Super Bowl XXXVII Jackson to name Bucs picks

Posted Apr 23, 2012 by Roy Cummings

Updated Apr 23, 2012 at 05:55 PM

  BY ROY CUMMINGS
The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA – Former Buccaneers safety Dexter Jackson, the MVP of the team’s Super Bowl XXXVII championship, will announce the team’s second- and third-round draft picks from Radio City Music Hall on Friday, the NFL announced Monday.

Jackson was a fourth-round pick of the Bucs in 1999 who capped his run with the Bucs by intercepting two passes to help Tampa Bay defeat the Oakland Raider 41-28 at Qualcomm Stadium in San Diego to earn MVP honors.

Jackson is one of 33 NFL alumni, one from each team and two from the Rams, who will announce their former team’s second- and third-round selections, continuing a program that began during last year’s draft.

Former Bucs safety John Lynch announced the Bucs selection of defensive end Da’Quan Bowers a year ago, when alumni members announced the selection of their former team’s second-round draft picks.

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Vincent Jackson eager to work with Williams

Posted Apr 19, 2012 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Apr 19, 2012 at 03:48 PM

By IRA KAUFMAN

TAMPA—It hasn’t taken Vincent Jackson very long to make a powerful impression on his new head coach,

Since the veteran wide receiver signed with the Buccaneers as a free agent from San Diego last month, Jackson has thrilled Greg Schiano with his attitude, setting an example for Josh Freeman’s young targets like Mike Williams and Arrelious Benn.

“I think Vincent Jackson is going to have a really good impact on everybody,’’ Schiano said Thursday following the close of a 3-day voluntary camp that generated almost full participation. “He’s a pro. He works very hard, he trains very hard and he practices very hard. He brings an energy to practice as well as play-making ability. I’m excited.’‘

Williams enjoyed a stellar rookie year in 2010 as the Bucs won 10 games, but his production dropped markedly last year during a 4-12 season that prompted the dismissal of head coach Raheem Morris.

“Mike’s a good young receiver and I think we’ll be able to put defenses in a lot of binds,’’ Jackson said. “We’re all going to help each other and feed off of each other. We’ve got a great receivers coach in P.J. Fleck, who is very detail-oriented, and he’s going to make us great. We can be good, but we want to be great and he’s the guy to do it.’‘

Fleck, a former wideout at Northern Illinois, spent the past two years as Schiano’s receivers coach at Rutgers. Jackson is also looking forward to working with new offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan, who earned two Super Bowl rings with the New York Giants on Tom Coughlin’s staff.

“We’re going to be the most-prepared team in the league,’’ Jackson said. “Mike Sullivan’s great. He’s a smart guy with some great experience and I can sense his excitement in every meeting. It’s fun to play for a guy like that.’‘

After playing seven years with quarterback Philip Rivers in San Diego, Jackson can’t wait to develop a rapport with Freeman.

“Josh is a big, strong, physical guy and he’s hungry,’’ Jackson said. “It’s a new system for him and he’s doing a good job picking it up. You can feel his confidence.’‘

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Bucs minicamp begins; NFL schedule out tonight

Posted Apr 17, 2012 by Roy Cummings

Updated Apr 17, 2012 at 10:29 AM

BY ROY CUMMINGS

Today is shaping up to be a pretty big day for the Buccaneers and new head coach Greg Schiano.

Not only is today the beginning of the team’s first minicamp under Schiano, it is also the day the NFL schedule is due to come out.

Schiano, who replaced Raheem Morris in January, will begin his first minicamp with a workout at One Buc Place today at 2:30.

The schedule he will have to deal with during his rookie year as head coach is slated to come out later in the day, or early tonight.

The Bucs began their offseason workout program under Schiano on April 2, and today will mark the beginning of the first of three minicamps.

The Bucs will be on the field at One Buc Place today, Wednesday and Thursday, so players will get their first real taste of a Schiano workout.

