The Turnaround 1997 Bucs: Where Are They Now?

1997.
The orange and white was out. Red and pewter were in.
NFL Films showed up at training camp at the University of Tampa’s Pepin Rood Stadium, placing faith that the Bucs would be their annual surprise team.
So right they would be.
For some Buc fans, the 1997 season holds a special place. A 5-0 start meant no longer could a fan walk up to games and purchase tickets, or find them tucked under windshield wipers in stadium parking lots.
Ten regular season victories and a home playoff win sendoff of the Old Sombrero followed.
For the first time in more than a decade, fans had reason to celebrate. Red Bucs flags flapped from car windows. New merchandise wasn’t just available at sporting goods stores, but grocery stores and gas stations.
Warrick Dunn was on the cover of Sports Illustrated: ‘Break Out the Bucs.’
Ray Perkins and Richard Williamson were far, far behind.
It was the season that began the Bucs run of success that culminated with a Super Bowl title following the 2002 season.
We take a look back at the fortune-changing Bucs’ 1997. This time, the defense.

The Turnaround 1997 Bucs: Where Are They Now?

1997.
The orange and white was out. Red and pewter were in.
NFL Films showed up at training camp at the University of Tampa’s Pepin Rood Stadium, placing faith that the Bucs would be their annual surprise team.
So right they would be.
For some Buc fans, the 1997 season holds a special place. A 5-0 start meant no longer could a fan walk up to games and purchase tickets, or find them tucked under windshield wipers in stadium parking lots.
Ten regular season victories and a home playoff win sendoff of the Old Sombrero followed.
For the first time in more than a decade, fans had reason to celebrate. Red Bucs flags flapped from car windows. New merchandise wasn’t just available at sporting goods stores, but grocery stores and gas stations.
Warrick Dunn was on the cover of Sports Illustrated: ‘Break Out the Bucs.’
Ray Perkins and Richard Williamson were far, far behind.
It was the season that began the Bucs run of success that culminated with a Super Bowl title following the 2002 season.
We take a look back at the fortune-changing Bucs’ 1997. This time, the defense.

Ex-Bucs Chosen in New Football League Draft

They’re certainly not the biggest names, but several ex-Bucs found suitors Thursday.

Five former Buccaneers were taken in the inaugural United Football League draft. The league hopes to capitalize on the absence of the Arena Football League (AFL) and the demise of NFL Europe. Play is set to begin in the fall with four teams for the first season, with games being played on Thursday and Friday nights.

Two ex-Bucs were chosen by the San Francisco franchise to be coached by ex-Vikings and Cardinals coach Dennis Green.

Wideout Larry Brackins, the club’s fourth selection, spent his rookie season of 2005 on the Buccaneers practice squad after his selection from Pearl River Community College. He was released in the Bucs’ 2006 training camp after nabbing two passes in the preseason.

The former Bucs’ fifth round pick spent the past two seasons playing for the Philadelphia Soul of the AFL, which is on hiatus due to league credit issues.

Brackins will potentially being catching passes from a quarterback familiar to Tampa Bay area fans, as the club also selected Tampa Bay Storm quarterback Brett Dietz.

Former Auburn end Marques Gunn, who spent part of 2007 on the Bucs’ practice  squad, was went to San Francisco with their eighth selection. Gunn was released by the Bucs prior to camp in 2008.

Former Saints coach Jim Haslett, who will coach the Orlando franchise, chose three former Buccaneers with Orlando’s fifth to seventh selections.

Cornerback Greg Fassitt, who spent 2008 on the Buccaneers practice squad, but was released during the offseason, was taken with the club’s fifth pick.

Wide receiver Chas Gessner went next. The ‘Goose,’ as coined by then-coach Jon Gruden, spent parts of 2006 and 2007 on the Bucs’ practice squad, and appeared in one game in 2007 when Michael Clayton was injured.

He was released by the Bucs in Nov. 2007, and spent 2008 with the Orlando Predators of the AFL.

Former Buc tight end Keith Heinrich, who spent parts of 2006 and 2007 on the Buccaneers practice squad and active roster, went with team’s the seventh pick.

Heinrich was on the Bucs active roster in 2007, playing in four games. The former Brown and Dolphin was released by the Bucs prior to camp last season.

