Five New Starters On Defense?
March 19th, 2015
Joe vividly remembers eating eggs, melon and toast with Lovie Smith at last year’s NFL Owners meetings and hearing Lovie say he signs free agents who plan to be starters.
Lovie’s rationale was simple and clear. Before they sign, good free agents want to know about playing time and want to discuss their shot to be a starter.
The discussion back then centered around newly-signed linebacker Dane Fletcher and whether he could be a replacement for then middle linebacker Mason Foster. A year later, both players are former Buccaneers.
What’s important now is that Lovie’s mindset on building a team hasn’t changed. He and general manager Jason Licht have signed four free agents — all on defense: former All-Pro defensive tackle Henry Melton, cornerback Sterling Moore and linebacker Bruce Carter from the Cowboys, and safety Chris Conte, who played in Lovie’s defense with the Bears.
Could all those guys become starters?
Considering Lovie claims his nickel cornerback is the 12th starter on defense, then, yes. Sure.
Melton, if he stays healthy, can be a beastly pass rusher. Perhaps he can win the job from nose tackle Clinton McDonald in preseason. Joe asked Melton about playing nose last week, and he insisted he can.
Add whoever replaces ghostly and ghastly departed defensive end Michael Johnson, and the Bucs could have five new starters on defense. That would be quite a shakeup for a team “on the verge.”
March 19th, 2015 at 2:41 pm
melton,conte,moore on 1 yr contracts….sounds like depth moves for 2015
March 19th, 2015 at 2:44 pm
Add whoever replaces ghostly and ghastly departed defensive end Michael Johnson
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I think you guys think I’m kidding but im really not. Sign Mike Sam! Kid has something to prove and you don’t become SEC DPOY by accident.
March 19th, 2015 at 2:50 pm
Not sure. –Joe
March 19th, 2015 at 2:55 pm
Hell no! These are depth moves and nothing more. Maybe Melton wins a starting gig, but the rest of these guys are NOT starters.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:02 pm
I could see Melton playing DE before he removes unseats Clinton at DT. Melton will play a role very similar to Michael Bennet in Seattle. His versatility is going to be called upon early and often looking for match up problems. Lovie originally trained him as a RB to DE and then found a way to use his athleticism at the three tech
March 19th, 2015 at 3:04 pm
Yes, Michael Sam does have something to prove and right now I think he is trying to prove it. I think he’s trying to prove he can dance the Samba and the Tango better than anyone else.
I mean really WS99, I know it seems like I pick on you but I didn’t even know who wrote this before I started and had to go back to discover the name I was addressing this to.
If you had any credibility, you centainly lost whatever,portion remained with that post.
The only thing this guy is trying to prove is that he can become a “celebrity” which is what he wanted to be all along.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:04 pm
Sadly Melton is the best DE we have on this team and it’s not even his natural position.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:04 pm
that photo of lovie must be after the 56-14 beating Atlanta put on us last year hahaha
March 19th, 2015 at 3:05 pm
@Joe,
What teams out there have a need at QB and Safety…Any?? Thinking at this point, perhaps a Glennon and Goldson trade snags an edge rusher?? Also, VERY familiar with Melton and his time in Chi-town….Better pass rusher than Mcdonald, but not as stout run d wise and definitely has not been as durable…Melton to me instantly becomes GMC’s back-up who will also most certainly line up next to him in obvious passing downs; being a “mostly” rotational player like last year should help keep him healthy. IF ONLY we could solidify a CONSISTENT edge rush…with our present DT depth…IF ONLY.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:07 pm
if these signings have to start we’re a 2-14 team again. this has to be about depth because we need like atleast 3 new starters from draft night
March 19th, 2015 at 3:09 pm
Sorry, I can’t help myself from saying this.
If we were to pick up Sam up, then we would not only have a DT who would help players up, but we would have a DE who might want to hug and kiss them afterwards as well.
Okay, start the hate.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Dd
I disagree. I think America (liberal America aka Hollywood) wants him to be a star. I truly think he wants to play ball. He’s being shafted just like warren moon.
If you look at his tape it’s undeniable that he can play. His preseason tape was strong too. I think he had the most sacks in the league during preseason. That just means he’s not a complete scrub. Hey man we just paid 7mil to a ghost why not pay the league minimum to a queen.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:11 pm
Bruce Carter was signed to be a starter. Moore looks like he is in good position to compete/win the nickel CB spot. With our safeties currently on the roster, Conte could be handed the starting job (and we know how loyal Lovie is to his free agent signees, see Mike Jenkins). Melton is a talented player but I think that he will have a hard time becoming a starter with McDonald and McCoy on the roster but likely will start at least a couple of games due to injury. Obviously we will have a new starter at DE with Johnson cut. Will it be someone already on the roster, a 2015 draft pick, or someone on the street right now? Who knows? So, yes, we likely will have at least five new starters this year. I am actually hoping more than 5 players earn starting spots on our defense that were not Bucs starters last year. 2-14 was pathetic and major change is needed on all three phases of the team, including defense.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:13 pm
DD
Self realization. At least mike knows who he is.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:14 pm
Ok WS99, since you put it so humorously, t wouldn’t hurt to take a look at him.
