Got 2 Try A New Position: Running Back/Fullback

Kenneth Darby: Darby has had a terrible time holding onto the ball lately. Bucs defenders have keyed in on him as a fumbler, so they're going after the ball even harder. He seems to have a lot of potential, but fumbling is absolutely the worst thing you can do in camp.

Lionel Gates: Speaking of dropping balls, Jon Gruden ended a practice early out of frustration when Gates bobbled and fumbled a handoff from Luke McCown. Gates has shown some burst up the middle and started off the camp strong, but really there is nothing separating him and Darby.

Earnest Graham: Graham has had a so-so camp as a running back, but is really shining in special teams again. He has been fearless when blocking for returners and has been involved in a number of trick plays, including a flea flicker and being the receiver on a fake punt (Josh Bidwell's pass was woefully underthrown, but Graham came back to it for a catch.) His knowledge of the offense and extraordinary special teams play give him the edge over Darby and Gates for the #3 running back spot.

Michael Pittman: Pittman is now the veteran leader of the running backs. He has been seen instructing the young guys on proper route running and is willing to do absolutely anything to be on the field. He is what Gruden has in mind for the second half of the Rocket backfield and has been working a lot out of that formation. Jeff Garcia loves throwing to running backs in the flat or on flares and Pittman is perfect for that role.

Cadillac Williams: Williams has had a much more productive camp than last year. He is catching the ball out of the backfield better and has shown more speed on the perimeter than in 2006. He is obviously healthier this season and if he can stay that way, he should have a good year.

B.J. Askew: Askew is clearly the best run blocker on the team and he catches the ball well. His only problem is that Art Valero keeps yelling at him to keep his pads down. He runs kind of tall.

Byron Storer: Storer has had a terrible camp. I seriously can't say anything good about him. He has bricks for hands and is too easily pushed around. The most memorable thing that happened to Storer in camp is that Cato June absolutely destroyed him on a running play. Even with Mike Alstott gone, there's no way he stays on the team.

Alstott's injury poses an interesting problem for the Bucs. Both Pittman and Graham are big enough and have enough knowledge of the system to be a backup fullback to Askew. That would free up a roster spot, but put the team in a bad position if Askew got injured. I would guess that Gruden would take his chances, though, and keep that roster spot open for a different position, perhaps wide receiver. If he does decide to keep five, I say Gates makes the cut.

Making the team: Williams (starter), Pittman, Graham, Askew (starter)