One thing to keep in mind today is that this is a voluntary workout. Players are strong urged, but not required, to attend.

With this being Schiano’s first on-field drill instruction, however, you can bet that most players will be on hand.

Stay tuned to TBO.com, twitter and facebook for live updates on the practice and the schedule release.

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Notre Dame S Smith one to watch as draft approaches

Posted Apr 11, 2012 by Roy Cummings

Updated Apr 11, 2012 at 01:17 PM

BY ROY CUMMINGS
The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA – The dismissal Tuesday of the talented yet troubled Tanard Jackson has Buccaneers followers everywhere wondering what the team will do to replace its former starting free safety.

There are plenty of options.

One, of course, is to promote from within, where the Bucs remain very high on Larry Asante and are very intrigued by the playmaking ability of Ahmad Black, the former Gator defender they took in the fifth round of last year’s draft.

There is also free agency to consider. Though the top-level safeties have all been gobbled up, the potential to land a serviceable starter such as O.J. Atogwe or Melvin Bullitt is still there.

And finally there is the draft. This year’s safety class is not an exceptional one, according to scouts, but there are couple of players projected to go in the top three rounds the Bucs may be targeting.

The one Bucs fans may want to get to know more about is Notre Dame free safety Harrison Smith. Most draft analysts have him rated as a second round pick and some have him going in the top 35 overall.

The thing that will make Smith attractive to the Bucs is not only his ability to play either free safety or strong safety but his ability to also play strongside linebacker.

This is a guy who left Notre Dame as the only golden domer ever to record 200 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and 15 pass breakups in his career, and he’s a two-time team captain.

The Bucs are big on captains, big on versatility and in need of not only a safety but someone who can help out at linebacker a little bit. Smith provides all of that. Keep your eye on him as the draft approaches.

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AFC West coaches not sorry to see Jackson depart

Posted Mar 27, 2012 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Mar 27, 2012 at 11:26 AM

BY IRA KAUFMAN

PALM BEACH—A couple of rival AFC West coaches are thrilled they no longer have to game-plan for Vincent Jackson twice a season.

The big-play wide receiver is now a problem for Tampa Bay’s rivals since the Bucs pried Jackson away from San Diego by signing him quickly when the free agency period opened two weeks ago. For seven seasons, Jackson had the full attention of opposing coaches in the AFC West as he averaged 17.5 yards per reception.

“I’m not shedding any tears,’’ Chiefs coach Romeo Crennel said with a laugh Tuesday morning when asked about Jackson’s new work address. “That guy can make a huge impact because he’s a big receiver who can go get the football and he’s got great speed. His catches are down the field and he will make a difference in Tampa. Vincent Jackson creates all kinds of matchup problems with his size and speed.’‘

Denver coach John Fox had to prepare a defensive game plan against Jackson in 2011, when the Broncos limited him to five catches for 59 yards in two meetings.

“Our defense has a great deal of respect for Jackson and to be quite honest, we’re happy he’s out of our division, although we play Tampa this year,’’ Fox said. “He’s big, strong and explosive. That guy can be a game-changer.’‘

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Bucs, Pro Bowl G Nicks agree to terms

Posted Mar 14, 2012 by Roy Cummings

Updated Mar 14, 2012 at 10:20 AM

BY ROY CUMMINGS
The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA – The Buccaneers landed another big free agency fish on Wednesday.

Though the deal has not been signed, the Bucs have agreed to terms on a five-year, $47.5 million contract with Pro Bowl left guard Carl Nicks, Nicks’ agent said.

The signing comes on the heels of the recent signing of Bucs starting left guar Jeremy Zuttah, which means the Bucs may be ready to make the long-anticipated move of Zuttah to center.

Nicks has been named an All-Pro guard by the Associated Press each of the last two years and was widely considered to be the top guard available in free agency.

The Bucs may have also found themselves a new backup quarterback.

The Bucs, who are expected to lose Josh Johnson in free agency, agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Dan Orlovsky, according to several internet reports.

