There seems to be a little bit of a lull in news after the NFL draft, but that’s not going to last long.
Two NFC South teams will hold rookie minicamps later this week and the other two will follow next week. Teams already are into their offseason programs and the on-field portion of organized team activities (OTAs) will be coming up soon. So will mandatory minicamps.
Let’s take a look at the upcoming schedule for each NFC South team:
The Atlanta Falcons will hold their rookie minicamp Friday through Sunday. Their OTA dates are May 28 through May 30, June 4 through June 6 and June 11 through June 14. The mandatory minicamp is scheduled from June 18 through June 20.
The Carolina Panthers will hold their rookie minicamp May 10 through May 12. Their OTAs are scheduled for May 21 through May 23, May 28 through May 30 and June 3 through June 6. The mandatory minicamp is slated for June 11 through June 13.
The New Orleans Saints will hold their rookie minicamp May 10 through May 12. OTAs are scheduled for May 21 through May 23, May 28 through May 30 and June 10 through June 13. The mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 4 through June 6.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will begin their rookie minicamp Friday and it will conclude Sunday. OTAs are scheduled for May 20 and May 21, May 23, May 29 through May 31, June 3 and June 4 and June 6 and June 7. The mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 11 through June 13.
Two NFC South teams will hold rookie minicamps later this week and the other two will follow next week. Teams already are into their offseason programs and the on-field portion of organized team activities (OTAs) will be coming up soon. So will mandatory minicamps.
Let’s take a look at the upcoming schedule for each NFC South team:
The Atlanta Falcons will hold their rookie minicamp Friday through Sunday. Their OTA dates are May 28 through May 30, June 4 through June 6 and June 11 through June 14. The mandatory minicamp is scheduled from June 18 through June 20.
The Carolina Panthers will hold their rookie minicamp May 10 through May 12. Their OTAs are scheduled for May 21 through May 23, May 28 through May 30 and June 3 through June 6. The mandatory minicamp is slated for June 11 through June 13.
The New Orleans Saints will hold their rookie minicamp May 10 through May 12. OTAs are scheduled for May 21 through May 23, May 28 through May 30 and June 10 through June 13. The mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 4 through June 6.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will begin their rookie minicamp Friday and it will conclude Sunday. OTAs are scheduled for May 20 and May 21, May 23, May 29 through May 31, June 3 and June 4 and June 6 and June 7. The mandatory minicamp is scheduled for June 11 through June 13.
The Atlanta Falcons didn’t do anything too flashy in the NFL draft. But they certainly addressed their one glaring need.
That was cornerback.
“They attacked that position,’’ ESPN draft guru Todd McShay said in the attached video.
The Falcons used their first two picks on cornerbacks Desmond Trufant and Robert Alford. McShay says he sees Trufant as an instant starter.
“He was worth trading up for because he has great experience,’’ McShay said. “With two brothers who played in the NFL, he’s a pro’s pro. He knows what it takes. Coming out of Washington, he had to cover some really good wide receivers in that Pac-12 and he’s got the 4.38 speed. I think he’s a plug-and-play starter.’’
McShay also had high praise for Alford.
“A very under-the-radar-type player,’’ McShay said. “He’s got the skill set to come in. At the worst, I think he becomes their nickel corner.’’
McShay also had some words that should excite Atlanta fans.
“You’ve got to believe they’re going to be right there in the hunt for the Super Bowl in 2013,’’ McShay said.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers freed up $1.75 million in salary-cap space by trading running back LeGarrette Blount to the New England Patriots during the NFL draft.
That leaves the Buccaneers $19.024 million under this year’s salary cap. Only four teams have more room. Tampa Bay still could make a move or two in free agency, but I wouldn’t expect anything flashy. The Bucs will need somewhere between $3 million and $4 million to sign their draft picks and they also are likely to give receiver Mike Williams a front-loaded contract extension. The Bucs likely will try to carry over about $10 million in cap room to 2014.
The rest of the NFC South teams don’t have nearly as much cap room as the Bucs. The Carolina Panthers are $5.28 million under the cap. That’s enough to sign the draft picks, but the Panthers won’t have much room left over.
The New Orleans Saints are $3.1 million under the cap. We still could see some contract restructures or releases. The Atlanta Falcons are $2.18 million under the cap. The Falcons will have to free up a little cap space just to be able to sign their draft picks.
