Photo gallery of mini camp

For those readers that looking for photos from mini camp, here are 33 photos courtesy of Tampa Bay Buccaneers. First day of mandatory mini camp

Video insight of Buccaneers mini camp

Rachel Ramirez gives us a quick glimpse of the first day at Buccaneers mandatory mini camp. Mandatory mini camp @One Buc

HC Greg Schiano on Day 1 of mandatory mini camp

Following today's mandatory mini camp, Buccaneers HC Greg Schiano took a moment to provide some of his observations: Head coach Greg Schiano on day 1 of mini camp

CB Eric Wright in attendance at mandatory mini-camp

One of the first free agents that the Buccaneers reached out to at the free agency onset was CB Eric Wright. The Bucs made a clear and decisive point to sign Wright when they agreed to a $37.5 million dollar contract to acquire his services.

Up to this point of the OTAs Wright has been seen only sparingly. This has left a great deal of fans wondering what circumstances were holding Wright back from attending.  Well you will be glad to know that Wright attended today's mandatory mini-camp. When asked of Wright's absence from previous OTAs HC Greg Schiano would only say that Wright had an undisclosed illness that Wright had to handle.

When Wright was asked of his absence he responded:  “I had a few personal issues that I had to deal with,” said Wright, who wasn't with the team for the three recent OTAs open to media. "That’s typical for the off season. But most importantly, I’m here for mini camp and feeling good. So, I’m out here running around.” “(Coaches) do a great job explaining everything. They do a great job breaking it down. It’s very detail oriented. It’s easy being here learning and picking up on everything.”

Wright is well aware of the contract the Buccaneers provided him and their expectations. He is ready to meet and exceed those expectations. “It’s a big responsibility,” he said. “They obviously did their due diligence and figured out what they wanted to do. They chose me and I’m appreciative of that. I’m going to go out there and work as hard as possible to make them right.”

If CB Aqib Talib's football career survives his upcoming legal hurdle and with Ronde Barber moving to safety and the acquisition of Mark Barron from the draft, the Buccaneers have the ability to field an above average defensive backfield.

Happy Birthday!!!

Dallas Clark turns 33 years old today.  Daniel Te'o-Nesheim turns 25 today.

BuccaneerTalk.com would like to wish TE Dallas Clark & DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim a happy birthday!

NFL analysts select this year's most improved team

So the NFL.com and NFL Network analysts and commentators made their picks as to the most improved team of the NFL for 2012. Outside of the normal homers picking the Patriots and Cowboys, here are some excerpts from a few of the open-minded that took part:

Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com-  After a horrendous 2011 campaign, the Buccaneers successfully executed an extreme makeover during this off season. The one team that has improved the most this off season is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a disastrous 2011 season, they have made several impact moves to improve their squad. First of all, they hired a very discipline-oriented head coach in Greg Schiano. Then they were extremely aggressive in free agency, bringing in premier players like WR Vincent Jackson and OG Carl Nicks. Finally, they hit a home run in April's draft. Safety Mark Barron and RB Doug Martin are both instant-impact players who will provide upgrades on both sides of the ball. The NFC South is one of the NFL's toughest divisions, but the Buccaneers are now in position to compete for a playoff spot.

Charley Casserly, NFL.com- The Buccaneers upgraded numerous spots on both sides of the ball. There are certainly a number of teams that have improved themselves, making this a tough call. But I'm going with Tampa Bay. On offense, the Buccaneers added a No. 1 receiver in Vincent Jackson, a Pro Bowl OG in Carl Nicks and a No. 1 back in Doug Martin (who reminds me of Ray Rice coming out of college). Defensively, Mark Barron has Pro Bowl ability, Lavonte David should be a big producer at OLB, and Eric Wright will help at CB, allowing Ronde Barber to move to safety. I picked Tampa Bay, not only for the quality of players added, but also for the number of positions upgraded.

There were 10 different writers that were polled with this question. Of the 10 selections only the Buccaneers and of course the national pundits' darlings, the Cowboys, received 2 votes each.  I find it very difficult to argue against the Buccaneers being the most improved team on paper. Now let's hope that Schiano and crew can transfer paper value to field performance.