Neither the Bucs nor Orlovsky’s agent, David Dunn, have confirmed the reported signing, which would put the former Connecticut standout with his fourth team in eight years.

A fifth-round pick (145th overall) in 2005, Orlovsky started his career with the Lions but has also played for the Texans and Colts.

Orlovsky, 28, has spent most of his time in the league watching from the bench. He has played in 21 games.

Nicks comes to Tampa Bay after spending his first four seasons in New Orleans, where he was a key factor in the team allowing just 83 sacks, the third-fewest in the league over that span.

Nicks was originally drafted by the Saints in the fifth-round (164th overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Nebraska and has started in 61 consecutive regular season games and six additional postseason games, dating back to his rookie season. That year, Nicks earned All-Rookie honors and helped the Saints to the number one ranked offense, in terms of yards per game and scoring, while setting a club record with only 13 sacks surrendered all season.

In 2009, he again helped lead the team to the top-ranked total offense with the sixth-ranked rushing attack and the fourth-ranked passing attack, as they only allowed 20 sacks on their way to a Super Bowl Championship.

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Bucs sign CB Eric Wright

Posted Mar 14, 2012 by Roy Cummings

Updated Mar 14, 2012 at 08:37 AM

BY ROY CUMMINGS
The Tampa Tribune

TAMPA – The Tampa Bay Buccaneers worked through the night on the first day of free agency and their hard work has resulted in another deal, this one for Lions free agent cornerback Eric Wright.

Wright and the Bucs reached an accord early Wednesday, according to team officials on a five-year contract that will bring the Bucs the starting caliber corner they were looking for.

Wright originally came to the league as a second-round pick (53rd overall) of the Cleveland Browns in 2007. He moved to the Lions in 2011 and made 74 tackles and had four interceptions on 16 games.

Wright, who played his college ball at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, has started 71 of the 75 games he’s played in the NFL and has 323 tackles, one sack and 13 interceptions.

The Bucs are in need of help at cornerback because they are unsure of Ronde Barber’s future and face losing fellow starting corner Aqib Talib to a jail sentence, league suspension or both.

Barber, 37, is contemplating retirement and Talib is slated to stand trail on March 26 in Texas for his role in a shooting incident involving his sister’s boyfriend that occurred in Garland Texas in March, 2011.

The signing of Wright, 27, came less than 12 hours after the Bucs made one of the biggest free agency splashes in their history, signing former Chargers wide receiver Vincent Jackson to a five-year, $55.5 million deal.

The Bucs were also planning a meeting with Pro Bowl guard Carl Nicks for Wednesday. Nicks, who has spent his entire career playing for the Saints, arrived in Tampa late Tuesday.

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Jason Pierre-Paul is just getting started

Posted Feb 27, 2012 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Feb 27, 2012 at 04:17 PM

By IRA KAUFMAN

TAMPA—The New York Giants have a chilling message for future opponents who will be dealing with Jason Pierre-Paul.

You ain’t seen nothing yet.

The former University of South Florida standout earned Pro Bowl honors as a second-year defensive end in 2011, capping a stellar season by knocking down a pair of Tom Brady passes in New York’s 21-17 Super Bowl victory against New England.

“The sky’s the limit,’’ Giants GM Jerry Reese said about Pierre-Paul’s potential during a news conference at the scouting combine. “We think he can be a terrific player for a long time for us. He’s a terrific kid and he really wants to learn.’‘

Reese selected Pierre-Paul midway through the first round of the 2010 draft and he emerged as an All-Pro performer last season, leading all NFL defensive linemen with 86 tackles while posting 16.5 sacks.

A new coaching staff will have to decide how much help to give left tackle Donald Penn against Pierre-Paul this fall, when Tampa Bay ventures to the Meadowlands for the first time since 2006.

When Giants coach Tom Coughlin took to the podium at Indianapolis last week, the last question of the interview session concerned the height of Pierre-Paul’s ceiling.

