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TAMPA - Playing defense in the NFC South means having to tighten your chin strap week after week against big, bruising backs who run downhill such as the Panthers' Stephen Davis, Saints' Deuce McAllister and Falcons' T.J. Duckett. They eat yards and the clock in big gulps.
That's why the Bucs might have to swallow hard and take the best linebacker with the 15th pick of the draft today.
Miami's Jonathan Vilma is a tackling machine who is said to play with the same passion as another former Hurricanes linebacker, Ray Lewis.
By selecting Vilma, the Bucs could move Shelton Quarles back to strongside linebacker and improve two positions on a defense that will be missing Warren Sapp and John Lynch.
If Vilma is not available, the Bucs would have to consider his teammate, outside linebacker D.J. Williams. Quarles and Derrick Brooks are in their 30s, and Ryan Nece was up and down last season. Nate Webster signed with the Bengals.
The Bucs have taken more players from Miami (11) than any other college. Bet they have their Hurricane tracking chart handy today.
WHO'S ON FIRST?: The Bucs already have 12 players on the roster who were selected in the first round, only three they chose. The list includes defensive tackle Darrell Russell (Raiders) cornerback Tom Knight (Cardinals) and defensive end Reinard Wilson (Bengals), all in 1997. The position most often taken in the first round by the Bucs is defensive line (seven) followed by offensive line (five), linebacker (four), quarterback and running back (three each) and defensive back and receiver (one). SLEEPER: Clemson receiver Derrick Hamilton (6 feet 3, 197 pounds) hasn't garnered as much attention given the collection of talent at his position in the draft. But Hamilton is an explosive player who would have an immediate impact as a kick returner. He has incredibly instinctive running ability in the open field with great acceleration. Hamilton's agent, Phil Williams, who also represents quarterback Brad Johnson, prepared a video of his client's highlights. Williams believes Hamilton could sneak into the first round.
THE 15TH PICK: Picking 15th has been pretty lucky for some teams. In 1999, Tampa Bay selected defensive tackle Anthony McFarland. Last year, the Eagles used the 15th pick on Miami defensive end Jerome McDougle. But for every good pick such as Florida defensive tackle Ellis Johnson, who went 15th to the Colts in '95, there is Miami receiver Yatil Green, who went at that spot to the Dolphins in '97. Green's short career was plagued by knee injuries.
NUMBERS GAME: Fullback Darian Barnes took a lot of heat from fans and teammates when it was revealed he decided to wear Lynch's No. 47 next season. But Barnes might not deserve the flak. Barnes was informed running back Charlie Garner was taking No. 30, which Barnes wore for two seasons.
Barnes initially believed if he didn't take Lynch's number, it would be assigned to a rookie. The issue was resolved quickly when Barnes switched to No. 46. Meanwhile, there is a movement afoot to have Lynch's number retired by the Bucs.
Why not?
For that matter, if you're a rookie defensive lineman, would you wear No. 99?