Tracking Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2012 Undrafted Free Agent Signings

By most accounts, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers had an outstanding 2012 NFL draft. The next step was to add a slew of undrafted free agents.

Shortly after the draft, Tampa Bay added 14 rookies who slipped through the cracks of the draft.

Here's the list of players and a more in-depth look at them:

WR Luther Ambrose, Louisiana-Monroe

LB Ryan Baker, LSU

QB Zach Collaros, Cincinnati

C Chaz Hine, USF

FB Cody Johnson, Texas

CB Leonard Johnson, Iowa State

DT Donte'e Nicholls, Tennessee State

WR Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State

T Bradley Sowell, Mississippi

S Tramain Thomas, Arkansas

TE Tyler Urban, West Virginia

G Michael VanDerMeulen, Toledo

CB Quenton Washington, USF

T Desmond Wynn, Rutgers

WR Luther Ambrose, Louisiana-Monroe

Height: 5'8"

Weight: 185

Scouting Report

From Sports Illustrated:

"

Ambrose is a champion sprinter who can take it all the way any time the ball is in his hands. He's coming off a disappointing senior season at receiver, but his return skills and the ability to stretch the defense as a receiver will get him consideration on a practice squad this fall.

"

Chances of making final roster: 15 percent

Tampa Bay finished near the bottom of the league in both kick and punt return average in 2011. Ambrose might not be able to take Sammy Stroughter's job, but he might be able to stick on the practice squad and jump in if there's an injury.

LB Ryan Baker, LSU

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 236

Scouting Report

From National Football Post:

"

An undersized Will linebacker who is compactly put together, but lacks the girth and power to consistently hold up when run at. Struggles to anchor with any consistency, is routinely washed from the play and once a blocker gets his hands on him the battle is over. Possesses good range in pursuit, but isn't overly aware when closing on the football and will be easily picked off by backs/tight ends getting out to the second level.

Impression: Is consistently washed out of plays in the run game and isn't dynamic enough vs. the pass (either in coverage or rushing the passer) to warrant a draftable grade in my view.

"

Chances of making final roster: 15 percent

Even though that Bucs were horrid at linebacker last year, Baker doesn't fix things enough to warrant a roster spot.

QB Zach Collaros, Cincinnati

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 183

Scouting Report

From Sports Illustrated:

"

Collaros was a solid college quarterback who effectively led his team yet does not have the size to be anything other than a backup in the NFL. He could find a spot as a third passer in a timing or West Coast offense.

"

Chances of making final roster: Low

The only chance Collaros has is to beat Brett Ratliff out as the third quarterback.

C Chaz Hine, USF

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 295

Scouting Report

Chaz Hine was a three-year letter winner and started every game but one during the last three years at the University of South Florida.

Chances of making final roster: Low

FB Cody Johnson, Texas

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 255

Scouting Report

From Sports Illustrated:

"

Johnson has the skill to be a lead blocker at the next level and showed a willingness to do as much in college. He needs to improve his blocking technique; will have a chance to make a roster that keeps two fullbacks.

"

Chances of making final roster: Low

Johnson will have his work cut out for him of he wants to beat out Erik Lorig, who is a tough, intelligent fullback that came from the 2010 draft.

CB Leonard Johnson, Iowa State

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 196

Scouting Report

From Sports Illustrated:

"

Johnson was a productive and steady cornerback for Iowa State and is suited for a zone system or a scheme that has him backed off the line of scrimmage.

"

Chances of making final roster: 60 percent

Johnson might be the steal of the UDFA class for the Bucs. With the uncertainty of Aqib Talib's future and the lack of depth at corner, Johnson could slide onto this roster, possibly even as an active player on a weekly basis.

DT Donte'e Nicholls, Tennessee State

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 312

Scouting Report

From Sports Illustrated:

"

Nicholls offers the build and style to be used as a defensive tackle or even nose tackle at the next level yet must elevate every aspect of his game and really condition himself properly if he wants a career in the NFL.

"

Chances of making final roster: 35 percent

Conditioning seems to be the way for Nicholls to make the Tampa Bay roster. If he can get in shape, while still maintaining the awesome mass he's been blessed with, he could do well. The injuries to Tampa Bay's defensive line have been well documented. There's room to slide in if those injuries continue in 2012.

