Jon Alston released - linebacker depth questionable?

by Sander on Mar 5, 2011 2:00 PM EST

Here's something I missed: LB Jon Alston has been released, along with G Randall MCdaniel and C Jason Nerys. If he doesn't sound familiar that's not surprising: he hasn't played a game for the Buccaneers. He was one of the few free agency signings in 2010, but ended up on IR before the season even started. The speedy linebacker was mostly known for his special teams play, but could've provided some interesting depth on defense. Sadly, that isn't the case now, and there's no room for Alston on the roster anymore. This is somewhat surprising given the current state of the linebacker corps: Dekoda Watson and Geno Hayes are the only linebackers with starting experience under contract, and Tyrone McKenzie is the only other potential starting linebacker. Barrett Ruud, Quincy Black and Adam Hayward are all free agents. Although Hayward and Black have been tendered it remains to be seen whether those tenders are worth anything given the uncertainty surrounding the CBA.

The Bucs can't go into 2011 with a starting linebacking corps of Dekoda Watson, Tyrone McKenzie and Geno Hayes. With no viable backup linebackers on the roster, the Bucs will need to restock this position - either through the draft, through free agency or by re-signing Black, Hayward or Ruud. Defensive End is a weakness for this team, but linebacker is perhaps just as much of a concern as it stands right now.

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Makes me think once all the CBA drama is over..

We’re going to be bigger players in free agency than many of us originally thought. We’re set up at the moment with real issues at end and LB… Clean slate.

by jMagic09 on Mar 5, 2011 3:05 PM EST reply actions

This move doesn't bother or worry me at all

by Titankillah on Mar 5, 2011 3:18 PM EST reply actions

Makes no difference... at all

Jon Alston was signed, injured almost immediately and played no factor whatsoever for the 2010 Bucs. He was signed for his special teams abilities anyway.

by Cracker Ball on Mar 5, 2011 6:07 PM EST up reply actions

Its another "potential" option gone

I guess….but he wasn’t going to make an impact. The Bucs aren’t going to let Ruud/Hayward/Black all walk. They will sign some, if not all of them back.

Cannons... fire them.

Bucs Nation - SBNation's home for discussion of all things regarding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

by Craig T on Mar 5, 2011 3:36 PM EST via mobile reply actions

If the tender offers don't hold up under the new CBA

then neither will the tender the Titans gave to Stephen Tulloch. So, if we lose Ruud/Black/Hayward, we could potentially sign Tulloch to replace Ruud. We’d have Hayes and Tulloch with either Watson or McKenzie as the starting 3. Watson or McKenzie would be a backup/depth and we’d probably draft another one or two for added depth (which I think they’ll do anyway).

by Bruce McRae on Mar 5, 2011 6:05 PM EST reply actions

I am pretty sure the LB core will remain intact

more than likely there will be a new CBA before the draft, Black and Hayward will be on the roster come training camp, and I am not sure what the team is going to do with Ruud. Alston was nothing but a good special teams player if that, there will be no drop off in production.

by keysersoze19 on Mar 5, 2011 11:20 PM EST reply actions

Hey....

we agree for once. :-)

Cannons... fire them.

Bucs Nation - SBNation's home for discussion of all things regarding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

by Craig T on Mar 6, 2011 10:01 AM EST up reply actions

I think Ruud has no value in other teams eyes..

after seeing him get run over or past… He’ll stay unless he wants to play in cleveland

by Titankillah on Mar 6, 2011 4:22 PM EST up reply actions

I know people keep thinking this, but Ruud does not have his tackles broken a lot

He’ll get dragged 2 or 3 yards after a tackle (which isn’t uncommon for any linebacker except the very best), but the only cases in which he is really at risk of missing tackles or having his tackles broken is in the open field against a shifty running back. Otherwise he’s a very reliable tackler.

by Sander on Mar 6, 2011 4:33 PM EST up reply actions

But Ruud will avoid a straight-on collision like the plague...

he prefers the “glancing blow” which is why he gets carried 3 yards down the field.

by Cracker Ball on Mar 8, 2011 5:44 PM EST up reply actions

Feh, I never saw that either

He’s not a very physical player, but he’s not sidestepping to avoid a straight-on tackle.

by Sander on Mar 8, 2011 9:27 PM EST up reply actions

Not watching Chris Ivory steamroll him, eh?

You were probably wincing with your hands over your eyes like the rest of us, as it was not pretty. Great… we have a 242 pound finesse MLB.

It reminded me of that Earl Campbell footage where he just lowered his head and ran right through a Rams DB.

by Cracker Ball on Mar 8, 2011 9:43 PM EST up reply actions

Ruud does exactly what is asked of him, nothing more really. I’m really excited to see Tyrone McKenzie and what he can bring to the table. Ive heard nothing but good about him and want to see more.

by huntin0 on Mar 6, 2011 6:21 PM EST reply actions