That leaves the Buccaneers $19.024 million under this year’s salary cap. Only four teams have more room. Tampa Bay still could make a move or two in free agency, but I wouldn’t expect anything flashy. The Bucs will need somewhere between $3 million and $4 million to sign their draft picks and they also are likely to give receiver Mike Williams a front-loaded contract extension. The Bucs likely will try to carry over about $10 million in cap room to 2014.
The rest of the NFC South teams don’t have nearly as much cap room as the Bucs. The Carolina Panthers are $5.28 million under the cap. That’s enough to sign the draft picks, but the Panthers won’t have much room left over.
The New Orleans Saints are $3.1 million under the cap. We still could see some contract restructures or releases. The Atlanta Falcons are $2.18 million under the cap. The Falcons will have to free up a little cap space just to be able to sign their draft picks.
Let’s have a little fun and look back at the latter stages of the NFL draft.
I’m going to pick one player from each team who was drafted after the third round that might end up getting significant playing time as a rookie.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Defensive end Malliciah Goodman was drafted in the fourth round out of Clemson. Goodman has a shot at working his way into the rotation with Osi Umenyiora and Kroy Biermann. Jonathan Massaquoi and Cliff Matthews also could be in the mix for that spot, but the Falcons wouldn’t have drafted Goodman if they were completely sold on Massaquoi and Matthews. Goodman has decent quickness and the Falcons are looking for additional help in the pass rush.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Iowa State linebacker A.J. Klein was drafted in the fifth round. Klein played inside linebacker in college, but the Panthers are set at that spot with Luke Kuechly as the starter and Chase Blackburn as the backup. It seems likely Klein will move to the outside. The Panthers have quality starters there in Jon Beason and Thomas Davis, but both have a history of injuries. Klein could be a nice backup on the outside and the Panthers want him to be a core special-teams player.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Saints drafted Oklahoma receiver Kenny Stills in the fifth round and I think he has a chance at immediate playing time. Marques Colston and Lance Moore are the only sure things in the receiving corps and we all know the Saints like to use a lot of multi-receiver sets. Stills is a smooth route-runner with decent speed and he’ll compete for playing time with Nick Toon and Joe Morgan.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Defensive end William Gholston was drafted in the fourth round out of Michigan State. Gholston wasn’t all that productive in college, but he has all the measurables and lots of potential. The Bucs have Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers as their starters, but Gholston will have a shot at earning a spot in the rotation.
I’m going to pick one player from each team who was drafted after the third round that might end up getting significant playing time as a rookie.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Defensive end Malliciah Goodman was drafted in the fourth round out of Clemson. Goodman has a shot at working his way into the rotation with Osi Umenyiora and Kroy Biermann. Jonathan Massaquoi and Cliff Matthews also could be in the mix for that spot, but the Falcons wouldn’t have drafted Goodman if they were completely sold on Massaquoi and Matthews. Goodman has decent quickness and the Falcons are looking for additional help in the pass rush.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Iowa State linebacker A.J. Klein was drafted in the fifth round. Klein played inside linebacker in college, but the Panthers are set at that spot with Luke Kuechly as the starter and Chase Blackburn as the backup. It seems likely Klein will move to the outside. The Panthers have quality starters there in Jon Beason and Thomas Davis, but both have a history of injuries. Klein could be a nice backup on the outside and the Panthers want him to be a core special-teams player.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
The Saints drafted Oklahoma receiver Kenny Stills in the fifth round and I think he has a chance at immediate playing time. Marques Colston and Lance Moore are the only sure things in the receiving corps and we all know the Saints like to use a lot of multi-receiver sets. Stills is a smooth route-runner with decent speed and he’ll compete for playing time with Nick Toon and Joe Morgan.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Defensive end William Gholston was drafted in the fourth round out of Michigan State. Gholston wasn’t all that productive in college, but he has all the measurables and lots of potential. The Bucs have Adrian Clayborn and Da'Quan Bowers as their starters, but Gholston will have a shot at earning a spot in the rotation.
