Tampa Bay Buccaneers Preseason Position Grade Sheet: Wide Receivers/Tight Ends

WR Antonio Bryant had a great '08 in Tampa       © AP

These guys are creatures of another species when it comes to football players. They're known as the 'divas' of the team. They are predictably unpredictable. They can go from saving the season with a highlight reel catch, to ripping the heart and soul from the team with their sideline antics and off the field issues.

They are receivers.

And for better or worse, they love to have the spotlight on them. Hell, T.O. loves to have his own camera crew, if that gives any indication as to their ego-centric mentality.

Oft-troubled WR Antonio Bryant had a career year in receptions and yards last season, which landed him the Bucs "franchise" tag and the nearly $10 million price tag that goes with it, this past February. There are whispers that because of Bryant's past discrestions, the team was reluctant to give him the long-term, big-money deal he and his representatives were seeking.

Still, 10 million clams is a very good deal for a guy with one very good season. Bryant need look no further than LB Barrett Ruud to see how often the Bucs give long term contracts out.

Let's just hope Antonio doesn't peek at Kellen Winslow's pay stub. 

Kellen Winslow at the Coke Zero 400          © AP

In any event, the Bucs find themselves with almost as many questions at wide out than actual receivers, as there are 10 receivers and five tight ends on roster as of this afternoon.

They do know there's only one ball, right?

Winslow was added via trade with Cleveland and shortly thereafter signed the richest contract ever for an NFL tight end. A deal that included a staggering $20 million in guaranteed money. 

Tampa Bay also re-signed WR Michael Clayton to a five year deal, worth almost $26 million.  

So much for a rough economy, eh?

The Bucs have given Offensive Coordinator Jeff Jagodzinski a litany of matchup options, not to mention Bucs quarterbacks will have 30 hands waving for the ball during training camp.

The Bucs may have wound up with the steal of the '09 draft in Stroughter, as coaches and teammates have raved about how well he has done so far. He will have lots of opportunities to impress as there is no clear-cut #3 receiver after Bryant and Clayton. Will Dexter have a better '09 than '08? Can Stovall stay healthy? Will someone else step up and steal the spotlight?

The tight end situation isn't nearly as murky as the receiver conundrum. The TE depth chart will likely go Winslow, Stevens,  then Gilmore...barring injuries, of course.

In February when the Bucs released Galloway and Hilliard (among others), they decided that less (experience) equaled more (production?) and now have to lay in the bed they've made and work with what they have. Reports that the Bucs were interested in Plaxico Burress come as no suprise if one were to look at the depth chart. If Mark Dominik can improve the team, it's his job to do so. Although I'm not so sure the Plaxico circus would be a welcome sight at One Buc.

It would have been hard to squeeze all of the other WR ego's into the tent.

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Overall Grade: C+

The offense should benefit from the addition of Winslow, as he creates a number of mismatches on the field. His presence alone should mean better looks for Bryant, Clayton and the other receivers. The problem with this group is the lack of experience, ergo a lack of depth. Sure they have 15 players vying for a few roster spots, but aside from Bryant, Clayton, Winslow and Stevens...what do they really have? Heaven forbid Bryant or Winslow get hurt, because the team would be in serious trouble. Throw into the mix the fact that the Bucs are learning a new offensive system as well.

The quarterback situation is another issue. Here we are, a little more than three weeks away from camp without the slightest clue as to who will be under center come week one...of the Preseason! Not to mention, given the fierce competition that is expected for the job, how often will the 'starter' be looking over their shoulder after a bad game or throw? Add it all up and it doesn't bode well for the home team. It will be interesting to see who emerges from the receiving corps into the third and fourth slots.

Lookout for...a re-energized Michael Clayton. He has caught more flack than passes over the last few seasons and chose to stay with Tampa over signing elsewhere during free agency. Now he will operate under a different system and should benefit from the added attention to Bryant and Winslow. We know he has the skills, but the jury is out on whether he has it between the ears.

Beware of...low scoring games to start the season. Now, no one has ever mistaken the Bucs offense for that of the Pats or Colts, but with the installation of a new system and uncertainty at QB, the first few weeks may make for long days for the scoreboard operator.

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