Bucs/NFL

Few jobs, plenty of questions

By RICK STROUD
Published July 23, 2006

TAMPA - As a rule, there are rarely surprises at Bucs training camp.

The biggest battle is with the sun, the only numbers that really matter are in the heat index.

It's so hot at Disney's Wide World of Sports that the trees whistle for dogs.

You get the idea. But against this backdrop, about 10 of 53 final regular-season roster spots are truly up for grabs.

Tampa Bay will bring nearly 90 players to training camp. But on a team that returns 21 of 22 starters, there won't be much turnover. The few jobs that do exist will be gobbled up by draft picks.

"They're all going to play a tremendous amount in four preseason games," Coach Jon Gruden said of the rookies. "We want them to do well and we want them to show their teammates that, if needed, they're ready to step in. Hopefully, they've put some pressure on some of the guys above them."

FIVE THINGS TO WATCH FOR IN TRAINING CAMP

1. Is Michael Clayton really back to his rookie form?

Clayton had a horrific training camp a year ago. Knee surgery prevented him from reporting in shape, then he suffered a separated shoulder in an early preseason game.

The result was a slow start. A year after leading NFL rookies with 1,178 yards receiving and six touchdowns, Clayton finished fifth on his team with 32 catches and no scores in '05. He missed the playoff game with a foot injury.

Gruden lost confidence in Clayton and built the passing game around Joey Galloway. Gruden challenged Clayton by making him sign a contract to commit to offseason workouts and the former LSU star is in terrific shape.

Is Clayton back?

"I think he is. He's had four or five operations in a year and a half," Gruden said. "That's a real challenge for anyone, but particularly a professional receiver. But he is making progress. There's still progress to be made but I do like what I've seen and I like what I've seen from some others at that position, also."

2. Will first-round pick Davin Joseph be part of a new offensive line?

Joseph didn't set the grass on fire during offseason workouts, but linemen aren't judged until they put on pads. He admits to struggling in trying to grasp the Bucs offense.

But unless Joseph was a reach in the first round, he will win a starting job at right guard. Sean Mahan will get a chance to unseat John Wade at center. Second-round pick Jeremy Trueblood might need another year to unseat Kenyatta Walker at right tackle.

3. Will there be a new linebacker starting?

Shelton Quarles is nearly 35 but comes off a career year in which he led the Bucs with 196 tackles and had one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.

Nothing improves a player like competition. Eventually, Quarles will lose his job to Barrett Ruud, the 2005 second-round pick from Nebraska. It's unlikely Ruud will unseat Quarles in the preseason. A more heated battle will be at strong side linebacker between Ryan Nece and free agent Jamie Winborn.

4. Which running backs will win a job?

Rookie of the Year Cadillac Williams and icon fullback Mike Alstott are locks. So is backup tailback Michael Pittman, who took a pay cut to remain with the team. Ditto with fullback Jerald Sowell.

The battle is among Earnest Graham, Derek Watson and NFL Europe player Jacque Lewis. Watson was promoted to the 53-man roster to prevent the Ravens from signing him off the practice squad last season. Graham has developed into a valuable special teams player.

5. Will defensive end Dewayne White finally win starting job?

White is one of the most productive defensive players for the Bucs per snap. He had 30 tackles and three sacks last season in spot duty and blocked a field goal against Atlanta to help the Bucs win the NFC South.

The most consistent defensive lineman might be Greg Spires. But White will be a free agent next season while Spires will count nearly $3.5-million against the salary cap in '07. The Bucs will want to see a lot of White this preseason.

[Last modified July 23, 2006, 02:12:10]