thats ok not everyone has to be like that but the LB’s should try to be mean, physical, scary, talking shit at the line of scrimmage and playing aggresive… im sure any qb that faces the steelers is thinking of james harrison before the game or jonathan vilma when facing the saints or brian urlacher when facing the bears we dont have that, we dont psyche any team out because were not physical enough on D and thats what we need
by Carlitin1988 on Jan 15, 2011 12:23 PM EST up reply actions
I couldn't agree more...
nobody liked the stare from Mike Singletary just before he busted you in the chops. Especially so at the MLB spot. Sets the tone for the entire defense. Really need somebody that plays angry and ignites the fury.
by Cracker Ball on Jan 15, 2011 1:13 PM EST up reply actions
Personally
I want Rudd to stay. Simply put, we cant replace him yet. Like it or not he is the QB of our Defense. Even if he isnt the best overall LB, he puts our entire D in position to win. And no draftee can come in and do that in his first year.
Black I want back, but Rudd comes first to me. Then get Black if we can.
Drop White, he’s the Alan Iverson of the NFL. Has talent, just no heart. I really hope we can get Kerrigan. He often runs himself out of the play, but that can be coached up. And he has a consistent motor, which cant be coach.
Keep Barber for one more year if he will stay. Give Biggers and Lewis time to make sure they are ready.
Hate to say it but Caddy is probably gone. Tho he will be missed, I have to say I think we can snag a very good replacement in the 2nd round of the draft this year to complement Blount. DeMarco Murry comes to mind. He should fall to the 2nd and is a 1st round talent.
Keep Davin. We cant afford to get any thinner on the Oline. Especially since we probably wont focus on the Oline in the Draft with the Dline (or DEs I should say) drawing our main focus.
Same with True. Solid backup to Lee/Dotson. I think Dotson will win that battle tho.
Stovalls gone, and Spurlock stays. Stovall has no chance, especially considering Briscos somewhat emergence as a young prospect.
Keep Hayward, may start if Black or Rudd leave.
Keep Niko for depth and ST.
Keep Crowder if only because he is the best pass rusher we have right now. (Thats painful to say)
I dont care much either way for Gilmore. I think Purvis can play. And for the past two years Ive been pulling for him to get on the roster and get some play time. Gilmores solid, but if he goes I wont be terribly disappointed.
Keep all Restricted FA except for Mack. His play is terrible and if Barber comes back then Lewis and Biggers should provide plenty of depth.
Finally get a Dline coach and get rid of Wash. Look what Van Pelt and Yarber did for their young position guys. A good Dline coach could be all we need. Especially if we get Kerrigan. Times like these I wish Warren Sapp would get off the damn NFL Network and take the job. Just saying.
Ruud is only the QB of the defense because of his position.
Disagree with White about heart.
I’m not sure Dotson is the answer. We haven’t seen anything from him to say that he will win a starting job or is even worth being on a roster.
...the Seminole guy from the other site.
Very true about Dotson
But the coaches had him as the Starter at LT before Penn signed on. They must have seen something to have put him there. And Rudd is an extremely intelligent player. Werther or not he has the physical talent is of course a different discussion but he is the mentally. And the White issue is debatable but it seemed as if he was trying on a majority of downs. May just be lack of talent but I dont think thats the case.
Also I just read a post saying Tampa offered Karol Dunbar the Dline coaching position. Holy hell, If that deal goes thro then our Dline should improve exponentially.
I watched White a lot
And he was always hustling and trying in my opinion. The perception may be created by the rumours that he loafs in practice, but I didn’t see that on gameday.
Like I said it is debatable
Im just giving my opinion. I could be wrong. By no means do I know for a fact that its true. Just stating an opinion. I think we all agree tho that he needs to be replaced.
And the White issue is debatable but it seemed as if he wasnt trying on a majority of downs.
Had to fix a typo
I'm going to agree with Sander
Lack of Production and Lack of Effort are two different things.
...the Seminole guy from the other site.
Fair enough
but I think we can all agree he needs to go no matter the reasons for his poor performance.
I don't think his performance has been poor this year, actually
He started off slow but he had a stretch of games midseason where he played really well. Kind of slumped after that. Anyway, he’s no world-beater by any means and he can and should be improved upon, but I wouldn’t call his play ‘poor’. Mediocre maybe.
Wouldn't be surprised to see him get an extension this offseason.
...the Seminole guy from the other site.