Time for a cruise through the headlines from around the division:
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
As expected, Warren Sapp confirmed he will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor at some point during the season. Sapp is the logical choice this year since he’ll be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Jeff Duncan writes that Terron Armstead is the most intriguing player among the Saints’ draft picks. He could end up as the starting left tackle. The Saints haven’t been afraid to immediately start mid-round picks on the offensive line in the past (see Jahri Evans). Armstead will get a chance to compete for the starting job with Jason Smith and Charles Brown.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
In this Insider piece, Todd McShay writes that defensive tackle Kawann Short was Carolina’s most questionable pick. McShay says that Short plays well only in flashes. That may be true, but Short’s strength is his ability to generate a pass rush from the interior. If he can flash that ability from time to time, the Panthers will be happy.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons aren’t odds-on favorites to go to the Super Bowl. Las Vegas has two NFC teams ahead of them. That might be a good thing because it will help temper expectations and pressure for a team that’s looking to take the next step.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
As expected, Warren Sapp confirmed he will be inducted into the team’s Ring of Honor at some point during the season. Sapp is the logical choice this year since he’ll be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Jeff Duncan writes that Terron Armstead is the most intriguing player among the Saints’ draft picks. He could end up as the starting left tackle. The Saints haven’t been afraid to immediately start mid-round picks on the offensive line in the past (see Jahri Evans). Armstead will get a chance to compete for the starting job with Jason Smith and Charles Brown.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
In this Insider piece, Todd McShay writes that defensive tackle Kawann Short was Carolina’s most questionable pick. McShay says that Short plays well only in flashes. That may be true, but Short’s strength is his ability to generate a pass rush from the interior. If he can flash that ability from time to time, the Panthers will be happy.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Falcons aren’t odds-on favorites to go to the Super Bowl. Las Vegas has two NFC teams ahead of them. That might be a good thing because it will help temper expectations and pressure for a team that’s looking to take the next step.
It's been a fairly quiet news day in the NFC South. But there were a few odds and ends, so let's take a run around the division:
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority board voted to approve the hiring of a Kansas City-based firm to design the new retractable-roof stadium that’s expected to open in 2017.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Bryan Strickland has a breakdown of how Carolina’s draft picks should fit in. A lot of people are wondering why the Panthers used their first two draft picks on defensive tackles. Strickland explains that first-round choice Star Lotulelei is a traditional run stuffer and second-round pick Kawann Short has interior pass-rush skills. The Panthers envision this tandem together for the long run. But Short probably will start off sharing time with Dwan Edwards who is nearing the end of his career.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Nakia Hogan points out the Saints saved a little over $2 million in cap space by trading running back Chris Ivory to the New York Jets. The Saints now have a little over $3 million in cap space and they’ll need that eventually to sign their draft picks. If they plan to make any more significant moves in free agency, they’ll have to restructure contracts of release players.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Bucs announced they’ll have a news conference related to this year’s Ring of Honor on Thursday. There are no firm rules about how many inductees there can be in a given year. But there’s been only one inductee per year in the past. If I had to guess on just one honoree for this year, I’d say Warren Sapp because it would go nicely with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The Georgia World Congress Center Authority board voted to approve the hiring of a Kansas City-based firm to design the new retractable-roof stadium that’s expected to open in 2017.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Bryan Strickland has a breakdown of how Carolina’s draft picks should fit in. A lot of people are wondering why the Panthers used their first two draft picks on defensive tackles. Strickland explains that first-round choice Star Lotulelei is a traditional run stuffer and second-round pick Kawann Short has interior pass-rush skills. The Panthers envision this tandem together for the long run. But Short probably will start off sharing time with Dwan Edwards who is nearing the end of his career.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Nakia Hogan points out the Saints saved a little over $2 million in cap space by trading running back Chris Ivory to the New York Jets. The Saints now have a little over $3 million in cap space and they’ll need that eventually to sign their draft picks. If they plan to make any more significant moves in free agency, they’ll have to restructure contracts of release players.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
The Bucs announced they’ll have a news conference related to this year’s Ring of Honor on Thursday. There are no firm rules about how many inductees there can be in a given year. But there’s been only one inductee per year in the past. If I had to guess on just one honoree for this year, I’d say Warren Sapp because it would go nicely with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame this summer.
RISING
Matt Ryan. With Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers signing a huge contract extension, Ryan and his agent have stepped out of the on-deck circle and are walking toward the plate. Ryan’s going to get money similar to what Rodgers and Joe Flacco got. I wouldn’t look for a drawn-out negotiating period. The market value has been set and the Falcons and Ryan know they want to be together for the long haul.