WR Tyler Shoemaker, Boise State

Height: 6'1"

Weight: 213

Scouting Report

From National Football Post:

"

Possesses average size and a good feel for the game. Is savvy when asked to get open, does well finding soft spots in zone, has a snap to his game when asked to get his head around and adjust to the football. Lacks much of a first step, doesn't get to top end speed quickly and looks like a 4.6 plus guy. Is going to have a tough time separating routinely in the NFL vs. man coverage and had a tendency to put some balls on the ground as a senior.

Impression: Isn't a real impressive athlete, has a feel for the game, but is a dime a dozen prospect.

"

Chances of making final roster: 15 percent

Showing that Showmaker can replicate what he did at Boise State is important once he reaches rookie minicamp. Tampa Bay upgraded its receiving corps, so there are fewer backup spots to go around.

T Bradley Sowell, Mississippi

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 316

Scouting Report

From National Football Post:

"

A tall, long, athletic looking tackle with average girth through his lower half and possesses a frame that can get even bigger. Has the ability to bend and keep his base under him in pass protection when he wants. However, too often gets upright toward the edge and will double over at the waist into contact, losing his balance and is easily slipped toward the corner.

Impression: Possesses a good frame, can bend when he wants and has some natural athleticism, but struggles with balance in both the run and pass game. Still possesses some upside as he will continue to develop, but looks like nothing more than an intriguing later round/developmental guy.

"

Chances of making final roster: 40 percent

Tampa Bay needs a young tackle with upside on its roster, whether it's the 53-man or just the practice squad. This could be a great situation for Sowell.

S Tramain Thomas, Arkansas

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 204

Scouting Report

From National Football Post:

"

A solidly built free safety prospect who isn't afraid to mix it up and attack the run game downhill. However, struggles to set the edge, lacks balance into contact and can routinely be blown out of plays.

Impression: An NFL caliber athlete who struggles with instincts at times and isn't a real consistent tackler. Nothing more than a later round pick because of it at this stage.

"

Chances of making final roster: 40 percent

The Buccaneers grabbed their top-notch rookie safety in the first round of the draft, but that doesn't mean there isn't more room for young talent with upside.

TE Tyler Urban, West Virginia

Height: 6'5"

Weight: 249

Scouting Report

From National Football Post:

"

Possesses an average build. Played from a two-point stance this past year at West Virginia and is a coordinated route runner and receiver. Adjusts well to the football and catches well off this frame. However, doesn't have much of a burst off the line of scrimmage from a three point stance and isn't a guy who is going to separate much out of his breaks or down the seam. Can play in tighter areas with a LB on his hip, but isn't real long armed when trying to pluck.

Will work hard as a blocker, but doesn't have a ton of natural girth and I don't see him holding up well as an in-line guy. More of an angle blocker who needs to get around and seal.

Impression: Displays good hands and can adjust off his frame, but just isn't a real physical or athletic kid in any area of the game.

"

Chances of making final roster: 30 percent

Urban isn't going to be catching passes anytime soon, but he could give Zach Pianalto a run in training camp.

G Michael VanDerMeulen, Toledo

Height: 6'7"

Weight: 304

Scouting Report

From Sports Illustrated:

"

VanDerMeulen was durable on the college level as a four-year starter. He possesses next-level size, offers growth potential and will get consideration as a right tackle.

"

Chances of making final roster: 45 percent

Jamon Meredith and Demar Dotson are the current backups in the Tampa Bay roster, but the team could use more depth. VanDerMeulen has the intangibles and upside to catch on.

CB Quenton Washington, USF

Height: 5'10"

Weight: 195

Scouting Report

From Sports Illustrated:

"

Washington was a steady player for South Florida and is a solid developmental prospect who needs to polish his game. He offers potential as a ninth defensive back on an NFL roster but must do well on special teams this summer.

"

Chances of making final roster: 25 percent

The Buccaneers can use depth in the secondary, but it seems that Washington's path to the roster is through special teams.

T Desmond Wynn, Rutgers

Height: 6'6"

Weight: 303

Scouting Report

From Pro Football Weekly:

"

Big-framed, functionally strong blocker who is not flashy or overpowering, but has eventual starter capability in a slide-protection scheme. Should only improve as he develops physically and learns to maintain intensity play-to-play. Durability concerns could affect his draft standing. 

"

Chances of making final roster: 45 percent

Wynn has considerable upside for an undrafted free agent. The Buccaneers upgraded considerably with Carl Nicks in the offseason, so Wynn will have to push either Ted Larsen and Derek Hardman to the side for a spot on the 53-man, but could conceivably make the practice squad.