When watching the Buccaneers linebacking corps play this preseason there is one thing that really jumps out to me, Geno Hayes is no where to be found.
Even though its preseason, Geno Hayes is a player that needs to show consistency to prove that he deserves to be a starter. At least in my opinion he does.
You can look at Hayes’ stats last year and see that he wasn’t as efficient in combined tackles going from 136 in 2009 to 104 in 2010, but he did get a career high in sacks (4), recording one more than his 2009 total of 3. That isnt a huge drop off and Hayes did make some plays in 2010, but too often he was a non-factor and at times, just disappeared.
Preseason has been no different for Hayes. But the same cannot be said about second year line backer, Dakoda Watson.
In the limited amount of time Watson got to play last season, he showed great instincts for the ball and when he got there, he made his presence felt. Not only is Watson a physical tackler, but he is also a very skilled pass rusher.
In the first preseason game against Kansas City last week, Watson had 1.5 sacks and 2 tackles. .5 of his 1.5 sacks resulted in a safety on Chiefs quarterback, Tyler Palko, and was very disruptive against the run. In the game against the Patriots this past Thursday, Watson recorded 4 tackles while Hayes recorded 2, and actually had 0 tackles against the Chiefs.
One thing that limits Geno Hayes’ impact on the field is his size. At 6’1” 226, Hayes is on the smaller end when it comes to size for a line backer. It is easy for him to get washed by offensive lineman and because he’s not overly strong, he doesn’t have the strength to get off blocks and make tackles. Watson however, is 6’2” 240, has blazing speed for a line backer and has the strength to hold up at the point of attack. Watson is a workout warrior and has a body physique that is very similar to starting strong side line backer, Quincy Black.
Hayes and Watson actually have quite a bit in common; they both were drafted in by the Bucs in the seventh round of the 2008 and 2010 NFL draft respectively, and each played their collegiate ball at Florida State and were big time players for. Where they differ is in physical stature and playing style. Geno Hayes shows flashes but is inconsistent, and whenever Watson plays, he’s always turning heads and gets better every time out.
In my opinion, Watson can do everything that Hayes can do and more. Watson is turning into a very good pass rusher and can be used in multiple packages to utilize his speed and athleticism. I know that many Buccaneer fans are looking at Hayes to start, but don’t be surprised at some point along the year to see Watson starting and Hayes playing a situational role. We have been waiting for Hayes to replace the great Derrick Brooks but that just isn’t going to happen. Watson plays more like the future hall of famer.
I’m not saying Watson is Brooks, because no one is Derrick Brooks, but Watson plays a physical style that Derrick Brooks played. Watson will eventually de-seat Hayes, it’s just a matter of time.
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