Lamar Holmes. The fact the Falcons didn’t draft a single offensive lineman is a good indication of how they feel about Holmes, a third-round pick last year. It now is looking like Holmes is the heir apparent to right tackle Tyson Clabo, who was released.
Eric Washington. He’s the defensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers and already was a rising star after Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy each produced double-digit sacks last year. Now, Washington will get a chance to really bolster his reputation (and perhaps eventually become a defensive coordinator after the Panthers used their top two picks on defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. On paper at least, Washington has enough talent to whip up one of the league’s best defensive lines.
FALLING
Ronde Barber. The Buccaneers say they still want the veteran defensive back to return for another year. But in what capacity? He’s not going to start at free safety because the Bucs signed Dashon Goldson. A return to cornerback is possible, but Barber likely would be behind Darrelle Revis, Eric Wright and rookie Johnthan Banks. Backup safeties and fourth cornerbacks almost always have to play special teams. Do you honestly see Barber doing that at this point in his career? If he wants to keep playing, there might be a place or two where he can still be a starter and that could mean he won’t play his entire career with the Bucs.
Charles Brown and Jason Smith. The New Orleans Saints used a third-round draft pick on offensive tackle Terron Armstead. That means they aren’t sold on Brown or Smith as their left tackle. Armstead won’t be handed the job, but he’ll compete with Brown and Smith in training camp.
John Abraham. There has been a lot of talk from Atlanta fans about the Falcons perhaps re-signing the veteran defensive end. I’ve said all along that’s a long shot. After the draft, I think it’s an even longer shot. The Falcons drafted defensive ends Malliciah Goodman (fourth round) and Stansly Maponga (fifth round). They also have a couple of other young defensive ends on the roster in Jonathan Massaquoi and Cliff Matthews. It doesn’t look like there’s room on the roster to bring back an aging player who already was released.
Matt Ryan. With Green Bay’s Aaron Rodgers signing a huge contract extension, Ryan and his agent have stepped out of the on-deck circle and are walking toward the plate. Ryan’s going to get money similar to what Rodgers and Joe Flacco got. I wouldn’t look for a drawn-out negotiating period. The market value has been set and the Falcons and Ryan know they want to be together for the long haul.
Lamar Holmes. The fact the Falcons didn’t draft a single offensive lineman is a good indication of how they feel about Holmes, a third-round pick last year. It now is looking like Holmes is the heir apparent to right tackle Tyson Clabo, who was released.
Eric Washington. He’s the defensive line coach for the Carolina Panthers and already was a rising star after Charles Johnson and Greg Hardy each produced double-digit sacks last year. Now, Washington will get a chance to really bolster his reputation (and perhaps eventually become a defensive coordinator after the Panthers used their top two picks on defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short. On paper at least, Washington has enough talent to whip up one of the league’s best defensive lines.
FALLING
Ronde Barber. The Buccaneers say they still want the veteran defensive back to return for another year. But in what capacity? He’s not going to start at free safety because the Bucs signed Dashon Goldson. A return to cornerback is possible, but Barber likely would be behind Darrelle Revis, Eric Wright and rookie Johnthan Banks. Backup safeties and fourth cornerbacks almost always have to play special teams. Do you honestly see Barber doing that at this point in his career? If he wants to keep playing, there might be a place or two where he can still be a starter and that could mean he won’t play his entire career with the Bucs.
Charles Brown and Jason Smith. The New Orleans Saints used a third-round draft pick on offensive tackle Terron Armstead. That means they aren’t sold on Brown or Smith as their left tackle. Armstead won’t be handed the job, but he’ll compete with Brown and Smith in training camp.
John Abraham. There has been a lot of talk from Atlanta fans about the Falcons perhaps re-signing the veteran defensive end. I’ve said all along that’s a long shot. After the draft, I think it’s an even longer shot. The Falcons drafted defensive ends Malliciah Goodman (fourth round) and Stansly Maponga (fifth round). They also have a couple of other young defensive ends on the roster in Jonathan Massaquoi and Cliff Matthews. It doesn’t look like there’s room on the roster to bring back an aging player who already was released.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the only NFC South team to move up in the latest edition of the ESPN.com Power Rankings.
The Bucs moved up two spots, from No. 21 to No. 19. You can attribute that movement to the trade for cornerback Darrelle Revis and the addition of second-round draft pick Johnthan Banks. The Bucs suddenly have turned their secondary from a weakness to a strength.
