By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
The situation
This is one of the most unstable positions for the Buccaneers. Two members of the 2010 starting trio are likely to become free agents once a new collective bargaining agreement is negotiated.
The contracts of starting MLB Barrett Ruud and starting strongside LB Quincy Black expired after last season, and it's not clear whether the Bucs intend or will be able to retain either.
Both hope to cash in on the open market and might field offers worth more than the Bucs are willing to pay.
General manager Mark Dominik has said he'll proceed in this draft as if his free agent players won't be back, because the fate of free agents won't be known for a while.
Though there is always much debate about Ruud and his value, coach Raheem Morris leans heavily on him to help the defense execute and adjust to offensive shifts and motion. It would be quite a responsibility for a rookie to assume if the Bucs draft a possible replacement. The Bucs last season acquired former South Florida star Tyrone McKenzie from the Patriots, but it's not clear whether he is a viable starter.
Weakside LB Geno Hayes, among the team's leading tackers, returns.
What they're looking for
The Bucs continue to want playmakers at linebacker. They're not necessarily looking for the undersized Derrick Brooks-type linebacker, but they want a game-changer.
In the Tampa 2 coverage scheme, the linebackers will still be required to run and cover. But Morris is also interested in using his linebackers in new ways, taking advantage of pass-rushing opportunities from his outside linebackers.
Fitting the bill
The Bucs have taken a close look at UCLA OLB Akeem Ayers, left, a player who is big, fast and versatile. In this way, he is somewhat like Black, but he has the potential to be much more. Ayers had a combined 24.5 tackles for losses and 10 sacks in his final two college seasons.
Dontay Moch of Nevada is another OLB candidate, though he is something of a project as he was more of a defensive end in college. Like Ayers, he visited with the Bucs and is one of those players Morris could find special assignments for.
At middle linebacker, the Bucs hosted Clearwater's Colin McCarthy, top left, of Miami, considered a sure-handed tackler and solid athlete. MLB Quan Sturdivant of North Carolina has also drawn the Bucs' interest. He led the nation in solo tackles in 2008 before being limited by a nagging hamstring injury in 2010.
Top 10
Von Miller Texas A&M, 6-2, 245 | Considered by some the most NFL-ready prospect regardless of position |
Akeem Ayers UCLA, 6-2, 253 | Well-rounded player who produced in coverage, pass rush and run stopping |
Bruce Carter North Carolina, 6-2, 240 | Solid player with great speed and quickness; Butkus Award finalist |
Martez Wilson Illinois, 6-3, 250 | All-Big Ten selection had 112 total tackles in 2010 |
Chris Carter Fresno State, 6-1, 247 | Projected as a 3-4 OLB at NFL level with good pass-rush ability |
Colin McCarthy Miami, 6-2, 240 | Led UM with 119 tackles in first season as ILB |
Dontay Moch Nevada, 6-1, 247 | Possesses stunning 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed |
Akeem Dent Georgia, 6-1, 240 | Big hitter racked up 126 total tackles as a senior |
Quan Sturdivant North Carolina, 6-1, 239 | A solid prospect who will drop because of injury-plagued senior season |
Mason Foster Washington, 6-1, 244 | Led the Pac-10 with 163 tackles; notched 6.5 sacks as a senior |
Von Miller Texas A&M, 6-2, 245 | Considered by some the most NFL-ready prospect regardless of position |
Akeem Ayers UCLA, 6-2, 253 | Well-rounded player who produced in coverage, pass rush and run stopping |
Bruce Carter North Carolina, 6-2, 240 | Solid player with great speed and quickness; Butkus Award finalist |
Martez Wilson Illinois, 6-3, 250 | All-Big Ten selection had 112 total tackles in 2010 |
Chris Carter Fresno State, 6-1, 247 | Projected as a 3-4 OLB at NFL level with good pass-rush ability |
Colin McCarthy Miami, 6-2, 240 | Led UM with 119 tackles in first season as ILB |
Dontay Moch Nevada, 6-1, 247 | Possesses stunning 4.4-second 40-yard dash speed |
Akeem Dent Georgia, 6-1, 240 | Big hitter racked up 126 total tackles as a senior |
Quan Sturdivant North Carolina, 6-1, 239 | A solid prospect who will drop because of injury-plagued senior season |
Mason Foster Washington, 6-1, 244 | Led the Pac-10 with 163 tackles; notched 6.5 sacks as a senior |
Best guess
The Bucs have a strong need at linebacker. Look for a pick in the early to middle rounds, particularly at middle linebacker. That could signal the end of Ruud's tenure in Tampa Bay.
Regardless, the Bucs will look to stockpile linebacker talent after largely ignoring the position last year.
Stephen F. Holder, Times staff writer
Source: http://www.tampabay.com/sports/tampa-bay-buccaneers-draft-linebackers/1166154
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