Yesterday, I started an article about 6 players that Buccaneer fans should be keeping their eye on for the 2011 season. The first 3 I discussed were; Myron Lewis CB, Larry Asante S, and Dezmon Briscoe WR. All three players have a great opportunity to break into the starting line up and make a significant impact on the coming season.
They are not alone though. The next 3 that I am about to discuss are all defensive players. 2 of the 3 were rookies last year and 2 of the 3 were signed off waivers.
4) Dekoda Watson, LB
Tampa Bay’s line backing corps has come under much fire the last 2 seasons as the Bucs have ranked 32nd and 28th respectively in run defense, Those are not numbers that will get you to the super bowl and it needs to be addressed. Geno Hayes regressed last year and Barrett Ruud, although a smart football player, has a tough time shedding blocks and attacking the hole. Quincy Black is a physical specimen, but he has yet to really translate it to the field. Both Black and Ruud are set to be free agents and because of the lockout, have yet to receive new deals. Hayes has had some legal issues this past season and because his play dipped in 2010, he must now earn his starting spot. Dekoda Watson, who was drafted in the seventh round last year, is a physical freak who has all the talent of the world to take either outside linebacker spot by the throat and run with it. An explosive player in terms of speed and giving a good stick to ball carriers, Watson is considered undersized by some people, but i disagree; at 6’2” 240, he has plenty of size to play weak side lb and is significantly bigger than Hayes, who is listed at 6’1” 226. I like Watson a lot, at Florida State, he played with swagger and was very effective in blitzing the quarterback. If Black isn’t resigned, or Hayes continues to regress, Watson should be given serious consideration for a starting spot as I believe he could be an impact player if given the experience.
5) Al Woods, DT
This one may surprise some, but for all the injuries to the DL and Brian Price’s hip issue up in the air, its actually quite obvious. Tampa Bay struggled in both sacks and rush defense last year. Mainly because of young DT’s and zero help from the defensive ends. If Tampa is to get to the super bowl this year, both statistics must improve and Al Woods is going to have to be part of it. Woods, was originally drafted by the Saints in the fourth round of last years draft, and they had no need for him come final cuts because of the depth had already. He was dropped and picked up by the Steelers and finally was picked up by Tampa in the later half of the year. I feel like this was a steal. At 6’4” 307 lbs, he definitely has the size to make a difference in the run defense. Once considered a top pick, he saw his play dip at LSU and dropped all the way to the Saints in the fourth round come draft day. Hes more suited to play nose tackle, but could be used at the three technique in certain pakages. If Price is not able to get/stay healthy, Woods’ number will be called upon to step in and help anchor down the defensive line with Gerald McCoy and Roy Miller.
6) Tyrone McKenzie, LB
Out of all the players listed to keep an eye on in 2011, Tyrone McKenzie excites me the most. Its no secret that the Bucs must get better play out of their linebackers if they wish to make that super bowl push and an upgrade at either Weak, Strong, or Mike linebackers are all being taken into consideration. There is mixed feelings about Barrett Ruud’s play; some say that hes not physical enough at the point of attack and many of his tackles were drag down tackles made 4-5 yards pass the line of scrimage while others may say that he as a victim of poor defensive line play and hes able to get the defense in and out of plays before the snap so the comfort level is there. I think that both sides have valid points and I am in agreement that Ruud is an intelligent player. Another reason people give for him making so many tackles after the line of scrimmage that hes trying to cover for other players mistakes. My response is; If hes so worried about other players responsibilities, how is able to take care of his own? MLB’s are supposed to be the players that thrive on contact, whether it’s making a tackle or attacking a blocker, the MLB is supposed to welcome contact. Ruud doesn’t welcome contact. He is hesitant and when a lineman gets on him hes completely done. I think Ruud is good, but could be improved and Tyrone McKenzie is the guy that I’m rooting for if the Bucs decide to let Ruud walk. McKenzie is big, at 6’2” 243 lbs, so he could give the Bucs a physical presence at the MLB position which they have been lacking for quite some time. While at USF he was known for his hits, physical play, and instincts so i feel that if given the opportunity, he would be able to take the MLB position in Tampa to another level. He didn’t play much this year as he was claimed off waivers the last 4 weeks of the season, but I have a very strong feeling about him. Whether he plays the middle or not, he still has the speed and the instincts to play outside. Keep your eye on McKenzie, he very well could be the MLB the Bucs have been searching for.
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
