McCoy Says Cummings Has Quiet Drive
May 29th, 2014
Gerald McCoy is the unquestioned vocal leader of the Bucs defense, but it seems his likely 2014 backup won’t take after No. 93.
Joe talked to McCoy this week about undrafted rookie Euclid Cummings, the likely Bucs undertackle of the future.
Here are the current Bucs defensive tackles:
McCoy
Clinton McDonald
Akeem Spence
Matthew Masifilo
Everett Dawkins
Euclid Cummings
Masifilo hasn’t taken a regular season snap, and Dawkins played in one game with Dallas last season. Nearly all teams carry four defensive tackles, and the Bucs don’t have a defensive end that’s proven anything as an inside rusher.
As Joe’s documented previously, Cummings was very much targeted by the Bucs before the NFL Draft. Defensive line coach Joe Cullen ran Cummings’ pro day at Georgia Tech, and the Bucs made promises to Cummings agent if he signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent. And yes, Cummings got a signing bonus.
Cummings, who stands a fit-looking 6-3, 291 pounds, is making an impression. McCoy didn’t dispute Joe’s claim that Cummings could be his backup on opening day.
“I’ll say this about him; he’s more action than words. He comes to work every single day. He doesn’t make any excuses and just learns and works. That’s the way it should be for a rookie,” McCoy said of Cummings.
Training camp is just eight weeks away, but that’s a long way to go and Cummings and the rest of the defensive tackle hopefuls will have a lot to prove in preseason.
May 29th, 2014 at 11:07 am
Why was his pro day at Georgia State? And why did Joe Cullen run it?
May 29th, 2014 at 11:20 am
Personally, I think Akeem Spence will mature and become a Booger-type of player…which will get the job done.
Assuming he stays away from certain outside influences.
I’m all for Cummings working out as well. Let the best man win.
Though I cannot see McCoy saying anything negative about anyone.
May 29th, 2014 at 11:24 am
I like quality competition at all positions. What do I define as quality? Someone as good as or potentially better than the current best player at the position, and who can be a long term solution.
There is only one position at this time that does not meet that requirement. Quarterback. No way can anyone convince me the top two guys are both potential long term solutions. Therefore, there is no real competition.
May 29th, 2014 at 11:43 am
The Cannon lives!
May 29th, 2014 at 12:25 pm
Will Gohlston will be able to move to the inside for passing downs.
May 29th, 2014 at 12:31 pm
Pulling for the kid!
May 29th, 2014 at 12:36 pm
Spence will be playing behind McDonald as opposed to a UT like McCoy. That’s why he’s getting some extra time/love from GMC.
I know nothing at all Masifilio or Dawkins. Hopefully they can add something.
Gholston did move inside last year on obvious passing situations to get his hands up in the air. Hoping he can team up with Means outside this year. I expect pretty much the same from Bowers as I do from Nicks.
May 29th, 2014 at 2:14 pm
This kid reminds me of Ellis Wyms from back in the day. Same body type.
May 29th, 2014 at 4:31 pm
First, “read more”, now banner ads, gosh Joe’s, greedy much?
May 29th, 2014 at 4:35 pm
Good to know you check in once every five years.
Of course, Joe can rectify this issue by charging for content. It’s not cheap to keep the lights on here and devote a dozen-plus hours a day to develop content.
Joe is sure there is some Bucs site out there with minimal ads that will satisfy you, not to mention minimal stories as well.
May 29th, 2014 at 5:19 pm
Joe Says:
“Of course, Joe can rectify this issue by charging for content.”
-PLEASE do! I’ll be the first.
May 29th, 2014 at 5:45 pm
Joe, I usually click 1 more time before I leave. It’s my way of “paying” for content 🙂
May 29th, 2014 at 5:49 pm
Graci!
May 29th, 2014 at 5:49 pm
By the way, I would pay to read the comments. I sometimes scroll down to the bottom of the article and read the comments first.
P.S. You need to make a way to like comments!
May 29th, 2014 at 7:54 pm
Yeah, I click wherever I can to help out, I hope it helps out. Pay for content, I won’t be able to with this phone and set up. Like or dislike comments OK. Get rid of them, Nah.
May 29th, 2014 at 10:05 pm
Joe: I would pay $10 or $20 a year subscription for what you are providing Just as the website is right now. I would not pay for the comments which I mostly skip anyway. Thanks
May 29th, 2014 at 11:01 pm
Cummings is a VERY interesting prospect. The knock on him is that he needs to bulk up and play with more aggression. Also, he is more of a run stuffer. But, he has the size and is VERY fast.