(Photo by Al Messerschmidt/Getty Images)
The most interesting position battle lies on the other side of the field. The defense had trouble trying to stop the run last season and the defensive line held most of the blame. If that deficiency doesn’t look like its being dealt with in mini camp, rookie Roy Miller could get more action in the trenches.
The 6’1” Roy Miller may not have the ideal stature for a defensive tackle, but he has the strength. He’s a former power lifter and was the strongest man on the line at the University of Texas. His 500 lbs bench press and 625 lbs squat show he has the raw strength to be on defensive front.
If Ryan Simms or Chris Hovan aren’t able to plug the gaps and stop the run like last season, Miller could get a shot. Look for Roy Miller to get some snaps in running situations throughout training camp.
The most perplexing position battle started when General Manager Mark Dominik signed former New York Jets kicker Mike Nugent. Nugent is a Tampa native and has been a pretty solid kicker with some power. This brings some competition to Matt Bryant.
Matt Bryant hasn’t made a field goal over 50 yards since his miracle 62-yard attempt to beat the Philadelphia Eagles in 2006. Even though he has been all but automatic in field goals under 40 yards, going 49-for-50 the past two seasons, Bryant’s range hasn’t been impressive.
It will come down to range and consistency. After Nugent had an injury plagued 2008 season, it will come down to how he comes back from his muscle strain.
Regardless, the Buccaneers have enough battles to face even before the season gets underway.
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