Defense gets more bulk in deal with K.C.

After using seven of 10 draft picks on defensive players last weekend, the Bucs continued to stockpile defenders Tuesday when they traded for Chiefs defensive tackle and former first-round pick Ryan Sims.

By STEPHEN F. HOLDER
Published May 2, 2007

TAMPA - After using seven of 10 draft picks on defensive players last weekend, the Bucs continued to stockpile defenders Tuesday when they traded for Chiefs defensive tackle and former first-round pick Ryan Sims.

Sims, who turns 27 on Friday, was acquired for an undisclosed future draft pick and figures to be placed in the mix at under tackle. That's where an injured Ellis Wyms was often ineffective last season after the team traded Booger McFarland to the Colts in October.

At 6 feet 4 and 315 pounds, Sims was a three-year starter for the Chiefs before being replaced last season. And when Kansas City drafted Tennessee's Turk McBride in the second round and North Carolina State's Tank Tyler in the third, it became obvious the team planned to part with Sims, whose production fell steadily the past two seasons as injuries mounted. In the end, he never lived up to his billing after being drafted sixth overall in 2002.

His hope is the move will spark a rejuvenation.

"Ryan is very excited about the opportunity to play for the Bucs, " his agent, Peter Schaffer, said. "We feel like this is a great step for him to resurrect his career and be the next Chris Hovan. The Bucs have a great track record in doing this for players, and they play a defense that is well suited for Ryan. This can be a win-win situation."

Hovan had fallen out of favor in Minnesota before coming to Tampa Bay as a reclamation project in 2005 and earning a five-year, $17.5-million contract in 2006.

Sims has three years left on a deal that pays him $1.9-million this season, $1.8-million in 2008 and $2-million in 2009.

JULMISTE INVITED: Former USF quarterback Pat Julmiste, the Bulls' primary starter in 2004 and 2005, has been invited to the three-day rookie minicamp this weekend to try out for a free-agent contract.

[Last modified May 1, 2007, 23:23:51]