More recognizable names chosen in the league’s draft include former Arizona first-round pick Wendell Bryant, ex-Broncos fullback Cecil Sapp, safety Adam Archuleta (Rams), quarterback Brooks Bollinger (Vikings), running backs LaBrandon Toefield (Jaguars) and Chris Perry (Bengals), linebacker Gary Stills (Ravens), guard Zach Pillar (UF/Titans), tight end Jermaine Wiggins (Vikings) and defensive tackle Larry Triplett (Colts).

All players selected attended league workouts, and must now decide if they will join their respective teams. UFL rosters will be augmented by additional signings, and players to be released by NFL training camps in 2009.

A Tongue-in-Cheek Look at the Tampa Bay Bucs’ 2009 Season

Sure, predictions are like opinions, everybody has one. But my look at the Bucs 2009 season might be a little different than most.

 

Week One-Bucs 24 Dallas 21

Luke McCown celebrates his first season as Bucs starting quarterback by throttling the ‘Boys for 247 yards and 2 touchdowns. He runs for another. In the postgame press conference, Raheem Morris declares him starter ‘for the foreseeable future.’

The Bucs’ defense shuts down Dallas’ passing attack, but surrenders 227 yards rushing. Jerry Jones offers Mark Dominik McCown Jessica Simpson for Antonio Bryant.
Four-thousand tasteless headlines are written about the Cowboys ‘collapse.’

 

Week Two-Bucs 17 Bills 14

McCown throws two interceptions and Morris temporarily promotes Josh Freeman to second string, declaring McCown the starter for ‘at least the next week.’

The Bucs shut down the Bills offense minus suspended Marshawn Lynch. Terrell Owens asks Ronde Barber his quarterback’s name, than berates Trent Edwards on the sideline after a third-down incompletion.

Bucs ticket waiting lists swells back to 100,000.

 

Week Three-Giants 24 Bucs 21

The Bucs suffer their first loss as Brandon Jacobs runs for 154 yards as the Giants run over the Bucs. In response, Jim Bates moves Jermain Phillips to defensive tackle. ‘He’s a nice presence in their’ Bates says.

McCown is solid in the loss, but is sacked seven times. Jeremy Trueblood surrenders three sacks, but balances it with two personal fouls.

 

Week Four-Bucs 17 Redskins 14

The Bucs edge the ‘Skins in a defensive battle. Kellen Winslow misses his third straight game, but tells reporters he’s ‘almost completely moved’ into his new Tampa town home. ‘I’ll be ready to go next week’ he adds.

Jerramy Stevens catches a touchdown in his absence.

Gaines Adams is sited, and records two sacks. ‘First time I’ve met him,’ Bates says.
Raheem Morris Day is declared at Legend’s Field by the city of Tampa the same day the Rays beat the Yankees to clinch the AL East.

 

Week Five Eagles 24 Bucs 17

McCown is declared still the starter ‘for at least the next two days’ by offensive coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski after the Bucs passing game nets 157 yards.
Winslow catches six passes for 95 yards and a touchdown in his first action of the season.

Seventy-five Philadelphia newspapers declare the game ‘payback’ for 2002 NFC championship game loss, 2003 loss in the first game at Lincoln Financial Field and the Lightning’s Stanley Cup.

 

Week Six Carolina 28 Bucs 23

The Bucs lose their third of the last four games, allowing DeAngelo Williams and Jonathan Stewart to combine for 199 yards. ‘That’s a lot better than last season’ Bates comments.

Earnest Graham and Derrick Ward combine for 150 yards, and McCown is effective with 225 yards. Matt Bryant kicks two 50 yard field goals, but the Bucs work out six kickers the following Monday.

 

Week Seven Patriots 37 Bucs 16

The Bucs drop to 3-4 as McCown is benched in the second quarter after his second interception. Morris declares third stringer Byron Leftwich the starter ‘at least the next 72 hours.’

Tom Brady throws three touchdowns and is pulled in the third quarter. Elbert Mack surrenders all three. Jermain Phillips is moved to cornerback.
Season ticket list down to 14,000.

 

Week Eight Bucs 21 Packers 20

The Bucs pull out the win as Ronde Barber returns an Aaron Rodgers pick 87 yards for a touchdown. The return takes 23 seconds. ‘I was never really very fast’ Barber states.
Josh Freeman goes 13 for 27 for 123 yards in his first start.

