Draft week

Bucs on the clock

By JOANNE KORTH
Published April 27, 2007

Bucs on the clock

The need for depth behind Barrett Ruud, the new starter in the middle, will be made difficult by what is widely considered a mediocre pool, especially inside players. Beyond the first round, there's not much to get excited about.

Top 10 prospects

1 Patrick Willis

(6-1, 242) ILB, Mississippi

Ready to start this season.

2 Lawrence Timmons

(6-1, 234) ILB, FSU Pass-rusher in a 3-4 scheme.

3 Paul Posluszny

(6-2, 238) OLB, Penn State

Think Atlanta's Keith Brooking.

4 Jon Beason

(6-0, 237) OLB, Miami

Only knock is lack of size.

5 David Harris

(6-2, 243) ILB, Michigan

Late-bloomer is still improving.

6 Rufus Alexander

(6-1, 228) OLB, Oklahoma Big 12 defensive player of the year.

7 Stewart Bradley

(6-4, 254) OLB, Nebraska

A still-growing defensive end?

8 Brandon Siler

(6-2, 241) ILB, Florida

Hard-working run stopper.

9 Tim Shaw

(6-2, 236) OLB, Penn State

The blue-collar type.

10 Stephen Nicholas

(6-1, 232) OLB, USF

Lacks ideal size and speed.

In focus

Lawrence Timmons

Timmons started only one season. But that was enough for the 6-foot-1, 234-pounder, who declared early and likely will be a first-round pick because of a weak linebacker class.

"I just felt like I had a great year," said Timmons, who had 18 tackles for loss and five sacks in 2006. "I didn't have anything else to prove, so I thought I couldn't pass up an opportunity like this."

That Florida State struggled through a 7-6 season and would have benefited from the return of one of its best players did not factor into Timmons' decision.

"Never had that in mind," he said. "Never ever."

Timmons is among the few linebackers with experience in the 3-4 scheme, which FSU ran about 25 percent of the time. The 3-4, which uses three down linemen and four linebackers, is growing in popularity among NFL teams. Timmons has the athleticism to rush the passer from the outside.

So why wait?

"This being football, you can't take anything for granted," Timmons said. "The NFL does stand for 'Not for Long.' "

Linebackers

Thumbs down

Rufus Alexander The 10th player to lead Oklahoma in tackles in consecutive seasons, Alexander's stock fell after a poor 40-yard dash time at the combine.

Thumbs up

David Harris

Harris didn't start at Michigan until his junior season but showed enough improvement during his senior season to catch the eyes of scouts. He can improve in coverage but has the physical tools - size, strength, speed and instincts - to be an NFL middle linebacker.

Under the radar

Justin Durant

Not many Division I-AA prospects turn into NFL linebackers. But the 6-foot-1, 230-pounder from Hampton has the speed and ability to be a valuable backup on the outside. Keep in mind, linebackers make terrific special teams players.

Extra points

On the move: Miami's Jon Beason, above, went to Miami as a 218-pound safety. After trainers helped him lose nine pounds, coaches asked him to play fullback. A year later, Deason was asked to fill the void created by the departures of linebackers Jonathan Vilma and D.J. Williams. "We only had four guys left on scholarship," Deason said. "I was always a team player, and it was a good fit for me."

Important number: Jon Abbate switched to No. 5 for his senior season at Wake Forest to honor his younger brother, Luke, who died in a car accident. Luke wore No. 5 in high school. "We were really close; as close as brothers could come," Abbate said. "I use him every day as motivation to strive for the best."

[Last modified April 26, 2007, 23:09:38]