Bucs draft 2002

LINEBACKERS

PROJECTED STARTERS

What has been a strength of the Bucs defense is weakened by injuries and an alarming lack of depth. Not since the departure of Hardy Nickerson after the '99 season has Tampa Bay been able to adequately solve their riddle at middle linebacker. Jamie Duncan, who manned the position as a starter the past two seasons, was allowed to leave as a free agent to the Rams without a second glance. Duncan's perceived successor, third-year pro Nate Webster, is recovering from surgery on both shoulders and still is too green to rely on. As a result, the Bucs have moved veteran Shelton Quarles to middle linebacker and replaced him on the strong side with career backup Alshermond Singleton. All-Pro Derrick Brooks still is recovering from foot surgery and an injury-plagued 2001 season, his worst as a pro.

OTHERS

The cupboard is pretty bare. Webster is the the most serviceable backup, when healthy. The Bucs lost valuable Jeff Gooch to the Lions in free agency. That leaves relative unknowns Jack Golden, Chris Jones and Eugene McCaslin.

FANTASY PICK

Northwestern's Napoleon Harris will not only be the first linebacker taken in the NFL draft, he'll likely be the only linebacker selected in the first round. This year produced one of the weakest drafts for linebackers in memory. But Harris is an instinctive, big-play performer who was productive in big games and backed it up with excellent workouts.

OTHER TOP PROSPECTS

Oregon State's James Allen, California's Scott Fujita and North Carolina State's Levar Fisher are projected to be drafted by the end of the second round. Other prospects include and might be limited to Washington State's Raonall Smith, Florida's Andra Davis and Kansas State's Ben Leber.

KEY STAT

The Bucs allowed opponents to rush for an average of 106.4 yards a game. That's the most since the 118.1 in '96, the first year under coach Tony Dungy.

WHAT THE BUCS ARE THINKING

It's not a very good year to attempt to replenish the linebacker position in the NFL draft. But that's the objective for the Bucs, who must boost their numbers and add some quality at the position. Brooks still is in his prime, but he can't play forever. The Bucs like Webster, but he plays more on instincts than intelligence. Help is needed.

THE THOUGHT HERE

There is likely to be a run on the few elite linebackers sometime in the second round. It is a short supply, so at the 86th pick, the next Dick Butkus will not be staring Tampa Bay in the eye. But the team has to stockpile some depth, and fortunately for the Bucs, they like to play with smaller, quicker linebackers that other teams may pass on.

2001 DRAFT

The Bucs ignored the position last year, part of why they're in this situation today.