Offensive Camps Are Going To Be Fun, Crowded

With last week's addition of Jerramy Stevens, the Bucs now have seven tight ends on the roster. Add to those the 14 wide receivers who are currently signed, and it's obvious that we weren't the only ones who thought the receiving corps could use some serious improvement. Last year, the team opened the season with five wide receivers and three tight ends. Just using that as a starting point, that means the team will have to cut 13 players from these two groups by September. That's going to set up some very interesting competitions during training camp.

I honestly think the only three sure locks to make the team are Joey Galloway, Dexter Jackson and Alex Smith. But even that just leaves three receiver and two tight end slots available. Here's who is left, in my opinion of who has the best chance to make the team:

WR: Ike Hilliard, Michael Clayton, Maurice Stovall, Paris Warren, Antonio Bryant, Chad Lucas, Taye Biddle, Cortez Hankton, Micheal Spurlock, Charles Spiller, Brian Clark, Amarri Jackson

TE: John Gilmore, Ben Troupe, Jerramy Stevens, Keith Heinrich, Daniel Fells, Tyrice Thompson

There's some real talent there buried in the depth chart, too. For example, Biddle and Hankton both looked pretty good during the OTAs so far this year. Hilliard is getting up there in age and one could make the argument to replace him, but Jon Gruden absolutely loves the guy and he's been a reliable team player for a few years now. And if Bryant starts to show off some of the talent he had when he first got into the league, he could make things interesting for a guy like Stovall, who hasn't been much of a receiver but has been a killer on special teams.

I also think the competition between Troupe and Stevens will be fun. Just because Gruden called Troupe at the dawn of free agency to get him to come to Tampa doesn't mean he's guaranteed a spot. Gruden made it perfectly clear that he wasn't happy when the team lost Stevens. Now that he's back (and for the veteran minimum, I'm sure,) it's not as clear cut anymore.

If the team wants to expand either of these positions to make room for someone else, it will have to be at the expense of another position. Quarterback, maybe? If Luke McCown can put on a brilliant camp and Brian Griese continues the pattern of erratic behavior he showed in Chicago, Gruden may decide to cut Griese despite having a draft pick invested in him if it means he can keep an extra receiver or tight end. Of course, that would mean making Josh Johnson the emergency third QB, and we've seen what happens when a Gruden rookie QB gets thrown into action too early.

Isn't this fun?!? This is going to be a great camp this year. And in the spirit of fun, here's a picture of Troupe in drag.