Fellow Buc rookies Kyle Moore and Roy Miller are promoted to the starting lineup. Ryan Grant is held to 54 yards and the Bucs get four sacks, two more by Adams.

 

Week Nine Dolphins 19 Bucs 9

Freeman throws four picks. ‘He’s learning’ Morris says. Bucs hold Miami to 234 yards of offense, but Miami has the ball for 43:17. Bill Parcells calls the game ‘beautiful.’

Season tickets are now available for all fans, Joel Glazer announces following the game.
McCown is among 12 Buccaneer cuts, as Glazer announces the Bucs will play with 41 players for the rest of the season. ‘This has nothing to do with Manchester United, or money’ Glazer says.

 

Week 10-Saints 27 Bucs 14

Freeman throws for 254 yards, but Drew Brees adds 354 yards and four touchdowns.
Josh Bidwell is forced to play fullback after BJ Askew is injured, as Jameel Cook and John Gilmore were among the 12 released the previous week.

Kellen Winslow and Jeremy Shockey delay the game by 20 minutes after the coin flip turns into an argument over who’s the best tight end in the NFL.

 

Week 11-Falcons 27 Bucs 17

Matt Ryan throws for 154 yards and two touchdowns to Tony Gonzalez. Michael Turner runs for 123. The Bucs lose their third straight to drop to 4-7. Freeman throws his first touchdown late in the game to Michael Clayton, who refuses to surrender the touchdown ball to the rookie quarterback. Arthur Blank reminds the Bucs Mike Vick is still available.

 

Week 12-Panthers 23 Bucs 16

Carolina runs for 152 yards in the rematch. ‘We’re getting better. See’ Bates says.
Freeman throws for 285 yards, but two interceptions near the goal line cost the Bucs.
Sports radio is filled with rumors of Tony Dungy’s imminent return to the Bucs. ‘It will happen right after the team is sold,’ 620 WDAE’s Steve Duemig says.

 

Week 14 Bucs 27 Jets 23

The Bucs break out against the Jets. Freeman outshines Mark Sanchez, throwing for 223 yards and one touchdown. Sanchez is knocked out of the game by Chris Hovan in the third quarter after two picks.

The game is not covered by Channel 8 or the Tampa Tribune, which have both laid off their entire sports departments. Classified writers and meteorologists will be used in their places the following week. ‘Interesting,’ Brian Glazer comments.

 

Week 15 Seahawks 17 Bucs 16

Matt Hasselbeck guides the Seahawks on a 43-yard touchdown drive in the last 1:43 to pull out the Seahawks win. Ed Glazer announces the last Buc home game will be ‘open to the public’ on a first-come, first-serve basis.

There will be no ushers, concessions, first aid, parking attendants or security.’Nothing to do with budget’ Glazer says. ‘We’re just trying to shake things up and think of something outside of the box.’

 

Week 16-Saints 21 Bucs 7

With injuries mounting, 33 Buccaneers mount a noble effort against the Saints.
Earnest Graham rushes for 123 yards and makes 17 tackles filling in for an injured Barrett Ruud.
Unfortunately, Drew Brees burns the Bucs again. Shockey catches three pasess for 44 yards, one better than Winslow’s three for 43. ‘I think it’s clear now’ Shockey says.

 

Week 17-Falcons 12 Bucs 9

In the final game of the season, the Falcons outlast the Bucs. The score is kept low as fans aid the Bucs defense by manning defensive positions. At one point, a mixed bag of players and fans account for 143 players on the field for the Bucs defense.

‘I’d never seen that defense’ Matt Ryan comments.’The flaming torches being thrown down from the south end zone and the upper deck made things difficult.’ Derrick Brooks joins the fans on the field and records his last tackle as Buccaneer in the fourth quarter.

 

The Bucs finish the season 5-11. Mark Dominik announces the Bucs are $74 million under the newly negotiated salary cap for 2010. ‘We’re gonna be real busy this offseason’ he says.

The Bucs are not sold, but the Glazers announce the Bucs practice fields and facility can be rented for children’s parties and barbecues.

Tampa Bay Bucs Position Analysis: Secondary

A new second-year starting cornerback and nickelback. Two third-year safeties, one entering his first season as a starter.
Like so many facets of the Buccaneers, the secondary will be quite different than 2008.

