Let’s get one thing out of the way. Saturday’s signing of Cato June was the best move so far this offseason for the Bucs. He’s a special player who can be successful in multiple positions.
June has spent the last few years in Indianapolis playing weakside linebacker… the same position as Derrick Brooks. Since I haven’t heard any retirement notices or rumors about Brooks changing positions, I have to assume that he will start at WLB again in 2007, if for no other reason than reputation and respect for a Hall of Famer. And the Bucs aren’t paying June $12 million to compete with Jamie Winborn for a backup role. So, what do the Bucs have in mind?
To play the middle linebacker position is specifically why Barrett Ruud was drafted in 2005. If Shelton Quarles can’t play this year, that will be Ruud’s spot. Currently, the strongside linebacker position is being manned competantly, if not exceptionally, by Ryan Nece. But the position is ready for an upgrade. But June, at 227 pounds, doesn’t have the ideal size for that position in the Cover 2. Oh sure, he’d be good, but why bring him on if you’re not going to get the most out of him? No, the way to go is to put June at strong safety.
Jermaine Phillips showed improvement as the year progressed, but not enough to secure his job. June, who played safety in college, would be an immediate upgrade and provide a level of pass coverage that the position hasn’t seen since 2003. If Phillips wanted to challenge Will Allen for the free safety spot, I’m sure the competition would do both of them good. And while we’re switching people around, put Jamie Winborn against Ryan Nece for starting SLB again. I still don’t know how Winborn lost that battle last year, but I’m still convinced he is the better athlete. All these moves are improvements over last year and are all made possible by June’s flexibility.
June’s acqusition also changes around draft priorities a little. If the Bucs do use him at safety, it makes drafting Eric Weddle less of a necessity. My mock draft #2 where the Bucs take John Wendling at free safety in the fourth round becomes a better scenario. That leaves the first of two second round picks to fill a need not adequately addressed in free agency.
Posted by Shawn Golan, Los Angeles, California on 03/19 at 03:31 PM
I’m not saying Monte won’t get the absolute most out of Cato June...I’m saying that we may want to consider whether or not the “Most” Cato has to offer is enough. I think this was a worth-while pick-up. I think Cato “could” be a very talented LB. I also think that Tampa needs to be aware that there is a reason Indy didn’t rush to re-sign him. Cato has some serious short-comings, most of which are physical. His mental lapses can be coached away by this talented staff. But the fact that hes got some tackling issues is a point that I’m worried about. All in all...good pick-up...but not the sure-thing I as hoping for. I would have been happier with Draft.
Posted by julian fullmer, new port richey fl. on 03/19 at 11:15 AM
don’t worry monte will find a spot for him oh yeah if he’s not a sure tackler or had the ability kiffin wouldn’t have taken him. you gotta remember kiffen runs the defense not gruden and im sure he had alot to do with these signings. carter, chuckura, that corner
so have faith in ol monte.
Posted by Shawn Golan, Los Angeles, California on 03/19 at 10:27 AM
Lets get one thing straight...this is a “gamble” not a sure thing. Cato June has had one outstanding year and a career of being just OK. Picking him up is taking a chance that Cato can consistently perform like he did in 05’...but there are no guarantees that will happen.
Cato has got the speed, hands, coverage skills, and raw-talent. BUT, he makes A LOT of mistakes and he can be run over. He lacks exceptional tackling ability, but in Tampa’s “gang-tackling” system, that might not matter.
He will be playing SLB unless Brooks agrees to move. He will eventually replace Brooks on the weak side. But for now, barring a switch-up, he’ll play on the strong side.
All in all, pretty good signing, but lets see how things go.
Posted by Matt Price, Colorado Springs, CO on 03/18 at 05:06 PM
I agree 100%! I love this signing. Finally, the Bucs get someone who has proven himself to be a star AND has a future. I think he will play at safety until Mr. Derrick Brooks is ready to retire. At that point, they’ll probably split duties for a few months and then June will become our new Brooks for the next ten years.
Posted by Corey Furse, Jacksonville, Fla on 03/18 at 04:29 PM
I am glad they pick up Cato June. We need to be thinking about the future of the defense. I am in the service so all I hear is that Tampa’s defense age is catching up with them. Cato is young and he will be a upgrade for us, especially when we dont know the future of Quarles.
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Posted by Fred Augat, Georgia on 03/19 at 03:56 PM
I am impressed with the versatility that these new defensive guys bring to the table. Carter can play DE or DT....chuk can play DE or LB....cato can play will, sam, or even strong safety as he did in college....monte must be in pig heaven figuring out interesting ways to use this new talent....in addition we will likely draft at least one more defensive lineman, maybe 2, and a safety to augment what has been acquired to date defensively.... not bad.