Bucs talk to tackle

If signed, Lomas Brown would add depth to the offensive line.

By ROGER MILLS, Times Staff Writer
© St. Petersburg Times
published July 25, 2002

TAMPA -- The Bucs are pursuing left tackle Lomas Brown, a free agent released by the Giants in late February. He could sign before Sunday, when players are scheduled to report for training camp. Brown, 39, has played 17 seasons, 11 with the Lions. He also played for the Cardinals and Browns. The seven-time Pro Bowl player and former Gator has started 251 of his 252 NFL games and all nine of his playoff games. The Bucs declined to comment. A career left tackle, the 6-foot-4, 280-pound Brown would join second-year starter Kenyatta Walker and career backup Pete Pierson in a quest for playing time.

Walker, who struggled during his rookie season, said Wednesday he welcomes the competition.

"Nothing is given to you," he said. "It wouldn't be the NFL if there wasn't talent out there. I'm fighting for a job, and the best man will win.

"I think it's going to be me, and I have to go out there with that attitude. I have to show that I was worth being a first-round pick. It's the job I'm in. It's not like every time I see another left tackle coming in the door I get scared."

Also, to facilitate the transition to coach Jon Gruden's offense, linemen have been told to report at no more than 310 pounds.

Making weight should not be a problem for the three regulars who finished last season well above 300: right guard Cosey Coleman (325), right tackle Jerry Wunsch (339) and center/guard Todd Washington (323).

Coleman, who started every game, said he has dropped 15 pounds and should drop more by the second week of camp.

"Carrying the extra weight just doesn't make sense," Coleman said. "It's going to wear you down eventually with all the movement (the Bucs plan at the line of attack). I have never, ever, done as much running as an offensive lineman."

Jeff Christy is at 285, and Walker said he is down to 296, six fewer than he weighed for most of last season.

"Weight has never been my problem," Walker said. "I could use another 5 or 10 pounds." In an era when offensive linemen have gotten bigger, new offensive line coach Bill Muir and strength and conditioning coach Johnny Parker have the Bucs' using less bulky and more mobile linemen.

"We want to have everyone just a little lighter because we have to do a lot of things, a lot of moving and running around," Walker said.

The Bucs, meanwhile, signed seventh-round pick Tim Wansley, a cornerback from Georgia, to a three-year deal. Monday, safety Jermaine Phillips, a fifth-round pick also from Georgia, signed a three-year deal. Financial terms were not disclosed.

Negotiations continue with third-round pick Marquise Walker, fourth-rounder Travis Stephens, sixth-rounder John Stamper and seventh-round picks Tracey Wistrom, Aaron Lockett and Zack Quaccia.

The Bucs also placed quarterback Joe Hamilton and linebacker Eugene McCaslin on a reserve list for NFL Europe players. Both are out for the season. And they released fullback Mike Cerimele.

FRONT-OFFICE HIRE: Bobby Alfaro was hired as a pro personnel assistant. He previously worked as an intern in the league office.