Gaines Adams at a glance

GAINES ADAMS

Position: Defensive end

Height: 6-foot-4

Weight: 258 pounds

College: Clemson

Hightlights/stats: Only the second player in Clemson football history to be named first team All America. Had 28 career sacks and was the Atlantic Coast Conference Player of the Year. Had a career-high 12.5 sacks last season and forced two fumbles. He also recovered three fumbles, returning one for a touchdown. Had a streak of eight consecutive games with at least one sack.

The Verdict: Adams was the highest-ranked defensive player on the board and addresses a need for the Bucs, who have a projected six starters on defense over the age of 30. He will compete with Simeon Rice, who is coming off season-ending shoulder surgery and entering the final year of his contract. The Bucs were tied for 30th in the NFL with just 25 sacks and needed to improve their pass rush. The other player under consideration was Louisville's Amobi Okoye. But there's always a premium of players who can rush the quarterback. Bucs coach Jon Gruden said he was concerned about Adams admitting he used marijuana, but the Tigers' star said he was just being honest. Gruden said Adams is expected to compete with Rice at right defensive end. "He's a great a player and I'm a great player,'' Adams said of Rice. "We'll just have to compete.''

(AP photo. Click to enlarge.)