I am praying Ruud and Trueblood are gone
In my opinion, Ruud SHOULD know the defense as well as he does, but lacks pretty much any meaningful physical skill that is required to play MLB, especially in a cover 2. He cant get off a block, doesnt read his keys well, makes all his tackles 5+ yards downfield, and gets abused in coverage. Trueblood is as good as gone IMO. He has tools to be a decent run blocker (which he is most of the time) but gets beaten constantly in pass protection and I wont even go into the mental side of the game with him.
As for Ronde, I think he comes back and I believe we need him to. In our defense, Ronde is essentially the Nickel Corner at times because he always plays in the slot in a 3 wide set. This is good because it hides some of his diminishing skills but also highlights his good blitzing skills. I felt like Biggers and Lewis both improved drastically as the year went on (especially Biggers) and we need one of them to take the next step next year. We need to bring Caddy back as well. I know he might not love the scaled back touches, and we may not like the steep price, but I think were in trouble if we dont. Blount doesnt know the protection schemes well enough and neither will anyone we draft. Maybe theres a similar player in FA, but I think Caddy is a no brainer if we can make it happen. Davin is another guy I think we really need back. I know he didnt impress many this year, but he is still the best O Lineman we have (however Penn isnt far off)
I would also like to see us bring back Gilmore, Quincy, Spurlock, and Stylez (for a decent price).
I agree with Ronde
But caddy is done. I like him just as much as the next guy but we need to find someone who will be around longer. Blount cant do it all by himself. He should learn the schemes this offseason so whoever we bring in wont have to learn it right away. I still firmly believe keep Rudd until we know we can replace him 100%. Davin I agree with keeping, as I do with Black and Spurlock. But def not White.
We need to keep Ruud...
As long as his wages demands are resonable then he should be our guy next season, quite simply put I don’t see any other player available that can do a better job (don’t get me wrong there are other players who are better, but they are not available!)
Ruud puts out a good enough performance (and I believe that he will improve next season as this current squad list continues to bond and grow), and sometimes it’s better the devil you know!!!
Won't happen IMO
I don’t see Ruud staying for “reasonable wages”. Not after all his public demands, not after his holdout. I think it would be somewhat humiliating for him to sign a mediocre contract in Tampa after all the fuss he made. Granted, he already stepped on his pride once to come back from his holdout, but I just don’t see how a player does that twice. If he signs for that kind of (2nd or 3rd tier) money, it will be elsewhere.
Don’t get me wrong : I wouldn’t mind having him back. Yes, he’s slow and seems lost in coverage, but then, very few MLB are good at it, and Ruud is a sure tackler and an overall good, but not great, MLB. With him, we know what we get and I am not so sure Hayward has enough upside to take a risk on.
So if we have to pay premium money for our MLB, I think we’d be far better off giving it to Posluzsny or Harris (if we think he can fit our system), like Cracker Ball suggest (see below).
by Jean-François Cliche on Jan 13, 2011 1:36 PM EST up reply actions
No... but there was a lot of saber rattling by him
and even he is smart enough to know that he had no leverage. Also probably the reason he will leave.
by Cracker Ball on Jan 13, 2011 11:57 PM EST up reply actions
There are a few out there that could replace Ruud...
like Paul Posluzsny, Stephen Tulloch or David Harris. At least they won’t simply try to grab someone as they run by…
farewell good byes to Ronde and Caddy
i don’t see either of them coming back we need a back who can can be an every-down back so i don’t see us resigning Caddy but he has been 1 of my recent favorite Buc from his rookie yr it’s ashame those knee injuries derail his potential… Ronde will probably retire we are fully commited to youth so keeping him will hinder the younger corners development thanks for the memories he is a hall of famer in my book i will miss him ditto for Caddy
the only other guys i’m going back and forth on keeping are Black and Joseph… Joseph regressed the last 2 yrs even though he was playing hurt this yr until he went on the shelf for good… if we bring him back i think he can bounce back but if we lose him there will be a void to fill especially at depth… i thought Black was suppose to be a pro bowler this yr hmmmm he regress from last yr, very inconsistant… if the Rah Rah dooesn’t have the confidence in the young guys then bring him back but with his up and down play it wouldn’t make sense to pay him where there are younger and cheaper guys who can fill in on the team, depth is a concern if he leaves
Ruud is the most popular topic so my opinion of him is that he needs a change of scenery he seems to have lost confidence and thinks too much out there the past 2 yrs… while he is not a bad player, he is not a difference maker like you would want in a leader that he was labeled as… i hope he gets a job somewhere else because he does have some intangibles but let another team overpay him the money he wants and not us while we find someone who is more physical against the run and can cover
Trublood good riddence to him and his silly penalties… stovall and styles white are nothing special so why are they worth discussing… the other guys are just back up players who won’t hurt us if we keep them or not even though i do like Gilmore as blocker and has come on as a receiver so keeping him behind K2 would be nice but if the price is right
Caddy, Ruud, White and Trueblood, b'bye!
