The Bucs said goodbye to a few former stalwarts like Chris Simms and Ryan Nece. The Bucs kept tailback Michael Bennett, whose enduring presence on the roster I doubted some hours ago. Bennett's performance at tailback apparently increased his value to the team enough to bump better special teamers off the roster.
Elbert Mack, the free agent cornerback from Troy (formerly Troy State), won a job with the team, at least for now. Geno Hayes, the late round draft pick at linebacker from Florida State, made the team along with every 2008 draft pick except for Dre Moore (waived) and Cory Boyd (injured/waived).
Dre Moore, a defensive tackle from Maryland, showed some flash in college but had conditioning issues. Moore remains a good bet to make the practice squad.
Showing posts with label Michael Bennett. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Michael Bennett. Show all posts
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Maybe Michael Bennett doesn't make the Bucs' roster
The thought struck me after watching a replay of the Texans game. Maybe Michael Bennett gets cut.
Why would that happen, given that Bennett has performed well in Gruden's offense?
Well, the Bucs hinted at the reason already by affirming that they would keep the best team rather than the best players. If Bennett were considered better than Earnest Graham or Warrick Dunn then Bennett would not have played so much during the preseason.
Bennett is in Earnest Graham's role of the last several years by getting the bulk of preseason rushes. But with one important difference.
Graham played special teams. Graham really played special teams.
Bennett can return kicks. But the Bucs have a number of players that can return kicks and one in particular, Dexter Jackson, who was added to the team at the cost of second round pick in order to fill that role.
As a result, I see Bennett on the bubble.
It's worse for Bennett because backup running back Kenneth Darby has shown an ability to catch and block--things that gave him problems as a rookie. Free agent running back Clifton Smith has also flashed in camp and during preseason games, showing off good hands, nifty running and a willingness to block.
Bennett has outperformed both as a running back. But if either Darby or Smith projects as an important part of special teams, Bennett may get the visit from the Turk.
Why would that happen, given that Bennett has performed well in Gruden's offense?
Well, the Bucs hinted at the reason already by affirming that they would keep the best team rather than the best players. If Bennett were considered better than Earnest Graham or Warrick Dunn then Bennett would not have played so much during the preseason.
Bennett is in Earnest Graham's role of the last several years by getting the bulk of preseason rushes. But with one important difference.
Graham played special teams. Graham really played special teams.
Bennett can return kicks. But the Bucs have a number of players that can return kicks and one in particular, Dexter Jackson, who was added to the team at the cost of second round pick in order to fill that role.
As a result, I see Bennett on the bubble.
It's worse for Bennett because backup running back Kenneth Darby has shown an ability to catch and block--things that gave him problems as a rookie. Free agent running back Clifton Smith has also flashed in camp and during preseason games, showing off good hands, nifty running and a willingness to block.
Bennett has outperformed both as a running back. But if either Darby or Smith projects as an important part of special teams, Bennett may get the visit from the Turk.
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