Unlike yesterday’s category, Secondary, today’s slice of the Tampa Bay pie is is not as well served. It’s probably safe to say if there were no discontent between labor and management, its highly unlikely that Barrett Ruud would be back as a Buc next year. That being said it’s doubtful even still that No.51 will be in a Buc uniform next year.
Ruud is strong suited in a lot of areas; especially in the passing game. His ability to drop back into coverage is great, and his signal calling as the QB of the Bucs defense is superb. But Ruud does not have the same knack in the run game, he lacks the bulk to be an effective run stopper, evidenced several times during the year as he was trucked over by running backs that were not even that well known for their size.
It’s not even beyond the possibility that all three linebacker spots could be up for grabs, as the Bucs are not that high on Quincy Black or Geno Hayes, mostly due to their inconsistencies. They bring their A game one week but not always the next, and that concerns Bucs coaches to no end.
The draft may not be the only source for new linebackers though.
Expect Dekoda Watson and Adam Hayward to push hard for starting gigs on the outsides, with Hayward earning that right by slowly waiting in the wings playing special teams since he was drafted in the 6th round of the 2007 draft. Watson on the other hand seems poised to compete head on next year in only his second season. Another or Mark Dominik’s late rounds magic, Watson would be yet again another example of the extraordinary ability of Dominik and Morris to pick talent that fits the needs and scheme of the team.
Tyrone McKenzie rounds out the in house possibilities.
It wouldn’t be out of the realm of possibilities to see the Bucs drafting a middle or outside linebacker to replace one they have, but its doubtful that would happen higher than rounds 3 or 4.
UP NEXT: DEFENSIVE LINE
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