Positions Thought I’d Never Do Proper: Defensive Line

Gaines Adams: Obviously isn't going anywhere. Showed enough at the end of 2007 to be handed a starting spot. Not like they enough competition at DE to really make it a contest.

Greg White: Statistically the best defensive end on the team last year. He didn't seem happy with the tender he was given and the Bucs are working to give him a new contract. Since he's an exclusive rights free agent, he can either accept what the Bucs give him or sit out since he is not technically under contract. He'll eventually sign and should be motivated to build on the success he had last year.

Patrick Chukwurah: Chukwurah didn't have nearly the dominant year I thought he would, although he missed some time with an injury. Because of lack of depth, he'll have the opportunity to be a major part of the rotation, but if he doesn't impress, the coaches could quickly become frustrated with him and bench him.

Charles Bennett: A lot of people liked Charles Bennett last year in camp. He's been between the practice squad, the active roster, injured reserve and the street for both of his pro years. I still can't really think of anything he's done since that blocked field goal a couple years ago. If the Bucs do any DE drafting, Bennett may be out.

Jimmy Wilkerson: Wilkerson was one of the first acquisitions by the Bucs during this free agency period. The fact that the team has been mostly pretty frugal and patient this year means that they saw something in Wilkerson that they liked. Wilkerson isn't a good pass rusher, but he is versatile and will probably be this year's Kevin Carter who can play any line position.

Marquies Gunn: I remember when Gunn was playing for Auburn and I didn't think he was anything great. He seems to lack strength and I've heard he's not a high-effort guy. After Michael Strahan decided to play last year, the Giants cut him and he spent time on their practice squad. I don't see him making it to the last round of cuts unless he has some amazing camp.

Chris Hovan: Hovan is as consistent and reliable as the mail. My only concern is that his salary goes from $1.9 million in 2008 to $3 million in 2009. If he slips at all this year, he could be the target for one of those "restructure or get bent" deals next offseason.

Ryan Sims: I think Sims proved he wasn't the complete bust he was made out to be during his time in Kansas City. He really came on at the end of the season and his Carolina game was fantastic. I expect him to get more playing time this season.

Greg Peterson: Ryan Sims absolutely stole the rotation spot that Peterson was in line to get. When ti came down to it, Sims performed and Peterson didn't. DL coach Larry Coyer still likes Peterson a lot, but there are only so many roster spots. Peterson is going to get some competition from any rookie defensive tackles that are signed as well as Wilkerson.

I had no clue last year. I thought Simeon Rice and Dewayne White would be with the team and Greg Spires would be cut. I was also pretty sure the Bucs would use their #4 overall pick offensively. At least I spelled everyone's name correctly.

All the early talk was that Rod Coleman would quickly sign with the Buccaneers, but almost two weeks into free agency and still nothing. The team also seemed high on bringing Kevin Carter back onto the team, but they've been slow to make anything happen. There are a lot of names out there, but the talent is questionable. Dan Klecko? Ian Scott? Kimo van Oelhoffen? See what I mean?

Tampa Bay has only signed one defensive lineman (Wilkerson) in free agency and one of their stated goals for 2008 was to make their pass rush better. It is conceivable that they use one of their first two picks on the defensive line. It's unlikely Derrick Harvey (DE, Florida) will fall to the Bucs in the first round, but if he did, they'd basically have a Gaines Adams for both sides of the line. In the second, a guy like Pat Sims (DT, Auburn) is interesting, but really more of a nose tackle... a position that doesn't need addressing this high in the draft. If they want to wait another round or two, Trevor Laws (DT, Notre Dame) has incredible intangibles and could be coached to be a fixture at under tackle for a good, long time.