But I’d want to see him in the first quarter, not against future UPS drivers in the 4th quarter.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:15 pm
Fair enough.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:21 pm
and we know how loyal Lovie is to his free agent signees, see Mike Jenkins)
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This! There won’t be any competion just like last year. Conte will start even though Tandy is our best safety. Carter will start and we will quickly miss Foster. And IMO there’s no way Melton > McDonald But then again what do I know. It’s so freaking obvious lovie can’t coach so he’s poaching players from Rod. It’s his only chance. Without Rod or Ron (or their players) lovie will never win more than 7 games. Leslie Frazier is a complete joke.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:37 pm
Except for Carter, the contracts for the other free agent signings are short term. They look to be rotational guys and potentially become starters depending on performance and injuries. Not sure where they will stick Carter. They might have to figure that out during the offseason and training camp.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:44 pm
Not gonna happen. Not with those scrubs.
Frankly, the only good news is that the Bucs did not pay much for them and a lot of money opens up next year.
March 19th, 2015 at 3:59 pm
Well while we’re adding depth the Falcons are adding starters and depth. No worries though ATL knows it takes time, I’m sure they’ll take it easy on us this year.
March 19th, 2015 at 4:36 pm
I only remember form last year was that Joe “had no worries about the defense”!!!
March 19th, 2015 at 4:50 pm
Beastly Pass Rusher??????
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA. That made me laugh.
March 19th, 2015 at 5:00 pm
The Bucs will have a chance to get a FA MLB from Dallas. They will not keep both McClain and gosh I forgot the name of the guy who got hurt before the season last year.
March 19th, 2015 at 5:05 pm
Awwww WS99, just when we were starting to get along.
Lust because Melton was brought in doesn’t mean he’s going to start over McDonald. Frankly, McDonald kept both Licht and Lovie from looking like complete fools in FA last year and was already cited as the type of player they wanted to bring in from FA this year.
Look for Melton to give both McDonald and McCoy a little more time off. I think Lovie wants to keep his strongest line position fresh and rotate more.
Also look to see Melton at DE in obvious pass rushing situations if the Bucs can’t find that edge rusher.
Settle down.
March 19th, 2015 at 5:45 pm
We have taken care of our own and added players to compete for snaps. If only we had a pass rushing DE to bring it all together. Not even an all pro like Hardy but we need a veteran and a rookie to compete on the right side.
March 19th, 2015 at 6:04 pm
@BirdDoggers
Only the first year of Carter’s deal is guaranteed. So even his contract isn’t much of a long term investment.
Moore starts at nickel because Johnson and Frey are awful.
Melton rotates regularly.
Conte loses out to Wright and McDougald.
Carter at Sam (or Mike if he transitions well).
RE will come down to Smith or a draft pick probably.
March 19th, 2015 at 6:57 pm
Melton is not going to win the job at nose Joe. Youll will reach
March 19th, 2015 at 7:02 pm
Lovie is flailing.
March 19th, 2015 at 8:17 pm
WS99
“I think you guys think I’m kidding but im really not. Sign Mike Sam! Kid has something to prove.”
I agree! There is no downside whatsoever except for the gay jokes. Finally ddneast we can disagree on something. 🙂 I was beginning to get nervous. lol
It’s hard…insert joke here….for me to get to worked up over signing a player whose worst “offense” is his sexual orientation when the vast majority here are perfectly comfortable with Fameis and Hardy.
And so we’ll deal with some tasteless jokes if Sam makes the team. He seems like a nice enough guy and I agree WS he WANTS to play ball. If he can’t cut it then don’t play him but if he can he deserves to play. And there is absolutely NO risk in signing him. If nothing else he’d make good training camp fodder and there is the possibility he’s a player.
But I’m a guy who likes to think outside of the box. (insert 2nd tasteless joke here) I’m for trying to get Tebow on the team to play Hback. Line Timmy up all over the field. He could play TE…line up wide…blocking FB…wildcat…and imagine the double pass opportunities. No Tebow does not have the arm to be a starting NFL QB…but he is an ATHLETE.
Now imagine the PR. Former FSU Heisman tosses the ball to a former UF Heisman on a team in Tampa Florida. This just seems like a no brainer to me unless Tebow is still too delusional to consider a spot on an NFL roster besides QB.
March 19th, 2015 at 8:19 pm
I agree that the Bucs should bring Sam in for a look. I watched him play in College and last preseason and that dude can play. The fact that he is gay is irrelevant. There has been plenty of gay players on this team and around the NFL. The fact that he was brave enough to come out is the only diffidence. Ignorant bigots will be such a minority soon enough so they won’t feel so comfortable spewing their stereotypical hate much longer.