Big thanks and welcome aboard to our newest sponsor The Salty Rim

BuccaneerTalk.com wants to take just a moment to express a big thank you and welcome aboard to our latest sponsor, The Salty Rim Grill. Just as their ads say; Key West to Cancun, the food is Caribbean influenced, the drinks are ice cold, and live music is playing. If your headed to St. Pete Beach, make sure to stop in for a visit. We are sure that you will walk out satisfied. Thanks again to The Salty Rim.

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WR Vincent Jackson showing the way

Tampa bay Times write Stephen Holder had a chance to grab a few quotes from Buccaneers receivers coach P.J. Fleck in reference WR Vincent Jackson. It seems Jackson is buying into the team concept and is bringing a great deal of professionalism to the receivers locker room.  Fleck had this to say:


“It’s fun to watch him work because he’s such a good influence on the other guys with how professional he is,” Fleck said of Jackson. “He’s the first one in line, he’s the first one in meetings, he takes incredible notes. His notebook is immaculate. And it says a lot about him. If he keeps doing that, I think he’s going to get where he wants to be. Coach (Greg) Schiano always says, ‘If you’re a leader, you lead. You either lead positively or you need negatively. But you’re leading,’’’ Fleck said. “(Jackson) has definitely steered all those guys in a positive direction and they’re buying into what he’s selling. He’s just made the whole room better and he’ll continue to do that on a daily basis. Once that becomes the habit of everybody else, I hope this unit really takes off. The one thing about Vincent is he’s so humble but he’s so talented,” Fleck said. “Usually, you don’t get that combination. You get one or the other. He’s got both. The one thing about Vincent is this: He’s made it very clear to me that he wants to become an elite player. He’s been very good and he’s done a lot of good things in the National Football League, but I think there’s still a carrot in front of him that he’s chasing.”


By all accounts, the word is out around how dedicated WR Arrelious Been has been during this off season. WR Mike Williams is said to be spending extra time at the practice facilities. With Jackson's guidance, maybe both players can obtain their full potential. It truly would be enjoyable to watch a solid aerial assault this season.

Ronde Barber weighs in on NFL Networks 32 in 32 with his opinion of the Bucs chances for 2012

FS/CB Ronde Barber checks in with NFL Network on a video interview. Take a listen to Ronde's opinion of HC Schiano's philosophy and the team's willingness to buy into the concept.

Buccaneers running back comparison

By the end of the 2011-2012 season the Buccaneers had found their team running on fumes when it came to the running-back position. They had began the season with Allen Bradford, LaGarrette Blount,  Earnest Graham, Kregg Lumpkin and Mossis Madu. Sad to say, but even more sad to have watched, this was not exactly a stellar stable of backs.  Bradford did not belong on any roster that was higher than practice squad and Kregg Lumpkin (more like Lum-can-not) could not see an open area if he were the only person on the field. Mr. August Earnest Graham, who I think never got a real chance in the prime of his career, and Mossis Madu, who showed some decent promise leading up to the season, both succumb to injuries. This left Blount as the only viable option in the backfield.

Now entering the 2012-2013 NFL season it appears that GM Mark Dominik and HC Greg Schiano are focusing on a 180 degree turn from the previous year's backfield.  An emphasis was placed on upgrading and diversifying the talent. Here is a look into this years stable of running-backs and what each has to offer.

LaGarrette Blount- 6'0", 247 pounds. Blount appears at first glance to be a power back that is built to lower his pad level and plow through and over defenses. But a closer look at the film says that Blount is a finesse runner at the onset of a play and does not hit the hole with authority. Once Blount reaches the second level is when his power and strength come into play. Blount is a large powerful runner for a linebacker or defensive back to challenge straight on. So most resort to grabbing him from the side. We've all witnessed just how many defensive players Blount can either brush aside, run out of their arm tackle or just plain carry along with him. These runs are fun to watch when they result in us retaining the ball at the end. But these runs lend themselves to multiple defensive players, with multiple arms and multiple hands tugging at a single ball, held by a single arm and a single hand of which we have all witnessed the outcome. This being said, Blount is still capable of being a stellar running-back if given the right coaching and he becomes disciplined and dedicated to his craft. Here's a look at LaGarrette Blount's 2011 highlights

