ESPN NFL

Posted by Scouts Inc.'s Matt Williamson

Ward

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wisely added Derrick Ward to their stable of running backs. With Carnell "Cadillac" Williams' health a major uncertainty and Warrick Dunn's release, starter Earnest Graham needs another partner to help carry the load.

In what has become, for the most part, a two-running back league, Tampa Bay is keeping up with other NFC elites like the Panthers and Giants, Ward's former employer. Ward is 29 years old, but doesn't have a lot of wear and tear on his body.

Ward was extremely productive with New York, and ran behind a terrific run-blocking offensive line. While Tampa Bay's front five isn't yet on par with the Giants' offensive line, the Bucs' line is an up-and-coming group.

The former regime in Tampa Bay dedicated a lot of early draft picks to offensive linemen and then signed center Jeff Faine to a big-money deal this time last year. The fruits of the labors are ripening and the Buccaneers are on the verge of putting together one of the best lines in the NFL.

While Ward runs very hard, fights for tough yardage and attacks the line of scrimmage, he isn't a great make-you-miss player and needs his teammates' help to get to daylight. In this regard, and as an insurance policy and time-share for Graham, Ward is a great fit in Tampa. Graham was able to play in only 10 games last season.

Another aspect that Ward brings to the table that cannot be overlooked is his contribution to the passing game. He is a very solid pass-blocker who picks up blitzes well, but Ward also has a great feel for when to release into his route. With his supple hands, he presents a reliable target for his quarterback.

Last season, the Buccaneers had an able intermediate-to-deep threat in Antonio Bryant. This season, they will have Bryant along with newly acquired tight end Kellen Winslow as another midrange target, especially over the middle. Adding Ward will give the Bucs' quarterback -- whoever that might be -- yet another safety valve in the flats, which is often a quarterback's best friend. The Bucs will be attacking opposing defenses on all levels in 2009.

This was a very good signing.