PALM BEACH—Not much action Tuesday at the NFL owners meetings, but I had several interesting conversations at The Breakers on a variety of football topics, including a session with Bucs GM Bruce Allen.
Allen said the 2008 draft shapes up as particularly intriguing because of the unusual depth at some positions, which he typically declined to specify. He said the Bucs “filled a lot of roles’’ during the first month of free agency and said he feels good about Tampa Bay’s depth at quarterback.
“Somebody offered me one (quarterback) today,’’ Allen said with a grin. Despite the presence of Jeff Garcia, Brian Griese, Chris Simms, Luke McCown and Bruce Gradkowski at the position, Allen still isn’t discounting the possibility of Jake Plummer adding even more intrigue to the mix.
“He’s under contract,’’ said Allen. “Could Jake have a potential role? Absolutely.’’
Allen was asked about Simms’ decision to skip preliminary workouts at the team facility.
“The offseason is voluntary and whatever he feels he needs to do to get ready for the season, that’s what he should do,’’ Allen said.
The Bucs are currently at 77 players according to Allen, who has five draft picks to work with at the present time. He confirmed former Patriots DB Eugene Wilson has been working out at corner following the departure of veteran Brian Kelly to Detroit as a free agent.
“That’s something to follow,’’ Allen said, stressing Wilson’s versatility to play both corner and safety. “Let’s see how this progresses.’’
At the critical LT spot, which protects Garcia’s blind side, Allen said Luke Petitgout is “doing well, very well in fact,’’ after tearing his ACL in Week 4. “And Donald Penn is not going to shy away from competition.’’
Tampa Bay’s first and most expensive free agent move was to sign center Jeff Faine, who played well for division rival New Orleans.
“We like Faine and our offseason program is interesting seeing him work against (DT) Chris Hovan,’’ Allen said. “Jeff’s fit in real well.’’
Veteran RB Michael Pittman still hasn’t signed a free-agent contract with another club, and although Allen didn’t discount the possibility of Pittman rejoining the Bucs, he said, “I think we’re comfortable with the group we have right now.’’
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I ran into former Bucs secondary coach Mike Tomlin, who won a division title in his first year as head coach of the Steelers.
“Man, I’m living a dream,’’ said Tomlin, whose fiery approach convinced owner Dan Rooney that Tomlin would be a natural successor to Bill Cowher. “Every day I come to work and I walk past five Lombardi Trophies to my right when I walk into my office.’’
Tomlin was asked if he had to choose between a great pass rush and a great secondary, what would be his preference.
“A great pass rush,’’ he said without hesitation, “because the ball never comes out. Look at some of the great defenses in the history of this league and they’ve got dominant men up front.’’
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Oakland coach Lane Kiffin, son of Bucs defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, is still recovering from an inaugural 4-12 season that obviously doesn’t sit well with maverick owner Al Davis. The Raiders change head coaches often and Davis serves as the club’s GM for all practical purposes.
“If you’re going to worry about being fired, you worry about that the day you’re hired by the Raiders,’’ Kiffin said. “I don’t need outside pressure – I put pressure on myself. Al’s very hand’s on and very demanding … and that’s intriguing. He’s also somebody who has done a lot in this league. For us, last year kind of reminded you of how far away you are.’’
-- Ira Kaufman
