TB defensive mini-camp notes (1 Viewer)

[Jene Bramel]

Lots of good notes on the Bucs pre-draft mini-camp from The Pewter Report:

First, some confirmation on Cato June’s role.

On Tuesday, June revealed that he is competing with Ryan Nece and Jamie Winborn for the starting strongside linebacker spot.

“I’m lining up at the Sam, which is essentially the same position I played in Indy,” said June. “In Indy they called it the Will, but here they call it the Sam, but it’s the same thing.”

Although he signed a two-year contract with the Bucs last month, June has not been guaranteed a starting job on Tampa Bay’s defense. He expects to compete for that right.

“It’s always a competition,” said June. “The best player will play.”

While he played safety at Michigan, June said he does not anticipate playing in Tampa Bay’s secondary and plans to focus on competing at the strongside linebacker spot.

“I’m pretty much a linebacker now,” said June. “I don’t see myself playing safety with a number 59 jersey on. I’m here to learn the Sam linebackers position in this system, and that’s what I think I’m going to be.”

Without going into a bunch of details, the “Will” backer does play over the TE in some Tampa-2 fronts. It’s a small percentage, though, and despite June’s claims that the Buccaneer “Sam” = the Colt “Will, it’s still Derrick Brooks who’ll be the Tampa-2 Will backer in 2007. June’s numbers will look better than any other T2 SLB in 2007, but it’ll be because he’ll have a major third down role not because of a difference in schemes.Be ready to snap June up after he’s dropped in some dynasty situations mid-season. He’ll regain a good part of his value after Derrick Brooks moves on.

Another player that did not participate in Tuesday’s OTA was middle linebacker Shelton Quarles.

Quarles, 35, has spent the past few months undergoing medical tests to determine his playing health for the 2007 season. It is not clear which injuries are being evaluated, although other media outlets have reported concussions and a hip ailment as possible concerns.

Bucs linebackers coach Gus Bradley said he wasn’t aware of Quarles’ current health status or whether the linebacker would be back with the Bucs in 2007.

Quarles was due a $1 million roster bonus on Mar. 1, but it got pushed back to May 1 while he is being evaluated. Quarles is scheduled to have a $4.075 million salary cap value in 2007.

The Bucs can create approximately $3.3 million in cap room by releasing Quarles or having him retire. Either move would also pave the way for Barrett Ruud, Tampa Bay’s 2005 second-round draft pick, to become the Bucs’ starting middle linebacker.

Nothing new here but the May 1 date is worth noting. The Tampa Trib reported yesterday that Quarles was getting another medical opinion this week.

Defensive lineman Kevin Carter, who has recorded 97.5 career sacks since entering the NFL in 1995, signed with the Bucs this offseason as a free agent.

Carter, 33, is considered a versatile player that can line up at either defensive tackle for defensive end. So, which position did Carter play on Tuesday?

“I played more three technique today, but I could play more defensive end tomorrow,” said Carter. That’s not really my call to make. Wherever Coach Kiffin tells me to play, that’s where I’m going to go.

“I really don’t know [where I’m going to play] just yet. We’re just trying to see where I fit in. I welcome the chance to play the three technique or defensive end. I’m just happy to be here and be part of this team.

The seasoned veteran said he doesn’t have a preference in terms of where he plays along Tampa Bay’s defensive line.

Doesn’t sound promising for those who were hoping Ellis Wyms would get back to putting up big stats at the undertackle spot. Carter could follow the same flightplan Vonnie Holliday did in 05 and 06 as a former end who gets reborn as a three technique.It could also mean big things are in store for…

Newcomer Patrick Chukwurah, who played mostly linebacker in Denver, will play almost exclusively at defensive end for his former defensive coordinator and new Bucs defensive line coach Larry Coyer.

“In my eyes, I’m both,” said Chukwurah. I’m wherever they need me. If they need me at defensive end, that’s what I’m going to do. If they need me to play a little bit at linebacker, that’s what I’ll do, too. Right now, I’m primarily working with defensive ends so, label me a D-end right now. That’s what I’m most comfortable doing – getting after the quarterback and rushing the passer.”

…if Chukwurah can force himself into an every down role with Carter inside and Simeon Rice unlikely to return.The article also seems to give a vote of confidence to both safeties, noting that Jermaine Phillips played better late in the year after being on the verge of losing his starting job to Kalvin Pearson after the first month of play. Was also interesting to note that there was some consideration given to moving Alan Zemaitis to safety late last year.

 

[Pick]

Pewter is a funny word.

 

[Keith Lewis]