Secondary
Cornerback Ronde Barber returns for his 13th, and likely final, season with the Bucs. The last remaining starter from the Bucs’ Super Bowl championship, Barber no longer is the playmaker he was early in his career—former coordinator Monte Kiffin often used Barber as a blitzing corner earlier in his career.

But the veteran will be counted on more as a leader in the secondary, with cornerback Phillip Buchanon gone and former strong safety Jermaine Phillips likely to be at outside linebacker. Barber, a perfect fit for the Kiffin’s Cover-2, will be asked to play more man coverage prefered by Bates.

Around Barber is youth. Last seasons’ No. 1 pick, Aqib Talib will take over for Buchanon at corner, Savvy Piscitelli will begin his first season as a starter at strong safety, third-year man Tenard Jackson returns at free safety, and former free agent Elbert Mack is the front runner for the nickel job.

The Bucs have enough confidence in Talib that they told Buchanon during the offseaon that if he resigned, he’d be the third corner. Talib played well as the Bucs’ nickel back in 2008, and the Bucs’ brass thinks his future is very bright. Bates’ scheme will certainly benefit from Talib’s coverage skills.

Strong safety Piscitelli struggled at times in what was essentially his rookie season after being injured early in 2007. The Bucs missed Philllips’ run-stuffing ability once Piscitelli took over in Week 12, but the Bucs love the third-year safety’s athleticism and play-making ability. A season under his belt should help.

Free safety Jackson was sensation as a rookie on 2007, and has started every game his frst two NFL seasons. The Bucs would like to see him develop as more of a ballhawk (one pick in ’09), but he remains steady in a secondary undergoing changes. 

Third corner is the Bucs’ biggest question mark. After beating out veteran Eugene Wilson for the fourth corner job in camp in 2008, former rookie free agent Elbert Mack filled in briefly in the secondary, but remains largely untested.

The only other options the Bucs have are special teamer Torrie Cox, who missed last season with a knee injury, 2008 practice squad member Kyle Arrington, and seventh-round pick E.J. Biggers.

At safety, depth is just as thin. Former starter Will Allen is a top special teamer and has started at both safety spots. Allen, however, struggles over stretches with mental lapses when asked to play either spot. Special teamer Donte Nicholson goes to camp as the fourth safety.

CB  Talib              Cox                Arrington
CB  Barber            Mack              Biggers
SS Picitelli            Nicholson
FS Jackson           Allen

 

Player Outlook
CB
Ronde Barber
The end is near, but the Bucs still need his play and leadership at a thin spot.
Aqib Talib
Impressed Bucs with play in nickel. Takes over as starter and looks like could future no. 1 corner.
Elbert Mack
Largely untested second-year man is the front runner for the nickel corner job. It’s his position to lose.
Torrie Cox
After another knee injury, the vet must have a big camp to avoid being passed over by younger players. Almost exclusively a special teamer.
Kyle Arrington
Former free agent gets a shot after season on practice squad, has a chance at fourth corner job.
E.J. Biggers
Backup jobs are open, so a solid camp will earn him a job. Has impressive speed. (4.38).

S
Tanard Jackson
Solid free safety can take step in ’09 to be more of a leader.
Savvy Piscitelli
Must prove he’s learned from 2008 and become more of a run-stopping force.
Will Allen
Top special teamer has started a both safety spots. Provides adequate depth.
Donte Nicholson
Has been released and resigned several times in his career. The fourth safety is strictly a special teamer.

Commentary: Give Fans Back Their Bucs

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“We waaant Joe. We waaant Joe.”

My earliest Buccaneer memory: Sitting in the south end zone after Vinny Testaverde tossed his umpteenth interception to a Joey Browner/Carl Lee-led Minnesota secondary. The south end zone was hot. Fans were hotter.

Bucs backup Joe Ferguson remained parked with headset on sideline. Ray Perkins remained unamused.

“Give me three of your finest general admission tickets.”

The ticket lady at Sombrero’s parking lot ticket booth smiles. Still got general admission tickets, but the attempt at a free upgrade was appreciated by the gameday help.

The Sam Wyche-led Bucs squeaked past the Bungles in a half-full stadium, and 5-2 was celebrated by Wyche in the face of Tampa media geeks. Of course, it became 7-9 and Wyche was fired. Oh well, the ride was fun for the month it lasted.

You never got the idea the Bucs were ever really trying in those days. Daddy Orange Pants’ (Hugh Culverhouse to everyone but me) days of caring for the fans had long since passed.

