Tampa Bay Buccaneers: How the Free Agent signings impact the team
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have easily made the biggest splash in free agency this year. After adding Vincent Jackson, Carl Nicks and Eric Wright, the Bucs are only a handful of teams whom have significantly improved. The good news for fans is they may not be over yet. There is still the possibility of Curtis Lofton lowering his asking price. Then, there will be the NFL Draft, which is guaranteed to improve the team with the #5 overall pick. The question now becomes “where do we go from here?” The free agent signings have caused a domino effect which will further change what this team looks like on opening day. Here are some movements to watch:
WIDE RECEIVERS:
The signing of Vincent Jackson immediately thrusts him into the “X” position, one which Mike Williams held the last two seasons. Now the question becomes who will move to the “Z” and slot positions. The answer relies on what Mike Williams decides to show up this year. Will it be the rookie sensation or the one who reminded Bucs fans of Michael Clayton last season? Expect the former version of Williams in what will be a training camp highlighted by stiff competition worthy of nothing but 100% effort. Williams will also have Freeman lobbying for him, which is an added advantage over Arrelious Benn. That would move Benn to the slot role, presenting a huge upgrade in contrast Preston Parker and Dezmon Briscoe. Though each player saw significant playing time in 2011, both Parker and Briscoe now find themselves in a battle with Sammy Stroughter and possibly Ed Gant in determining the depth chart.
The depth at wide receiver will also make for an interesting battle to decide kick and punt return duties. The new coaching staff is surely going to exploit everyone’s eagerness to impress as they fight for their jobs. The result will be a fierce camp where the receiving unit shows their true potential. Having Vincent Jackson around to teach the tricks of the trade won’t hurt either.
CORNER BACKS:
Eric Wright was a surprise signing due to the fact most of the attention was focused on Carl Nicks and Vincent Jackson. He was icing on the cake for the Bucs, but may soon find himself as the most important free agent signing of the group. Though Ronde Barber is rumored to be returning, nothing is concrete. There is also the issue of Aqib Talib and the outcome of his trial. Regardless, many in the organization as well as fans have been reported as being over the baggage he brings. That would leave Eric Wright as the lone qualified corner with any pedigree.
Myron Lewis has been viewed as the potential replacement to Barber, but he has shown there are still some growing pains to overcome. Though there were some bright spots in his play last season, the Jordy Nelson touchdown which clinched a Packers win in one of the Bucs best games is still etched in people’s minds. If the Bucs do pass on Morris Claiborne, Talib is sentenced and Barber stays retired, that would leave Wright with E.J. Biggers and Myron Lewis in the secondary. Instead of improving, the unit would take a step back. It is why Morris Claiborne carries such added value for the Buccaneers over favorite Trent Richardson. Claiborne’s talent and reunification with Ron Cooper up the ante further in making him the 5th selection. Bottom line, a Claiborne-Wright-Biggers/Lewis combination far outweighs the previous scenario.
Of course, all things could work out just fine for the Bucs. Talib could turn a new page and Barber could return for a Super Bowl run. It may be against the odds, but Schiano has stated his willingness to give Talib a chance and done his best to persuade Barber. If neither player does return, Claiborne is a must pick in April.
OFFENSIVE LINE:
The Buccaneers can now boast three Pro Bowl athletes along the offensive line. Jeremy Zuttah’s performance last season built the confidence of the front office and being re-united with coach Greg Schiano will only further his development. The only point of debate will be at right tackle, where Demar Dotson and Jeremy Trueblood will battle it out.
For all the Legarrette Blount detractors, the addition of Carl Nicks will likely see Blount’s best season of his young career. The combination of Nicks and Jahri Evans in New Orleans helped make the Saints crop of specialized backs the 6th ranked rush attack in football. The addition of Nicks in Tampa will help the Bucs improve significantly in their 30th ranked rush attack. His presence will also buy Josh Freeman more protection and time to find the deep receiver. Nicks was an essential piece of the puzzle to the Bucs “Air Coryell” type of system they plan on running. Though many other teams try to run versions of the system unsuccessfully, Nicks’ presence nearly guarantees the Bucs will not only succeed, but thrive because of the personnel they have added.
QUARTERBACK:
Dan Orlovsky may not get the juices flowing, but fact remains he is a good fit for the Bucs new offense. Josh Johnson made a name for himself because of his athleticism in Tampa but struggled in the pass game. Johnson has a career 54% completion percentage to go with a quarterback rating of 57.7 in three seasons.
Orlovsky on the other hand, has a completion percentage of 58% and a rating of 75.9 for his career. Though he may not be as athletic or have the upside of Johnson, Orlovsky is a better passer. Johnson is very likely to sign with another team soon, so the Bucs were in need of a veteran presence whom could step in immediately if called upon.
As for Josh Freeman, the Buccaneers have done everything necessary to ensure his disappointing 2011 season does not repeat this year. He has a proven deep threat and a much improved line capable of protecting him. Many of Freeman’s issues last year came from forced throws in an attempt to make something happen. With enough time to analyze his throws and a stable of threats out wide, Freeman has no excuses. The power run game will also remove more of the burden from his shoulders, forcing defenses to “pick their poison” instead of sitting back on his throws.
The Buccaneers front office and ownership have made all the right moves to ensure success. After years of being labeled “cheap” and criticized, they have gone in the opposite direction and been among the highest spenders. Their strategy to spend now instead of waiting until all teams had to spend 89% next year also deserves commendation. The Glazer family has ensured they have an advantage moving forward, one which will see them compete on a level unseen since the 2002 season.
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Nice thorough analysis. I see things much the way you do. I’m hoping that they draft Claiborne instead of Richardson. No offense to Richardson who is a good back and could have a solid NFL career, I don’t personally believe in using that high of a pick on a RB, and I happen to think the Bucs already have a talented #1 back in Blount. I’d rather have the top CB prospect knowing how a great cover CB can force an offense to concede one whole sideline to a defense knowing that receiver will never be open (see also Revis, Darellle). Claiborne has the potential to be that kind of corner with the right coaching and some NFL experience. I’d love to see him get that chance here in Tampa. Also, Freeman is poised to have a monster season if Nicks does what I think he’ll do for both pass-protection and setting up Blount. Go Bucs!
Amen to that! Good to see a fan with insight like you.
Richardson or Caiborne? I would take the best available player. Richardson. It’s a no-Braianer. Draft more corners or find another in free agency and start cutting bait. Talib is nothing more than a headache so dump him. Ronde is the man to guide the youngsters. Claiborne is a flashy pick, but we might find some good later round talent to fill the gaps.
Like I’ve stated previously, the knee issues don’t sit well with me and if you read my latest column ( http://www.rantsports.com/tampa-bay-buccaneers/2012/03/19/the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-2012-defensive-philosophy/ ) then I believe Claiborne is all the more important and we can find a good RB in the second. Hard to find fault in your opinion though. Richardson is special but I just think Claiborne is a bigger need. Agree with you on all the other comments for sure.