Vacation Man suggests Elbert Mack could be in the starting secondary.

One newcomer last year that caught Joe’s eye was cornerback Elbert Mack, an undrafted player out of Troy. As a senior in college, he led the NCAA in interceptions with eight and he showed he knew how to play in spot duty with the Bucs.

But Vacation Man of BSPN.com suggests Mack isn’t up for just spot duty this fall. He may start.

Adam (Jersey): Pat, have you been to any of the OTAs? The Bucs seem really high on Elbert Mack, what do you think?

Vacation Man: I’ll be out at Bucs OTAs next week. But I know they’ve been high on Mack. Morris coached him last year. He could be starting. At worst, he’s the nickel.

Later in the chat, Vacation Man dropped another hint that Mack might be starting instead of Ronde Barber.

Brian (Salisbury, MD): Pat, sorry I got here late don’t leave me hanging though. I know Ronde is starting with Talib but I heard Tampa is moving him inside to the slot guy in nickel coverages with Mack playing outside…I think it will be great for Mack to line up where he will eventually start…Your thoughts on this??

Vacation Man: Makes sense.

Vacation Man may be onto something. Quite a bit has been made of how Barber is not a cover corner like defensive coordinator Jim Bates covets. Given the face Barber, one of Joe’s favorites, is not exactly a rookie any longer, Mack could be in line to supplant Barber in the starting lineup.