In 1995 ticket upgrade attempt above, the team was in Stephen Story-led trust limbo after Culverhouse’s passing.

As a former team president once told me, Culverhouse thought little of Bucs fans’ intelligence. Hugh called the prez to his office about raising the Bucs raising ticket prices after a Bucs three-win season.

“We can’t announce that,” the prez said. “We’re not announcing anything,” a menacing Hugh replied to the former army general, “YOU ARE.”

Prez was less than thrilled at being chosen for the announcement. “Hugh, we won three games and we just raised prices last season,” prez angrily said. “We’re losing fans. How much do you want?”

“I want it all.” Culverhouse replied.

That should have been the Bucs sales pitch that season.

But as the Glazers took over, soon followed by Tony Dungy, Monte Kiffin, and the ascension of Rich McKay, hope arrived in Tampa Bay. We all started to care…some for the first time.

The Warrick Dunn, Warren Sapp, Derrick Brooks, Hardy Nickerson, Donnie Abraham and John Lynch gospel spread. Our homegrown boys made good. Hope was surpassed by playoff accomplishment. Days were good.

But somewhere after Dungy’s shortcomings and Jon Gruden’s Super Bowl championship, this team began to think they were doing the fans a favor by playing an NFL season.

Ticket prices escalated each year, regardless of on field results. Parking became $25 a game and nearby lots went private. Seat licensing became the norm.

Money was held from the 10-year seat license holders…money to be applied to your new license, the Bucs said. Of course when those licenses were originally sold, naive fans were told that money was to be given back to the purchaser.

A cattle call of losers, with everyone from David Boston, Darrell Russell, and Jerramy Stevens were given their chance to be part of the Tampa Bay community. Each year’s lineup consisted of stopgap starters after draft picks failed.

The coach picked which essential player from one season was to be trashed the next (see Galloway, Jurevicius, Alstott, etc.) The GM and coach were arrogant to fans, but kind enough to let us all know how little we knew and understood.

When that regime met its demise early in 2009, the old days were returning we were told. We were promised a coach who has never coached a game as a coordinator would cut his teeth as our new Dungy.

We were told that releasing the best player in the franchise’s history with five minutes notice to him was a good thing.

That bringing back Stevens (and his horrible history) was beneficial. That the offensive centerpieces will be two career malcontents, Antonio Bryant and Kellen Winslow.

We were told Brooks’ departure was to get younger, but Quincy Black, Geno Hayes and Adam Hayward will again be on the bench, only this time behind 30-year-old converted safety Jermaine Phillips and free agent signee Angelo Crowell. The former Bill missed all of last season after his second knee surgery. Youth, eh?

We are told that being $30 to $40 million under the salary cap, as well as looming sale the land around One Buc and Raymond James Stadium that was once Tampa Bay Center, is not in relation to the owner’s debt in his soccer adventure.

Once again, we’re being treated like we’re stupid.

To reconnect, the Bucs must show that this year’s class of Josh Freeman, Kyle Moore and Roy Miller can be built upon. Morris must show growth as the season progresses, from someone who appears to be a head coach a few years before he’s ready, to one who isn’t so wide-eyed to the entire experience.

The team doesn’t need to go out and blow cash, but must address items such as linebacker Barrett Ruud and left tackle Donald Penn being allowed to play into the final year of their contracts. If players like those two are allowed to walk, with what exactly is this team building?

The team must also regain its touch of finding players like Shelton Quarles, Brad Culpepper and Karl Williams in the later rounds and as free agents.

These are guys fans root for because they are the underdogs, and because guys who earn there way into the league seem to better appreciate everything they get.

Most importantly, fans must be treated with a level of respect this team has not had to shown in years: since Buccaneer ticket gurus created movie trailers that were shown in theatres across the Bay area to create a buzz to a potential 1997 breakout season.

Respect not shown since the head coach ordered players out of the tented area during Fan Fest to sign autographs.

Attending a Buc game this season is not in the future of many around me. My parents ended their 10-year run as a season ticket holder prior to the 2008 season for the above reasons.

Still others can’t see the point of contributing money to a franchise that has turned back the clock to 1988.

Until this franchise rededicates itself to quality people, shows a true commitment to winning, and regains the class it lost cutting loose Brooks, many seem unlikely to rush to the turn styles.

No orange pants, but this franchise again wants it all from its fans. 

