Tampa Bay Buccaneers: The Forgotten Men of the Practice Squad

One of the really huge problems with this NFL lockout nonsense is the teams have been unable to sign any rookie free agents.

That's something the Bucs do well and it's something we'd surely be talking about, how perhaps Mark Dominik and his staff assembled some unpolished diamonds.

Our task today is to take a quick look at those forgotten men on the practice squad. If there's a hidden gem on this Buccaneer roster, it may be there.

Without further delay, the forgotten Buccaneers:

Rendrick Taylor: It's hard to forget the Beast From Clemson. Taylor is 6-2, 265 and he was the blocker for C.J. Spiller at Clemson. Yes, the Bucs drafted Allen Bradford out of USC in the sixth round and Bradford thinks he's a large cat at 6-0, 240, but wait until he ganders a look at Taylor. Taylor has good hands and can catch the football. If not in the backfield, then why not give him a look at tight end?

Dez Briscoe: Briscoe is probably one of the many reasons the Bucs didn't bother to draft any wide receivers, even in the late rounds. He did make the active roster last season for a game or two. He's 6-2, 200 and he has the ability to make the 45-man roster.

E.J. Wilson: Here's another intriguing guy. He's 6-3, 289, defensive end who was drafted in the fourth round by Seattle. A UNC guy and perhaps he's a guy who can replaced one of the underperforming veterans. Another guy who can make the 45-man roster.

John Malecki: This former Pitt Panther can play guard and center. Could he be the next Ted Larsen? He's 6-2, 304.

Marc Dile: Anyone who followed the University of South Florida remembers Dile. He was a longshot to make the team but he impressed the staff enough to get called back on the practice squad. He has excellent size at 6-4, 300 and good work ethic. Bulls Nation is pulling for him to make the roster.

J.D. Folsom: This guy was with the Bears and Dolphins. He's 6-3, 230 and with the state of the linebacking, he's got to know that he has a unique opportunity. Good guy to keep an eye on.

Ed Gant: Here's another wide receiver and it's a simple numbers game. Briscoe probably has the edge over him as far as making the final roster.

Vince Anderson: The field is now crowded with safeties and with the addition of Ahmad Black in the draft, there is a limited number of roster spots. Anderson knows what the organization is expecting so look for him to make a push if and when training camp opens.

There you have them. As this lockout continues to wear and tear on everyone, these players will probably realize that if camp opens late, there will be more emphasis on players who already know the system. And they should have an advantage.

The only question remaining is which of these guys will be ready to step up and impress Raheem Morris?