Coughlin pointed to the heavens.

“How was that?’’ he said.

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Buc fans have reason to remember Michael Bush

Posted Feb 22, 2012 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Feb 22, 2012 at 12:07 PM

BY IRA KAUFMAN

TAMPA—At the end of the 2008 season, Michael Bush personally dashed Tampa Bay’s playoff hopes as a rookie.

As a veteran, he could have the opportunity to help resurrect the Buccaneers.

Oakland’s fifth-year running back is likely to be available when free agency begins March 13 and his skill set could be intriguing for a struggling organization that craves help in the offensive backfield.

Bush is a powerful runner who is also a stellar threat as a receiver, averaging 11.3 yards on his 37 receptions last season for the Raiders. In 2010, Bush averaged 10.8 yards per catch. Very few backs in the league can approach that kind of production as a target out of the backfield and Tampa Bay’s new coaching staff might envision Bush as a particularly effective weapon for Josh Freeman on third down.

Buc fans remember Bush for his dynamic effort in Tampa during the final game of the 2008 season, when the 9-6 Bucs needed a win against the Raiders to secure an NFC playoff spot. Instead, Bush ran for 177 yards and two touchdowns as Oakland stunned the heavily favored Bucs 31-24 in Jon Gruden’s final game on the Tampa Bay sidelines.

It was Bush who turned in the game’s key play, breaking tackles en route to a 67-yard TD run midway through the fourth quarter as the Bucs ended the season on a 4-game losing streak, prompting a coaching change and a veteran purge.

Bush doesn’t have a lot of wear and tear on him and he could be a nice fit for a Tampa Bay club lacking proven depth behind LeGarrette Blount. If the Bucs land a back like Bush in free agency, they would have more flexibility at the top of the draft, where some pundits have them selecting Alabama running back Trent Richardson with the No. 5 pick.

Tampa Bay has the resources to sign Bush, who wouldn’t command an exorbitant deal. It’s not a rich free agency class for running backs, but Bush appears to make sense for a coaching staff that is already stressing a punishing, physical attack. 

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Bucs could pursue Nicks

Posted Feb 21, 2012 by Ira Kaufman

Updated Feb 21, 2012 at 03:17 PM

BY IRA KAUFMAN

TAMPA—When you listen to Tampa Bay’s new braintrust, it quickly becomes evident the Buccaneers want to be a nasty bunch in 2012.

Raheem Morris often talked about physical play when he stood at a podium, but the Buccaneers were never particularly aggressive while going 17-31 in the past three years. If the new regime is serious about the Bucs imposing their will on opponents, targeting Pro Bowl guard Carl Nicks makes a lot of sense when free agency begins March 13.

If the Saints don’t slap the franchise tag on Nicks, Tampa Bay could be very interested in his services. He would fit in snugly at left guard, opposite Pro Bowl right guard Davin Joseph, and the Bucs could boast one of the premier offensive lines in the NFL, with Donald Penn and Jeremy Trueblood manning the tackle spots.

If Jeff Faine returned at center, Jeremy Zuttah would be a valuable reserve, versatile enough to play any spot up front. With Nicks aboard, the Bucs could decide to move Zuttah to center, his most natural position.

Either way, Nicks would set a tone for nasty play that would reverberate throughout Tampa Bay’s offensive line.

A team with a powerful offensive line doesn’t need big-time playmakers to put up big numbers. A decade ago, the Kansas City Chiefs led the AFC in total offense three consecutive seasons behind a dominant front led by Hall of Fame left tackle Willie Roaf and perennial Pro Bowl guard Will Shields.

Signing Nicks wouldn’t be a sexy move for a franchise that craves more attention, but he would give new offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan the tools up front to implement a dynamic offensive scheme.

If Nicks hits the open market, he’ll attract a bevy of suitors willing to spend serious money. The Bucs would have an opportunity to help themselves, while seriously damaging a division rival.

That 1-2 punch represents serious motivation.

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