The other three NFC South teams either stood still are dropped a little bit in the eyes of the voters.
The Atlanta Falcons stayed put at No. 4, although they did get a No. 1 vote from Dan Graziano. Surprisingly, the New Orleans Saints dropped two spots, from No. 12 to No. 14. I guess the voters don’t think first-round draft pick Kenny Vaccaro is going to suddenly turn around the defense.
Although I thought the Carolina Panthers got a lot better by firming up the middle of their defensive line, the voters didn’t agree. The Panthers dropped from No. 20 to No. 21.
The Bucs moved up two spots, from No. 21 to No. 19. You can attribute that movement to the trade for cornerback Darrelle Revis and the addition of second-round draft pick Johnthan Banks. The Bucs suddenly have turned their secondary from a weakness to a strength.
The other three NFC South teams either stood still are dropped a little bit in the eyes of the voters.
The Atlanta Falcons stayed put at No. 4, although they did get a No. 1 vote from Dan Graziano. Surprisingly, the New Orleans Saints dropped two spots, from No. 12 to No. 14. I guess the voters don’t think first-round draft pick Kenny Vaccaro is going to suddenly turn around the defense.
Although I thought the Carolina Panthers got a lot better by firming up the middle of their defensive line, the voters didn’t agree. The Panthers dropped from No. 20 to No. 21.
The Carolina Panthers announced Tuesday morning that they have agreed to terms with 13 undrafted rookies.
The list is headed by Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron, who might have a chance to compete with Jimmy Clausen for the No. 3 spot.
The rest of the list includes Rice tight end Taylor Cook, Sam Houston State receiver Trey Diller, Southern California defensive end Wes Horton, South Carolina linebacker Damario Jeffrey, East Carolina guard Robert Jones, Alabama defensive back Robert Lester, Abiline Christian kicker Morgan Lineberry, Jacksonville State guard Tori Mobley, Michigan defensive end Craig Roh, Oklaohma defensive tackle Casey Walker, Louisiana Lafayette defensive back Melvin White and Penn State fullback Mike Zordich.
The list is headed by Louisiana Tech quarterback Colby Cameron, who might have a chance to compete with Jimmy Clausen for the No. 3 spot.
The rest of the list includes Rice tight end Taylor Cook, Sam Houston State receiver Trey Diller, Southern California defensive end Wes Horton, South Carolina linebacker Damario Jeffrey, East Carolina guard Robert Jones, Alabama defensive back Robert Lester, Abiline Christian kicker Morgan Lineberry, Jacksonville State guard Tori Mobley, Michigan defensive end Craig Roh, Oklaohma defensive tackle Casey Walker, Louisiana Lafayette defensive back Melvin White and Penn State fullback Mike Zordich.
Time for a morning run through the headlines from around the NFC South:
ATLANTA FALCONS
Jay Adams has the list of numbers Atlanta’s draft picks will wear. First-round pick Desmond Trufant will wear No. 21.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Quarterback Cam Newton is branching out into the fashion world. Newton will have his own line of clothing with a major retailer.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Former Stanford linebacker Chase Thomas wasn’t drafted. But he has one advantage after signing with the Saints. Thomas has plenty of experience in the 3-4 scheme the Saints are switching to. That could give him a shot at landing a roster spot.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Martin Fennelly writes that there’s no way the Bucs should bring in Tim Tebow because they don’t need the distraction. I wouldn’t worry too much about the former University of Florida star landing in Tampa Bay. The Bucs, like a lot of other teams, have no interest in Tebow.
ATLANTA FALCONS
Jay Adams has the list of numbers Atlanta’s draft picks will wear. First-round pick Desmond Trufant will wear No. 21.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Quarterback Cam Newton is branching out into the fashion world. Newton will have his own line of clothing with a major retailer.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Former Stanford linebacker Chase Thomas wasn’t drafted. But he has one advantage after signing with the Saints. Thomas has plenty of experience in the 3-4 scheme the Saints are switching to. That could give him a shot at landing a roster spot.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Martin Fennelly writes that there’s no way the Bucs should bring in Tim Tebow because they don’t need the distraction. I wouldn’t worry too much about the former University of Florida star landing in Tampa Bay. The Bucs, like a lot of other teams, have no interest in Tebow.