Doug "Muscle Hamster" Martin- 5'9", 223 pounds. Plain and simple, Muscle Hamster has it all. Martin is extremely quick to the point of attack while at the same time has a unique talent for spotting open daylight that a lot of runners don't see. He is very elusive with great stop-and-start abilities. Although he is explosive to the whole, he is very fluid and intelligent in his runs and allows his blockers to clear the space. Martin is not the fastest runner to strap on a pair of cleats but his speed will fool you. He can get to the outside and turn the corner. Just when a defender thinks they have him and extend their arms to wrap him up, Muscle Hamster lowers his pad level and demonstrates exactly why he got that nickname. Martin is not afraid to run through a defender and on some film clips it appears that he even looks to blast somebody just to send a message. Here is a look at Martin's 2011 highlights

Michael Smith- 5'09", 207 pounds. Smith may just be that change of pace back that every Buccaneers fan has been asking for. Smith has speed in the 4.3s and is a very elusive runner. He does not have a lot of mileage or wear-n-tear on him due to Robert Turbin being the feature back at Utah State and Smith being 2nd string. But don't let the 2nd string fool you. Smith had a great deal of production when  given his touches. Smith exhibits very good hands for catching the ball out of the backfield and waste no time turning the play up field for positive yards. Smith also has a great deal of experience as a returner and I think this is the area he will provide a lot of value to the Buccaneers roster.  A lot of Bucs fans were pining for the Bucs to select RB LaMichael James in the 2nd round of the draft. Well here is a little comparison:  James is 5'9", 185, Smith is 5'9", 207. James runs 4.45 in the 40, Smith runs 4.35, sometimes even faster. James has a 35-inch vertical, Smith has a 40-inch vertical. James will be a third-down change-of-pace back. Smith will be a third-down change of pace back. James gets the recognition because Oregon was in the top of the college polls and he got the carries. Don't sleep on Smith when he gets his touches. Here's a look at Michael Smith's 2011 highlights

Mossis Madu- 6'0", 197 pounds. Most of us got a few glimpses of what Madu has to offer. When comparing Madu to last years running backs we were all wanting Madu to get some carries and provide the one-two punch with Blount. The injury to Madu's knee sidelined his opportunity and I'm not sure that Madu will be able to regain his status when compared to this year's group. With his thinner frame Madu does not have the size to run over defenses so he has to rely on his shiftiness to get to the holes when he runs. What stacks against him is that when comparing his strengths against the other three backs, at least one of the three possesses the same strength  and more. We'll have to wait and see if Madu brings something additional to the table with the new coaching staff. Had to go back to his college days for highlights do to his pro injury

My personal belief is that Doug Martin will take the lead as the starting running back and Bucs fans will be flocking to the stores to purchase Martin jerseys. This kid is going to be special and unlike any back in the Buccaneers' recent history. Blount will get his touches and, after accepting some good coaching, provide some highlight reel runs that leave defenses asking what hit them. Smith will find his touches in the return game and will occasionally make some splash plays on some 3rd down packages. I believe Madu will be kept for insurance on injuries and will have to claw his way back into the rotation. All in all I see some great things ahead for the Buccaneers' running game and that only lends to opening up the passing game. As always, GO BUCS!!

Making the Calendar 2012

For all the gentlemen Buccaneers fans, this video is for you. Compliments of Buccaneers.com we now present:

Making the Calendar 2012

Drew Brees Chatter is Just That....... Chatter

It all started with a local news reporter, Jennifer Hale from Fox 8 New Orleans.  She issued a tweet that exclaimed,  "How quickly can Saints fans put together a parade? Say, by Friday? It might be a very happy day in Who Dat Land."

This was quickly followed by local radio sports talking heads going on air and saying that a deal could be finalized as early as tomorrow. 

Now, various national sources such as ESPN and NFL.com are reporting that the sides are still far apart, and no significant progress has been made.  There are still several issues that must be figured out. 

Sides have until July 16th to figure this all out, and we here at BuccaneerTalk.com hope that this drags out and stay a distraction to the sAINT'S until the last possible second.  Go Bucs!!!