March 19th, 2015 at 8:46 pm
The fact that he was brave enough to come out is the only diffidence.
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BAM! Thanks for the support fellas.
March 19th, 2015 at 8:48 pm
ddneast Says:
Sorry, I can’t help myself from saying this.
If we were to pick up Sam up, then we would not only have a DT who would help players up, but we would have a DE who might want to hug and kiss them afterwards as well.
Okay, start the hate.
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OK, you’re a dick.
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Stanglassman Says:
I agree that the Bucs should bring Sam in for a look. I watched him play in College and last preseason and that dude can play. The fact that he is gay is irrelevant. There has been plenty of gay players on this team and around the NFL. The fact that he was brave enough to come out is the only diffidence. Ignorant bigots will be such a minority soon enough so they won’t feel so comfortable spewing their stereotypical hate much longer.
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Well said. Sam can play and will play in the NFL.
March 19th, 2015 at 8:53 pm
Michael Sam isn’t a good player. That’s why he’s available. I don’t want him in Tampa for that reason.
Of course, what I want doesn’t matter. Clearly. Because if it did matter we would have gotten a QB and OL guy last year.
March 19th, 2015 at 8:55 pm
BoJim Says
“OK, you’re a dick.”
Don’t let Michael Sam here that.
March 19th, 2015 at 8:56 pm
er, hear that.
March 19th, 2015 at 9:06 pm
I think we should at least try to get Michael Sam and let him compete in camp. Right now we have nothing. Coming from Mizzou IDK just something tells me we should give him a shot.
March 19th, 2015 at 9:08 pm
I’d rather have our depth consisting of Foster, bowers, Claiborne, and Collins than these second stringers. Then look to bring in starters over them
March 19th, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Bonzai
I’m not sure about that, consider that he started with the Rams who are deep on the dline and then Dallas who was also set on defense. We don’t have any depth at DE. What happens if some gets hurt which btw happens a lot around here. IDK I say throw Sam out there and see if it doesn’t raise the completion level. I know I’d hate to loss my job to a gentleman with an alternative lifestyle. That’s not a good look, def lose some street cred. Honestly, what the F do we have to loss? We can’t get anyone else to sign with us. Let’s check him out.
March 19th, 2015 at 10:47 pm
Hey Joe. That pic you posted above. Is that before or after the 56-14 ass whooping by the Falcons?
56 points on Lovie’s D. This team has a loooooong way to go.
March 19th, 2015 at 11:02 pm
and 1 new super mario
March 19th, 2015 at 11:30 pm
We will get hopefully 2 stud DE’s in the draft. Build and develop. After QB the next 4 picks will all be about the trenches.
March 19th, 2015 at 11:37 pm
Melton and maybe Carter. Moore nickel at best. Definitely expect a DE drafted in mid rounds and the Bucs will have to hope he can play.
March 19th, 2015 at 11:41 pm
Gmc,spence,Melton and Mcdonald is a pretty good rotation. And I’m excited to see what jock smith can do on a whole season.
March 19th, 2015 at 11:45 pm
StPeteBucsFan Says:
March 19th, 2015 at 8:17 pm
WS99
“I think you guys think I’m kidding but im really not. Sign Mike Sam! Kid has something to prove.”
I agree! There is no downside whatsoever except for the gay jokes. Finally ddneast we can disagree on something. 🙂 I was beginning to get nervous. lol
It’s hard…insert joke here….for me to get to worked up over signing a player whose worst “offense” is his sexual orientation when the vast majority here are perfectly comfortable with Fameis and Hardy.
And so we’ll deal with some tasteless jokes if Sam makes the team. He seems like a nice enough guy and I agree WS he WANTS to play ball. If he can’t cut it then don’t play him but if he can he deserves to play. And there is absolutely NO risk in signing him. If nothing else he’d make good training camp fodder and there is the possibility he’s a player.
But I’m a guy who likes to think outside of the box. (insert 2nd tasteless joke here) I’m for trying to get Tebow on the team to play Hback. Line Timmy up all over the field. He could play TE…line up wide…blocking FB…wildcat…and imagine the double pass opportunities. No Tebow does not have the arm to be a starting NFL QB…but he is an ATHLETE.
Now imagine the PR. Former FSU Heisman tosses the ball to a former UF Heisman on a team in Tampa Florida. This just seems like a no brainer to me unless Tebow is still too delusional to consider a spot on an NFL roster besides QB.
Now, hang on did you slip in (pun intended) a few punchlines there but make the accusations that others would. I see what you did there.
March 20th, 2015 at 8:36 am
Lol, if we signed Tebow and Sam, here comes the show “Hard knocks” (and theres an insert for ya cmurda, hahaha).
Seriously though, theres a reason Sam is looking for a job. He just doesnt have “it”. I was surprised he was even drafted and truly think it was just a pr move…..although I did almost throw up in my mouth a little when they aired him and his bf’s kiss…I was able to look away just in time to keep from puking.