Next stop for Adams? The weight room

Now that the season is over (for the Bucs, at least), there's time to reflect on some things.

One of them is the rookie season had by defensive end Gaines Adams. The No. 4 overall pick finished 2007 with six sacks, most among rookies. Not half bad.

But how can Adams take it to the next level and play more evenly in 2008? One thing his coaches consistently mentioned as a starting point is the weight room. On several occasions in conversations with defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin and defensive line coach Larry Coyer, I was told that strength is an area the Bucs are looking for considerable improvement when it comes to Adams.

Even Adams knows it. After the loss to the Giants a couple weeks ago, he said, "I have a lot more room for improvement. I'm going to get in the weight room and get stronger. It's only going to help me. It's going to help against the run if I get a lot stronger. And it will definitely help me out in the pass rush, too."

The good news is that Adams can carry the weight. He's got the perfect defensive end frame: 6-5, 258 pounds. But you still have to develop yourself physically. The truth is, you won't confuse Adams for a bodybuilder right now (I know, I know. Where do I get off criticizing when I'm practically on the verge of cardiac arrest after 25 minutes on my treadmill?). Seriously, though, Adams lacks the definition of a guy like, say, Simeon Rice. Not comparing them as players. Just saying that Rice is in incredible shape and looks it -- his bum shoulder notwithstanding. That's because he worked his tail off in the weight room and in conditioning.

Coyer, for one, is going to stay on top of Adams. He's relentless for an old guy who smokes a pipe. Couple that with the fact that I believe Adams truly wants to be a great player and finally, through emphasis from his coaches and teammates, understands how hard he must work to achieve that. In the end, I think we'll see a much different Adams next season if he dedicates himself to working hard this offseason.

He's saying the right things. Now, he's just got to put those words into action.