Rookies encounter tough first outing

TAMPA - Added to the mix of returning veterans was a number of new faces, none more scrutinized than the rookies drafted last weekend.

Defensive end Dewayne White, quarterback Chris Simms, offensive linemen Lance Nimmo, Austin King and Sean Mahan and cornerback Torrie Cox received their NFL baptism. And it was some kind of baptism.

White, a second-round pick out of Louisville, had a particularly painful first session after being drilled by defensive line coach Rod Marinelli.

"He called out my number a couple of times, so I have got to get better," White said. "The key to coach is getting him to not call my number during practice and not yell at me, and I will get to that point here in time."

Defensive tackle Warren Sapp said watching White's grueling first experience brought back memories.

"We all looked at Dewayne White today and I remembered when Rod had me out there, just me and him, too," Sapp said. "It's nothing nice, but it will prepare you for what we do on a day-in, day-out basis."

Simms, one of three quarterbacks on the roster capable of practicing, said he has no timetable for how long it'll take him to learn the offense.

"It's Chinese, completely," Simms said of coach Jon Gruden's playbook. "There are a few things, the basic terminology, (that) come easy. But there's the next level stuff that Brad Johnson is doing right now that really is just completely foreign to me."

SMITH AT SAFETY: Former cornerback Dwight Smith made his first appearance with the starters at the safety position but had to field questions about his recent arrest.

Smith was arrested April 16 in Clearwater and charged with aggravated assault with a firearm, a third-degree felony, stemming from a road rage incident. While not discussing too many details, Smith said that he didn't randomly pull out the gun and that the case has not reached the State Attorney's Office. He said the Bucs have been understanding and supportive.

"I was thinking of the safety of my little brother," he said. "They tell me until all the facts come out they are on my side. ... Hopefully, things will come out and show that I made the right decision, just in the wrong manner. ... Hopefully, things will work out."

GATOR IN THE HOUSE: Undrafted rookie free-agent running back Earnest Graham of Florida began his professional career not thinking about the number of running backs on the roster.

"I'm definitely optimistic, I have to be," Graham said. "I think anybody in my situation definitely knows it's not going to be an easy thing, but I'm going to go ahead and try to show them what I could bring."

INJURY REPORT: In addition to right guard Jason Whittle's fractured right fibula, running back Mike Alstott (bronchitis) was excused for the day. QUOTE OF THE DAY: "I call him Chris Simpson. He's no relation to Phil Simms. He's left-handed and he comes from Texas. The other guy was a right-hander, a big strapper from Kentucky. You tell me the common traits that they have." - Gruden on the similarity between Chris Simms and his father.

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