Let's take an afternoon run through some headlines from around the NFC South.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The team has announced the signing of 24 undrafted free agents.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Joseph Person has his post-draft depth chart for the Panthers. It includes first-round pick Star Lotulelei as a starter at defensive tackle. That’s a foregone conclusion. The Panthers drafted Lotulelei expecting him to be a starter from Day 1.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Although many fans are assuming safety Roman Harper will be released after the team drafted Kenny Vaccaro, that’s not necessarily the case. Harper’s base salary is partially guaranteed and releasing him wouldn’t free up a lot of cap room.
The Saints have announced the signing of 13 undrafted free agents, including former Tulane quarterback Ryan Griffin.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Gary Shelton writes that it’s hard to imagine Tim Tebow finding another home in the NFL after his release from the New York Jets. Tebow’s best shot might be to switch from quarterback to tight end or fullback. But, even with a position change, I don’t see Tebow landing in Tampa Bay. I’ve poked around and indications are the Bucs don’t have any interest in the former University of Florida star.
ATLANTA FALCONS
The team has announced the signing of 24 undrafted free agents.
CAROLINA PANTHERS
Joseph Person has his post-draft depth chart for the Panthers. It includes first-round pick Star Lotulelei as a starter at defensive tackle. That’s a foregone conclusion. The Panthers drafted Lotulelei expecting him to be a starter from Day 1.
NEW ORLEANS SAINTS
Although many fans are assuming safety Roman Harper will be released after the team drafted Kenny Vaccaro, that’s not necessarily the case. Harper’s base salary is partially guaranteed and releasing him wouldn’t free up a lot of cap room.
The Saints have announced the signing of 13 undrafted free agents, including former Tulane quarterback Ryan Griffin.
TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS
Gary Shelton writes that it’s hard to imagine Tim Tebow finding another home in the NFL after his release from the New York Jets. Tebow’s best shot might be to switch from quarterback to tight end or fullback. But, even with a position change, I don’t see Tebow landing in Tampa Bay. I’ve poked around and indications are the Bucs don’t have any interest in the former University of Florida star.
Undrafted free agents usually are long shots to make an NFL regular-season roster. But you might want to keep an eye on Deveron Carr.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sure are treating the Arizona State cornerback differently than the average undrafted free agent. The Bucs have given Carr a $15,000 signing bonus and guaranteed $5,000 of his base salary.
Many undrafted free agents don’t even get signing bonuses and those who do often top out at $5,000. Carr’s signing bonus is the highest I’ve seen so far for any undrafted free agent across the league.
Why did the Bucs sweeten the pot for Carr? Obviously, they must think he has some talent. But Carr probably was getting a decent offer somewhere else and the Bucs stepped up to make sure they got him.
In addition to Carr, the Bucs announced they have signed 13 other undrafted free agents. They are UCLA receiver Jerry Johnson, South Florida tight end Evan Landi, Northern Illinois cornerback Rashaan Melvin, Texas receiver D.J. Monroe, Buffalo linebacker Willie Moseley, Arizona State tackle Brice Schwab, Purdue running back Akeem Shavers, Western Kentucky guard Adam Smith, Georgia cornerback Branden Smith, Massachusetts offensive tackle Nick Speller, Southern Mississippi offensive tackle Jason Weaver and Rutgers receiver Tim Wright.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers sure are treating the Arizona State cornerback differently than the average undrafted free agent. The Bucs have given Carr a $15,000 signing bonus and guaranteed $5,000 of his base salary.
Many undrafted free agents don’t even get signing bonuses and those who do often top out at $5,000. Carr’s signing bonus is the highest I’ve seen so far for any undrafted free agent across the league.
Why did the Bucs sweeten the pot for Carr? Obviously, they must think he has some talent. But Carr probably was getting a decent offer somewhere else and the Bucs stepped up to make sure they got him.
In addition to Carr, the Bucs announced they have signed 13 other undrafted free agents. They are UCLA receiver Jerry Johnson, South Florida tight end Evan Landi, Northern Illinois cornerback Rashaan Melvin, Texas receiver D.J. Monroe, Buffalo linebacker Willie Moseley, Arizona State tackle Brice Schwab, Purdue running back Akeem Shavers, Western Kentucky guard Adam Smith, Georgia cornerback Branden Smith, Massachusetts offensive tackle Nick Speller, Southern Mississippi offensive tackle Jason Weaver and Rutgers receiver Tim Wright.
Do Bucs still have room for Ronde Barber?
