Since We Keep Talking About Linebackers…

I've had several separate email discussions regarding linebackers, in addition to the various comments in the previous thread. Here's how I see it...

The Bucs opened the season in 2007 with seven linebackers, which is probably what they'll do in 2008. Here's the list right now:

WLB: Derrick Brooks/Adam Hayward
MLB: Barrett Ruud/Ryan Nece
SLB: Cato June/Quincy Black

Sam Olajubutu is also on the team. To kick off 2007, they had Leon Joe on the roster, so don't read too much into it. I think things are going to change in 2009, which is something they have to prepare for now. Unless Brooks can top what he did last year, he'll probably be nudged into retirement next offseason. I'll also go out on a limb and say this is Ryan Nece's last season if he even makes the team. Then it looks like this:

WLB: Cato June/Adam Hayward
MLB: Barrett Ruud/someone
SLB: Quincy Black/someone

The team will have to bring in some linebackers to compete with Black for the starting strongside spot, a veteran MLB to backup Ruud, and a seventh guy for depth. My point is that things could be all right this year without much movement, especially if the team improves the defensive line. But if they don't start planning for next year, they'll enter 2009 with some serious gaps. So they'll probably sign some second-tier linebacker this year in free agency to a two year deal to make sure they have someone in place. It may not be too crazy to think they take a linebacker with their third or fourth round pick.