With June in Tampa how will the Bucs LB's lineup? (1 Viewer)

[J Andersson]

I'm calling this right by assuming June will man the WLB spot?

Is Brooks mulling retirement?

Will Ruud get a shot over Quarles in the middle?

 

[TheGreatest]

http://forums.footballguys.com/forum/index...09197&st=50

See Post 58

 

[Jene Bramel]

First indications yesterday from the Bucs official website (since edited to remove the sentence about June's potential playing positions -- the original sentence is in the post TG mentioned) were that the Bucs had discussed playing him at SLB in the base defense and would consider using him at SS at times.

While June won't be a great fit at SLB, it's probably better that he's used there than to play at least one other established linebacker at a position they haven't been used in. I really doubt that Derrick Brooks (or the Bucs) has any interest in moving to the strong side at this stage of his career. And while I suppose Ruud could fit outside, moving June inside isn't a much better fit than the middle anyway, IMO.

Today, the Tampa Tribune has suggested that the Bucs could use him in the middle on passing downs which isn't surprising, particularly if it's Ruud starting at MLB rather than Quarles.

I suggested Ian Gold as the best comp for this situation yesterday -- three down SLB in Tampa in 2004 -- although June could better those numbers if he's successful in the nickel role as the MLB or SS.

 

[Quadrax]

last year in zealots june was #11 lb with 138 pts...

where do you see the numbers going with this move...

tia...

 

[Jene Bramel]

last year in zealots june was #11 lb with 138 pts...

where do you see the numbers going with this move...

tia...

My initial thoughts copied from another thread:I'm not sure how June tops 80 solo tackles in that role unless a major injury occurs to the solid players next to him.

Ian Gold in TB in 2004 in a very similar role >>> 54-17-0-0-1-3.

I'm going to project a verrrrry generous 72-29-0-1-2-4 for him and update the rankings.....that puts him outside the top 60 with guys like Foote, Gold, Boley, Thornton, and DSmith.

There's been some speculation today that June could end up stealing some MLB stats. IMO, that's the only way he has a chance to hold any value in standard leagues in 2007. Someone else may paint a rosier picture.