April, 29, 2013
Apr 29
2:04
PM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
During the NFL draft, Tampa Bay general manager Mark Dominik said the door was still open for veteran cornerback Ronde Barber to return for another season.
But how wide is that door really open?
As Barber has been pondering whether to retire or play another season, the Buccaneers have been filling up their defensive backfield with talent.
BarberBarber moved to free safety after playing his entire career at cornerback. But the starting free safety job no longer is available.
The Bucs filled that spot by signing free agent Dashon Goldson. Barber’s not really suited to play strong safety and the Bucs are set there with Mark Barron, last year’s first-round pick.
If Barber is going to return and wants to play safety, he’d be a third safety at best. Putting Barber in that role would be less than ideal for the Bucs because teams generally require their third safety to play special teams.
The other scenario for Barber to return would be for him to move back to cornerback. But the Bucs no longer have a big need there after trading for Darrelle Revis and drafting Johnthan Banks.
Revis, Eric Wright and Banks figure to be the top three cornerbacks.
The Bucs have been wise in repeatedly saying they want Barber back. That avoids the kind of public relations nightmare they endured when they unceremoniously released Derrick Brooks. But the Bucs also have been wise in going ahead and stocking up their secondary.
Maybe Barber still will return in some sort of ceremonial role. Having a guy like Barber in your locker room is a good thing because he sets a good example with his work ethic.
But, if Barber decides not to return to the Bucs, the team has set itself up nicely to move on without him.
But how wide is that door really open?
As Barber has been pondering whether to retire or play another season, the Buccaneers have been filling up their defensive backfield with talent.
The Bucs filled that spot by signing free agent Dashon Goldson. Barber’s not really suited to play strong safety and the Bucs are set there with Mark Barron, last year’s first-round pick.
If Barber is going to return and wants to play safety, he’d be a third safety at best. Putting Barber in that role would be less than ideal for the Bucs because teams generally require their third safety to play special teams.
The other scenario for Barber to return would be for him to move back to cornerback. But the Bucs no longer have a big need there after trading for Darrelle Revis and drafting Johnthan Banks.
Revis, Eric Wright and Banks figure to be the top three cornerbacks.
The Bucs have been wise in repeatedly saying they want Barber back. That avoids the kind of public relations nightmare they endured when they unceremoniously released Derrick Brooks. But the Bucs also have been wise in going ahead and stocking up their secondary.
Maybe Barber still will return in some sort of ceremonial role. Having a guy like Barber in your locker room is a good thing because he sets a good example with his work ethic.
But, if Barber decides not to return to the Bucs, the team has set itself up nicely to move on without him.
The NFL draft has come and gone. Overall, the NFC South teams did a good job of addressing their needs.
But no team is perfect. Let’s take a look at one area for each team that still could use some work:
Atlanta Falcons: They fortified the situation at cornerback nicely and that was the only glaring need. But, when you look a little deeper, defensive tackle is a spot where the Falcons don’t have a lot of depth. They lost Vance Walker in free agency. That leaves Peria Jerry as the only real option in a rotation behind Jonathan Babineaux and Corey Peters. The Falcons might want to bring in one more defensive tackle with some experience. Someone like a Richard Seymour would make a lot of sense.
Carolina Panthers: They did a great job of improving the middle of their defensive line by taking Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short in the first two rounds. But the Panthers ignored their secondary in the draft. The Panthers did bring in some mid-level free agents before the draft. But they might want to bring in some more.
New Orleans Saints: By not taking a pass-rusher early, the Saints seemed to give a vote of confidence to Victor Butler, Martez Wilson and Junior Galette. All three have some upside, but there are no guarantees. The Saints are tight against the cap, but they might be wise to bring in one experienced pass-rusher at a bargain rate.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs like to say they think Luke Stocker can take the next step and become a dependable all-around tight end. They’ll also tell you they think Tom Crabtree has upside as a pass catcher. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to add an experienced tight end to the mix.
But no team is perfect. Let’s take a look at one area for each team that still could use some work:
Atlanta Falcons: They fortified the situation at cornerback nicely and that was the only glaring need. But, when you look a little deeper, defensive tackle is a spot where the Falcons don’t have a lot of depth. They lost Vance Walker in free agency. That leaves Peria Jerry as the only real option in a rotation behind Jonathan Babineaux and Corey Peters. The Falcons might want to bring in one more defensive tackle with some experience. Someone like a Richard Seymour would make a lot of sense.
