Meet the New Bucs
(April 26, 2004)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in the processes of rebuilding a team that is just a season removed from winning a Super Bowl. Long time stalwarts are moving on and new faces are being brought on board. How do you replace the likes of John Lynch and Warren Sapp? What about Keyshawn Johnson, Shaun King, Karl Williams, Nate Webster and Aaron Stecker. Many recognizable names have gone elsewhere.

Let's take a look at a couple dozen new faces on the Bucs roster, including those selected in last weekend's college draft. The Bucs are not done yet. They will undoubtedly sign a few un-drafted college players and could sign more free agents before training camp begins.

Will Allen - As a fourth round pick in this year's draft, Allen may not make an immediate impact. Team officials like his skills and he also played on special teams at Ohio State.

Josh Bidwell - A punter out of Oregon, signed to replace the departed Tom Tupa, he spent five seasons with Green Bay. Bidwell has 308 career punts with a 41.1 yard average.

Keith Burns - A linebacker out of Oklahoma State, Burns is a ten year veteran. He spent five years in Denver, was with Chicago for one year and returned to Denver for the last four seasons. In 151 career games, he has 1.5 sacks, one interception and 160 tackles.

Michael Clayton - This wide receiver left national champion LSU after his junior season and was the Bucs first round selection in this year's draft. It is always hard to predict how much impact a rookie will have, but Clayton also lead the LSU special teams in tackles.

Greg Comella - This running back from the University of Texas has spent six seasons in the NFL. He was with the Giants for fours years, then spent one season at Tennessee and Houston. Considered by many a fullback, Comella has only rushed for 66 career yards. He has caught 94 passes for 639 yards.

Marquis Cooper - The Bucs third round pick in this year's draft was a linebacker from the University of Washington. He may be a bit undersized to play LB in the NFL and could move to defensive back.

Casey Cramer - The second Ivy leaguer picked by the Bucs in this year's draft, Cramer is a tight end from Dartmouth. If he makes the team, it may be due his ability to play fullback.

Derrick Deese - Out of USC, he played a dozen seasons on the offensive line for the 49ers. Deese started 116 games out of 136 games played, primarily at guard, for San Francisco.

Mario Edwards - A defensive back who spent four years with Dallas. In 58 career games, Edwards has intercepted four passes. He is a product of FSU.

Danny Farmer - A wide receiver out of UCLA, he played four seasons with Cincinnati. In 33 games, starting four, Farmer caught 43 passes for 611 yards and a touchdown.

Joey Gallawy - The Bucs traded Keyshawn Johnson to Dallas for this wide receiver who played five years with Seattle before a four year stint with the Cowboys. Gallawy has 6,798 career receiving yards with 49 TDs and has also returned kicks during his career. It is hoped that he will become the Bucs deep threat.

Charlie Garner - He has played ten seasons out of the University of Tennessee. After five years with Philadelphia, two in San Francisco and the last three in Oakland, one has to wonder how much the running back has left. In 144 career games, Garner has rushed for 6,986 yards, caught 410 passes for 3,649 yards and scored 51 touchdowns.

Jason Garrett - A journeyman quarterback, out of Princeton, who was most likely brought in to have another arm in camp. Garrett has been in the league eleven seasons, seven with Dallas and four with the Giants. He has thrown for 2,042 yards, with eleven TDs and five interceptions. Has not thorn a pass since the 1999 season when he was still with Dallas.

Brian Griese - In a six year career, this quarterback out of Michigan has started 56 games. He spent five years in Denver and was with Miami last season. His career numbers include 12,576 passing yards, 76 TDs and 59 interceptions. Griese's commitment has been questioned and he has had some off-the-field problems.

Mark Jones - This wide receiver from Tennessee, selected in the seventh round of the draft, may have to utilize his kick return potential to make the squad.

Tom Knight - This defensive back from the University of Iowa played five years with Arizona and was with Baltimore the last two years. He has played in 73 games and has three interceptions.

Nate Lawrie - A tight end out of Yale chosen in the sixth round? The Bucs like the kid's talent, but he may be a long shot to make the team.

Matt O'Dwyer - A nine year veteran offensive guard, he spent four seasons with the Jets and five at Cincinnati. Out of Northwestern, he has started 105 of his 118 NFL games.

Darrell Russell - This seven year veteran defensive tackle out of USC has had off-the-field problems, which may have hurt a promising career. Russell spent six seasons in Oakland and was with Washington last year. He has 28.5 sacks in 83 career games. He had ten sacks in 2001, but has had none since. If he can return to his previous form, he would be a steal for the Bucs.

Todd Steussie - This ten year veteran offensive tackle may be the best of the group of linemen signed this off-season. After seven years with Minnesota, he spend the last three years at Carolina. Steussie has started all 159 of his NFL games.

Matt Stinchcomb - A offensive tackle who spent five seasons with the Raiders. Out of the University of Georgia, he started 40 of the games he played at Oakland.

Jeb Terry - With the upgrades on the offensive line this off-season, it may be hard for this fifth round pick to break the depth chart. One thing the guard has going for him is his ability to play long snapper.

Jamel White - A running back out of South Dakota, White played four seasons in Cleveland. In 59 games, with 16 starts, he rushed for 1,324 yards with nine TDs.

Lenny Williams - A cornerback from Southern University, Williams was selected in the seventh round of the draft. It may be difficult for him to make the roster, unless he shows something on special teams.