Tampa Bay Buccaneers Choose Young and Fast Team

The big cuts are done and the top story is the receiving corps has depth and youth. Indeed, the 53-man roster is young on average, but significant draft choices and undrafted standouts may have a big impact on season results. 

The entire 2010 draft class survived. It was no surprise that tackles Gerald McCoy (93) and Brian Price (92), or wide receivers Arrelious Benn (17) and Mike Williams (19), made the team. Cornerback Myron Lewis (23) showed his talent and Brent Bowden (1) was the only punter in camp. But for safety Cody Grimm (35), linebacker Dekoda Watson (56), and defensive end Erik Lorig (97) to avoid release was notable. 

The comments of head coach Raheem Morris on Buccaneers.com show confidence and caution.

"You see young hungry talent around here," said Morris. "How much does that weigh into the emotional bank account when you see young guys with potential that can go out there and make plays? I don’t want to use those 'P' words—potential and the possibles—too much because that's where you run into trouble.“

Undrafted free agents are often long shots to make the team, but superior play and versatility worked for wide receiver Preston Parker (87) who will see duty as receiver and kick returner. Another undrafted free agent Derek Hardman (73) carved his way into the lineup by playing tackle and right guard. 

Second-year quarterback Rudy Carpenter (12) had a strong preseason and joins the Joshes—Josh Freeman (5) and Josh Johnson (11)—as backup in the third position. 

All in all, Morris was pleased with the preseason situation.

“We've got some competition at different spots and competition across the board,” Morris said. "It's been a very positive training camp."

The following players were released today:
- CB Brandon Anderson
- S Vince Anderson
- RB Carlos Brown
- WR Michael Clayton
- OL Marc Dile
- T Xavier Fulton
- DE George Johnson
- TE Jeron Mastrud
- LB Rico McCoy
- DT Dre Moore
- DT Carlton Powell
- TE Ryan Purvis
- C Donovan Raiola
- CB Derrick Roberson
- LB Lee Robinson
- DE James Ruffin
- QB Jevan Snead
- FB Rendrick Taylor
- CB Trae Williams

The following player was waived/injured:
- C Jonathan Compas

The following player was placed on Injured Reserve:
- T Demar Dotson

In addition, the following player was placed on the Reserve/Suspended list:
- CB Aqib Talib

All teams in the NFL will check who was released so they can select players for the eight man practice squad. Some of the players released today will return to that squad.

Now it’s time to put the selected to the test, one quarter at a time for 64 quarters. 

Photo credit: Dwight Drum @ Racetake.com