Bucs Position Analysis: Defensive Line

New coordinator. Different scheme. Possibly five new starters, plus one playing a different position. Yes, changes have come to the vaunted Tampa-Two. 

Gone: Monte Kiffin,the Bucs’ defensive coordinator since arriving with Tony Dungy in 1996. His undersized defensive tackles are being phased out by larger run stoppers. The Bucs will also be less reliant on the Tampa-2, and play more man in the secondary.

Joe Barry returns as linebackers coach after running the Lions’ defense the past two seasons. End Kevin Carter, tackle Jovan Haye linebackers Derrick Brooks and Cato June and cornerback Phillip Buchanon were not resigned.

In: Jim Bates. Kiffin’s successor is implementing his changes, but he was unable to cover for a lack of talent in his last two NFL stops as coordinator in Denver and Green Bay. Can he cover up the Bucs’ defensive flaws as well as Kiffin?

Little was added in free agency (linebacker Angelo Crowell), but rookies Roy Miller and Kyle Moore will step into roles.

Positional Outlook
Defensive line
Once an area of tremendous strength, the defensive line is undergoing a transition under new coordinator Jim Bates.

Bates prefers large tackles who can hold up centers and guards versus the run, as opposed to the undersized, single-gap tackles preferred by longtime coordinator Monte Kiffin.

Steady veteran Chris Hovan (6-2, 295) is not an ideal fit for the scheme, but holds his ground at nose guard. The run defense suffered substantially down the stretch of 2008 while Hovan was played banged up and missed time. But its just who lines up next to him is the largest question.

Fourth-round pick Roy Miller has the size (6-1, 310) the Bucs want, and fits the teams youth movement under coach Raheem Morris.The Bucs would love Miller to win the job in camp, but until then the job falls to underachieving Ryan Sims.

Sims was the Bucs’ third tackle in ’08, and has a track record of struggling as a starter, going back to his days as a No. 1 pick of the Chiefs. Sims also has the size (6-4, 315), but his stamina and ability are best suited as a reserve.

The situation is similar at end, where the Bucs hope third-round pick Kyle Moore can beat out another former Chief, Jimmy Wilkerson, at left end.

Wilkerson has a career year last season with five sacks, but his versatility to play end and tackle in passing situation make him and ideal fit as a fifth lineman to spell starters along the line.

Right end Gaines Adams faces a make-or-break season. After being chosen with the fourth pick of the ’07 draft, Adams teased the Bucs with 5.5 sacks as a rookie–but looked much improved over the second half of the season.

But after posting just 6.5 sacks in ’08 and being nearly invisible at times, the Bucs need Adams to step up. Adams has yet to develop a pass-rush move outside of the speed rush, and sometimes still struggles with play recognition, and his slight build.

End Stylez G. White has 13 sacks the last two seasons and will continue work as a third-down pass rusher and spell both ends, but other depth is non-existent. Former fourth-pick Dre Moore and Greg Peterson will compete for addition jobs inside.

Probable Depth chart
DE   Wilkerson      Moore
DT   Hovan          Peterson        Moore
DT   Sims            Miller             Bradwell
DE   Adams          White

 

Player Outlook
DE
Gaines Adams
Former No. 1 pick being counted on to be Bucs’ primary source of pass rush. Needs to show up big in 2009.
Jimmy Wilkerson
Versatile veteran helps the Bucs at end, tackle, special teams. May begin season as starter at left end.
Kyle Moore
Bucs would love for the rookie to be starting at left end–the sooner the better.
Stylez G. White
Has proven uncapable of being a stater, but a reliable third-down rusher. Needs to rekindle pass rush numbers of 2007 (eight sacks).

DT
Chris Hovan
Getting long in the tooth, but Bucs run defense suffered when his injuries mounted in 2008.
Ryan Sims
Resigned in the offseason. Best suited to be a third tackle, but will start until Roy Miller is ready. An enigma who plays well in spurts.
Roy Miller
Third-round pick should be starting soon if his skills translate to the NFL level.
Greg Peterson
Showed ability early in his rookie season of 2007, but invisible and inactive since then.
Dre Moore
Last year’s fourth round pick was a disappointment, showing up to camp out of shape. But the door is open for him to contribute.
Chris Bradwell
Bucs thought enough of him from last season’s camp to bring him to camp for a second look.

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