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Take a look back at Gerald McCoy as he was coming on midseason last year. Sadly in two games he’d be lost for the year.
The top guys are in, and if Raheem Morris’ Tampa Bay Lightning motif PC was any indication, he is a happy camper with his new defensive toys.
Despite the Bucs no.2 ranking on defense in 2007, the Bucs really havn’t succeeded at rushing the passer since 2005, when they had the no.1 defense that year, and it actually showed. 2007 was a little smoke and mirrors, similar to last season when the defense was manned by a better back 7 than front.
Well in 2010/11, things have changed. Last year the Bucs took advantage of the pieces of the puzzle that were available. It was a DT rich draft, and WRs were plentiful too. These new Bucs don’t draft a player because they need to fill that position. Were learning that is a recipe for disaster. Nope, instead the Bucs take the best players, and they are usually available and a need at the same time.
How do they do that? By drafting guys at the right time. Last year the Bucs knew DE and LB would be rich in 2011. Even though those were need positions last year, the Bucs addressed their needs with what was strong at the time, knowing they could pick up the other positions better, even with lower picks, in a draft that is rich with their needs.
With a new starting Right DE, and Left one too (when he is ready to play), the Bucs have put an amazing amount of talent on the defensive line for the first time since 1995-1996. Maybe even more talent now than then.
Mason Foster was the Bucs last pick on Friday, and he is exactly what the club needs; a linebacker who is a sure tackler, and can play ANY of the LB positions. He is projected at either the Middle or Strong side, as respective Bucs Barrett Ruud and Quincy Black are not under contract. The Mike LB (middle) spot is the QB of the Bucs defense, but replacing Ruud is not going to be as easy as some Bucs may think. While Ruud gets trucked over in the run game because of his lack of size and ability to shed blocks, he dominates on passing downs. He spent time behind Shelton Quarles before taking on the role solo, so it’s doubtful Foster will be the starting Mike LB next season. There is a better chance a free agent MLB will be found if the Bucs choose to go without Ruud, and let Foster play it out with Black or Will LB Geno Hayes.
Either way, with just the first three Picks, the Bucs have added to their defense, and today is the day (rounds 3-7) the Bucs have been finding all the Gems the last couple of years. With their draft theory of taking only quality players who have been Captains at some point to show leadership roles, the Bucs are handpicking the best of the best, and that can only help continue the NFLs best comeback story last year; a 7 game improvement for a Bucs team that was 3-13 in 2009 and almost completely devoid of talent on the defense.
Not so much anymore.
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