Happy Birthday!!!

#50 Najee Goode, turned 22 on Monday 6/4, and #78 Bradley Sowell, turned 23 today

Happy belated birthday to rookie Linebacker, Najee Goode, who celebrated his 22nd birthday this past Monday.  And happy birthday to rookie Offensive Lineman Bradley Sowell, who turns 23 today.

Paul Gruber Ring of Honor Press Conference

Please take the time to view Paul Gruber's press conference on the Bucs' official website. 

Paul Gruber - MR. D-E-P-E-N-D-A-B-L-E

The selection of Paul Gruber by the Bucs really separates the casual, fairweather Bucs Fans from the hardcore, faithful Bucs fans.  Anybody who really followed our team knew how good, important, professional, and DEPENDABLE, Mr. Paul Gruber was. 

Just listen to Bucs Co-Chairman Bryan Glazer's quote from Tampa Bay's Gruber press release, and he sums it up simply, but spot-on truthfully.  "Paul was a Buccaneer Man, before we talked about Buccaneer Men.  He went on to become everything you would want in a left tackle or family man; dependable, dependable, dependable."

How dependable was he?  He played every single down of the first 4,580 snaps of his pro career.  In 1989, his second season in the league, he played the entire season without getting a holding penalty.  As a Left Tackle, who faces every opposing teams' best pass-rusher, that is an AMAZING feat in itself.  He played every game, of every season he was in the league, until his sixth season.  Another feat which is nearly unheard of in the NFL for Offensive Linemen.  Through his entire career, every single game he played in, he played as the starter.  12 years in the NFL, playing the most unapologetic position in the sport, and even playing on those terrible teams of the late 80's/early 90's, he still received accolades and acclaim from his peers, pundits, and the league itself.  He was 3-time All Pro, garnering one 1st team honor in 1996, and two 2nd team honors in 1990 and 1992.  He was named a Pro Bowler in 1997 as well, when the Bucs turned the corner from losing to winning consistently.  In 1995, Sports Illustrated, while naming their own All-Pro team, called Gruber "The finest line prospect the Bucs have ever had."  If he had played his career with any of the bigger names in the league, i.e. the Packers, Steelers, Cowboys, Giants, etc, he would have been a 1st ballot Hall of Famer.  He was that good.

There is a side to him that is not being mentioned by any other publications, blogs, newspapers, television reports, etc.  This is a man who had a huge heart, and was supremely unselfish with his monetary resources obtained from his years in the league.  He teamed up with a local charity, run by former Bears and Bucs player Tyrone Keys, called All-Sports Community Service, who's mission was to "offer challenged youth the opportunity to determine their own destiny through scholastic achievement, community service, and sports.  To offer first generation college bound students and student athletes the opportunity to get accepted and graduate from college, become productive citizens, community servants, and mentors for others."  Gruber's role with All-Sports was to cover any tuition gap these students needed after their grants, loans, and scholarships were posted.  Most of the students in this program did not receive full-financially paid scholarships, and they were mostly from at-risk communities and came from low to mid income families.  He made college a possibility for several Bay Area students, and made the monetary stress that comes with being a college student, virtually non-existent.  This was not free though.  In return, students had to be regular participants in community service.  They had to meet minimum GPA requirements.  And, they had to be mentors to younger, at-risk and lower income students, stay out of legal trouble, and be positive role models. 

I know this about him, because I was one of those students.  Due to his generosity, I was able to play college football, attend a state university, and live the college life that all young adults should experience.  Because of his help, I have lifelong memories that will always be treasured.  I have lifelong teammates and friends that are irreplaceable and dear to my heart.  I gained the education that so many thought was out of my grasp at the time.  From that education, I was able to get a great job with the nation's largest bank.  I've been there ten years and counting.  Life is easy, comfortable, and rewarding.  His assistance to me played a huge part in making it possible.  I am forever grateful.  So when the Bucs named him as their honoree for this year's Ring of Honor, I smiled inside, and took the time to reflect on my life and what came my way due to his help.  Nobody deserved this honor more than Mr. Gruber.  I will be there when he's inducted, just like he was there for me when I needed him.