Cornerbacks Herd Is Rather Thin
August 27th, 2014
After a roster shakeup yesterday with cuts, additions and Danny Gorrer placed on injured reserve, the Bucs are down to 10 cornerbacks.
Two are injured. Will Tampa Bay keep seven to start the season?
Here’s a look at who’s still around:
Alterraun Verner — Pro Bowler made Bucs debut Saturday against Buffalo. Told Joe after the game he felt great.
Johnthan Banks — Top cornerback of preseason. Started each game and has been solid. Clearly can play in Lovie’s system.
Mike Jenkins — Veteran has been sidelined with an unspecified “upper leg” injury since late July.
Rashaan Melvin — Walking boot for his bad ankle has been his fashion statement for a while.
Leonard Johnson — Been No. 1 nickel cornerback through camp and preseason.
Quinton Pointer — Serving as No. 2 nickel. Lovie has said two nickels aren’t the goal, unless the No. 2 nickel can play corner effectively, too. Pointer was on the field with the Bucs first team defense on Saturday.
Anthony Gaitor — He’s still here, so you never know.
Kip Edwards — Second-year undrafted guy was with Leslie Frazier and the Vikings last season.
Keith Lewis — Long rookie corner with speed who has been around for months. Undrafted out of Virginia/Lynchburg.
Marc Anthony – Just picked yesterday after being cut earlier in the season.
The roster must be cut down to 53 by Saturday at 4 p.m. Joe surely doesn’t rule out the Bucs going after another cornerback. A big X-factor here is Leonard Johnson. Can he successfully play a major role this season? His 2013 was on the ugly side.
August 27th, 2014 at 8:39 am
Is Myron available?
August 27th, 2014 at 8:49 am
I love me some leaonard johnson, very much a ronde barber type….but he’s not there yet. get’s beat to much playing soft coverge
needs better instincts which may come with time
August 27th, 2014 at 8:56 am
I wonder what Lequan Lewis is up to these days…
August 27th, 2014 at 9:05 am
I hope Quinton Pointer will pan out fine at regular corner. He has impressed me. Leonard Johnson is getting help from Rhonde Barber this year, which is why he is much improved and will play the nickel this year. He is a genuine playmaker who will thrive in Tampa2, and is a great tackler too. We will be fine at Corner.
August 27th, 2014 at 9:26 am
Marc Anthony’s here to perform song’s off his mulit-platinum album?
August 27th, 2014 at 9:38 am
Joe I know you are not a fan of household names, but isnt Asante Samuel available? Would be be a good fit scheme wise? I know he has under performed for the last few teams.
August 27th, 2014 at 10:10 am
Leonard Johnson couldn’t cover himself with a blanket…he needs to go
August 27th, 2014 at 12:04 pm
When will people stop spelling it Rhonde? … R-O-N-D-E
I mean, he was only a member of the team for 15 years.
August 27th, 2014 at 2:53 pm
Johnson is too hot and cold to make me feel good about the nickel spot. Looks great some plays, then looks really bad. Gotta be more consistent or things could get ugly. Want to like him but can’t just yet.
August 27th, 2014 at 4:17 pm
Frey was cut by the Bears. He is worth a look. Started and played nickle as a rookie in 2013 for Bears. Only the No. 1 pick and return to health of 2012 nickle corner Hayden got him booted (along with Tillman and Jennings starting).