Buccaneers quotes: Relentless effort and emulating Simeon Rice

With players talking to the media for the second time this offseason, the defensive line was up first, with Michael Johnson and Gerald McCoy singing each other's praises. Johnson noted that he came to Tampa specifically to play alongside Gerald McCoy (via Scott Smith). McCoy on his part noted Johnson's prowess as a pass rusher, a run stopper and as an all-around person, according to Pewter Report.

Meanwhile, Gerald McCoy continues to be the clear leader on defense. He told Pewter Report that he told everyone on defense at the start of the offseason that he wanted the Bucs to be known for defense. That includes relentless effort and playing together like the old Buc defenses, per Scott Smith. Defensive line coach Joe Cullen is on board with that message, as Michael Johnson told Pewter Report Cullen's been giving him some good old Simeon Rice tape to watch.

McCoy also told Roy Cummings that he wouldn't hold out for a new contract, despite his entering the final year of his rookie deal. Which kind of seems like a given, as the Bucs have made it clear they want to extend him. Plus, he's already one of the highest-paid DTs in the NFL this year.

Mason Foster was next up. Despite some rumblings among fans that he could be replaced because of overall coverage deficiencies, it looks like Lovie Smith has penciled him in as his starting middle linebacker. That role will include lots of blitzing, and Foster told Scott Smith that he relishes that opportunity.

Finally, Tom Krasniqi talked to running back Mike James, who noted he's "coming along well" from ankle surgery and has put on a few pounds of muscle.