Will all be gone imho. Caddy has just lost it, but thinks he still has it, which is always sad, especially for someone the fans hold in such high regard. It was so impressive how he came back and had a good year last year, but he’s either shot his bolt, or just completely unsuited to our blocking style (or lack thereof) he’ll wind up as the number 2/third down back somewhere else.
Trueblood, talent yes, temperament no – he was better before he lost his job but still too many drive-killing penalties. He just seems like a dick on the field, no big loss in my book.
Stylez – Ego, talent, bravado, zero end product. Still eating out on his debut season when he’s done nothing since. Walsh can go with him too, he’s hopeless.
Ruud… Y’know what, I think he’s not that bad, he’s a solid middle LB in this system, his fundamentals are good, he rarely makes mistakes, and i do think the system stops him from doing lots of the things people want – sacks, TFLs, fumbles, ints. That said, I’ve heard he wants to get paid, up there with some of the top MLBs in the league. He ain’t that, so he’ll probably walk.
I’ve also heard that Joseph could be in for a big payday if he hits the market, purely because he’s an above-average guard in a league where they’re fairly sought after. Hope we don’t lose him, I think he’s a valuable veteran to have, but it’s worth considering.
Cadillac Williams is on the way to the promised land!
Call me crazy
But I just don’t see another team going after Caddillac. He’s not young anymore and he’s got two rebuilt knees. His biggest assett is his ability to pick up the blitz and catch out of the backfield. I’m not sure it’d be so easy for him to move into another system and be as productive in those regards. I predict he’ll test the waters, get no bites, and end up staying on here for another year or two at a bargain price. And to say he’s shot his bolt, which I take to mean he’s got nothing left, is a bit of a stretch. Sure he’s not an every down back, but he had several late game runs that put teams away this year. Not to mention the endzone catch to win the game at one point. I think he’s more valuable than Graham.
If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
A team like Miami or NE
that can recycle running backs may take a shot, though. He won’t get paid much and we will have a #2/#3 role, but he will get a job for sure.
...the Seminole guy from the other site.
Fair enough
Certain teams might be willing to take him on as part of a rotation. But I think we can agree that they wouldn’t pay him much or give him a long-term deal. So assuming the Bucs are also willing to keep him on at a low pay rate and without a long term contract (i.e. similar to what another team would offer him), what would be his motivation for making the change?
As it is, Caddy is very well-respected in the community, a fan favorite for all he’s done on the field and the whole rehab story(ies), he knows the system, is on a team that is on the up-and-up, and seems to be liked by all coaches and players. Granted, I have no idea what he thinks and feels about staying in Tampa, but I have a hard time believing a better situation is going to manifest for him somewhere else.
If you will it, dude, it is no dream.
The question is whether such a team would make a better offer than the Bucs
Because if the Bucs make an equivalent offer, I would think he’d stay with the Bucs.
pfftt if caddy can get a better oline than tampa than go for it kid.
The only reason Blount rushed for a grand is BLOUNT rushed for grand. He’s bigger than some linebackers, no help from us. Talent wise, to seal the front 7, we couldnt seal a bag. DE’s and T’s high next year.
White is gone for sure...
Remember when Morris called out Stylez early in the offseason for poor practice effort, statements were made. I think Raheem picks up a (decent<good) DE through FA and definately drafts high. White and Crowder (if they return) will take a back seat.
idk y most of you hate ruud
he is a solid player ya i get he’s no ray lewis or patric willis. but for the tampa 2 hes good he is best in zone coverage an if im not mistaken he has lead the team in tackles for most of his starting seasons. he can be replaced sure with who? a kid from the draft that may turn out to be horrible. if raheem changes to a 3-4 or a 3-3-5 he will can succed be a good pick up if we got paul pusnusky if he stayed healthy he’s a bigger mlb
now with every other buc headed to free agency caddy prob be back bc we need him blount has proven he can catch or pick up the blitz. barber will most likely retire bc i have a hope we will get a cb in fa. jopseh will cost a fortune but hes good tho if we can get a logan mankins he wont be to great of a lost. black is a toss up he has potential but he didnt do much this year we can get a late round pick in the draft to replace him
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