One Buc is a Busy Place
(April 24, 2002)

Does it seem like just three months since the Tampa Bay Buccaneers season ended? Or, does it seem like just two months since Jon Gruden was introduced as the new head coach? The changes at One Buc Place have been staggering and have been coming in waves, tidal waves.

Jon Gruden talked about all the players that have left the team since the playoff loss in Philadelphia and since he took over the helm. "We've lost some players here for a reason. Not because I don't want them here or we don't want them here, its because be have some salary-cap issues."

The players lost sounds like a list that would cripple a franchise. Warrick Dunn, who is in second place on the Bucs career rushing list, has gone to Atlanta. Donnie Abraham, now with the Jets, left as the franchise career leader in interceptions. Starting middle linebacker Jamie Duncan, popular tight end Dave Moore and punter Mark Royals are gone. Reidel Anthony and Jacquez Green followed Steve Spurrier to Washington. Future Hall of Famer Randall McDaniel decided to retire.

The Bucs have brought plenty of players into the fold, as the team re-tools what was an anemic offense. Brad Johnson and Shaun King get more competition at quarterback. Rob Johnson had spent the last four years with Buffalo and three seasons with Jacksonville. Former Fresno State running back Michael Pittman spent the last four years with Arizona. He is a big strong man who should be able to create his own holes. New to the tight end position are big targets Marco Battaglia and Ken Dilger. Battaglia is a six year veteran with Cincinnati and Washington, while Dilger spent seven seasons with Indianapolis. New wide receivers signed are Joe Jurevicius, who spent four year with the Giants, and Keith Poole, who is a five year veteran with New Orleans and Denver.

The Bucs got offensive lineman Kerry Jenkins, who spent five seasons with the New York Jets, to replace the retired Randall McDaniel. This certainly is an upgrade at that position, however, more help on the line is needed. Because picks went to Oakland to get Jon Gruden, the team did not make a draft selection until the third round. The Bucs first pick was University of Michigan wide receiver Marquise Walker, who could make an impact. Most of the other draft selections, some of who are undersized, seem to more of a project.

The defense remains in check with just a few changes. Warren Sapp will be back, despite the rumors. Keystones John Lynch and Derrick Brooks will return. Nate Webster could replace Jamie Ducan at middle linebacker, however, the Bucs may what to pursue other candidates. The biggest free agent signing on defense was Cleveland end Greg Spires. But, defense has not been the problem.

On offense, the Bucs may want to look at the line. Michael Pittman is bigger and stronger than Warrick Dunn. Mike Alstott will be back, so the Bucs will have two bulls in the backfield. Joe Jurevicius, Keith Poole and draft pick Marquise Walker could complement Keyshawn Johnson well. If Poole can stay healthy, he has had some hamstring problems, he could have been a steal. Marco Battaglia and Ken Dilger are exciting tight ends. Rob Johnson may or not make an impact at QB. It looks like the Bucs have replaced good players with good players and hopefully they fit into the Jon Gruden offense. Did I mention that picking up another offensive lineman might be a good idea?

The Buccaneers have a second mini-camp next week, another in June and training camp starts in July. It should be interesting to see the stories that come out of the Bucs camp. The roster will no doubt be tweaked before the season opener. An opener which can't come soon enough!