Carolina Panthers: They did a great job of improving the middle of their defensive line by taking Star Lotulelei and Kawann Short in the first two rounds. But the Panthers ignored their secondary in the draft. The Panthers did bring in some mid-level free agents before the draft. But they might want to bring in some more.
New Orleans Saints: By not taking a pass-rusher early, the Saints seemed to give a vote of confidence to Victor Butler, Martez Wilson and Junior Galette. All three have some upside, but there are no guarantees. The Saints are tight against the cap, but they might be wise to bring in one experienced pass-rusher at a bargain rate.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Bucs like to say they think Luke Stocker can take the next step and become a dependable all-around tight end. They’ll also tell you they think Tom Crabtree has upside as a pass catcher. Still, it wouldn’t hurt to add an experienced tight end to the mix.
Which rookies will start immediately?
April, 29, 2013
Apr 29
11:28
AM ET
By
Pat Yasinskas | ESPN.com
As I look at what NFC South teams did in the NFL draft, I’m not seeing a lot of players that will make instant impacts.
In fact, I’m seeing only four players that are likely to be starters on opening day. Let’s take a look:
Atlanta Falcons: Go ahead and put first-round pick Desmond Trufant in the lineup as a starting cornerback opposite Asante Samuel. Second-round pick Robert Alford will get a chance to compete with Robert McClain for the job at nickel back. Levine Toilolo, a fourth-round choice, has a shot at some decent playing time as the second tight end.
Carolina Panthers: First-round pick Star Lotulelei will be an instant starter at defensive tackle next to Dwan Edwards. Second-round pick Kawann Short could start off his career rotating in for Lotulelei and Edwards. The rest of Carolina’s draft picks will begin their careers as special-teams players.
New Orleans Saints: Although the Saints brought defensive backs Malcolm Jenkins and Patrick Robinson along slowly in recent years, I think safety Kenny Vaccaro will get thrown right into the starting lineup. He’s likely to unseat Roman Harper as the Saints overhaul their defense and go to a 3-4 scheme. It might be too much to expect third-round pick Terron Armstead to be an immediate starter at left tackle. But Armstead will get a look in training camp because Charles Brown and Jason Smith are the only other options.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: At worst, second-round pick Johnthan Banks will begin his career as the third cornerback. That’s virtually the same as a starter because teams use so many nickel packages. But I think there’s a good possibility Banks vaults past Eric Wright and starts opposite Darrelle Revis. Fourth-round picks Akeem Spence and William Gholston have a chance to earn spots in the rotation on the defensive line.
In fact, I’m seeing only four players that are likely to be starters on opening day. Let’s take a look:
Atlanta Falcons: Go ahead and put first-round pick Desmond Trufant in the lineup as a starting cornerback opposite Asante Samuel. Second-round pick Robert Alford will get a chance to compete with Robert McClain for the job at nickel back. Levine Toilolo, a fourth-round choice, has a shot at some decent playing time as the second tight end.
Carolina Panthers: First-round pick Star Lotulelei will be an instant starter at defensive tackle next to Dwan Edwards. Second-round pick Kawann Short could start off his career rotating in for Lotulelei and Edwards. The rest of Carolina’s draft picks will begin their careers as special-teams players.
New Orleans Saints: Although the Saints brought defensive backs Malcolm Jenkins and Patrick Robinson along slowly in recent years, I think safety Kenny Vaccaro will get thrown right into the starting lineup. He’s likely to unseat Roman Harper as the Saints overhaul their defense and go to a 3-4 scheme. It might be too much to expect third-round pick Terron Armstead to be an immediate starter at left tackle. But Armstead will get a look in training camp because Charles Brown and Jason Smith are the only other options.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: At worst, second-round pick Johnthan Banks will begin his career as the third cornerback. That’s virtually the same as a starter because teams use so many nickel packages. But I think there’s a good possibility Banks vaults past Eric Wright and starts opposite Darrelle Revis. Fourth-round picks Akeem Spence and William Gholston have a chance to earn spots in the rotation on the defensive line.
NFC SOUTH SCOREBOARD
ABOUT THIS BLOG
Pat Yasinskas
Yasinskas joined ESPN.com in January 2008 after covering the Carolina Panthers for The Charlotte Observer for nine seasons. He began his journalism career with The Tampa Tribune in 1990.
