Youth Report

2007 Draft Class

Gaines Adams - The rookie first rounder started off pretty slow this year. Somewhat resembling last season number one overall pick Mario Williams. Adams was his own worst enemy by coming out and batting a pass back into opposing QB and NFL golden child, Tom Brady's face in his first action of his NFL career. Immediately you could sense that the fans were expecting a monster year. It was extremely unrealistic, yet some fans were ready to label Gaines a bust after a measly four games. Adams soon caught on, and began to make a name for himself with regular playing time once seasoned veteran Greg Spires succumbed to injury and Adams took over as a starter in Larry Coyer's D-Line rotation. Gaines finished strong and amassed 36 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble and 2 passes defensed. With hard work and determination, and a lot of hours spent in the weight room, Gaines Adams could be a force to be reckoned with.
Grade: B

Aaron Sears - Second round pick Sears was a controversial pick among Buccs fans right after the draft. Many fans had players in mind that they thought the Buccs should draft, especially after a few first round projections dropped into round 2 such as Paul Pazluzney, Allan Branch and Eric Weddle. Sears wasted no time at all supplanting projected starting LG Anthony Davis, as he started the first preseason game against the Patriots and never looked back. Sears season can't be measured in stats, but anyone who watched him play this year, and watched him pulling to lead block knows he had the best season of this year's rookie class. Aaron was a mountain inside against the pass rush, and teamed up nicely with linemate Donald Penn to open up some big holes in the run game. If healthy, we will be calling Aaron Sears' name for a decade or more.
Grade: A

Sabatino Piscitelli - This rookie Safety became a fan favorite right out of the gate, and I'm not even sure why. The reports coming out of training camp were glowing, and at one point was the front runner for the starting Strong Safety position. Jermaine Phillips came out of no where to keep his job and light it up during the second half of training camp after a disappointing 2006 season. Flip maintained his dominance all season long relegating Sabby to spot back-up play and special teams where he collected 3 tackles. Sabby has potential, but first he'll need to prove he can stay healthy. It has been stated by Jon Gruden the Piscitelli has been around 1 Buc Place all year despite being on IR. He goes to meetings, film sessions and has even done some film work editing coach's film for review. His attitude and work ethic this season while on IR has been rumored to be second to none, and has shown a serious desire to get back out on the field in '08. The jury is still out, but we're hopeful.
Grade: INC

Quincy Black - Black is a promising player with speed, ball hawking skills and an above average intelligence level. He played the same hybrid middle linebacker position at New Mexico State that was made famous by Chicago Bear Brian Urlacher. Although playing MLB in college, Black is projected to be the heir apparent to Will Linebacker Derrick Brooks when Derrick hangs up the cleats. Black didn't get much of an opportunity this season behind a strong linebacking corp. When Brooks was off the field, often Cato June filled the WLB spot and Black played the SLB. Black made his living this season flying down the field making tackles on Special Teams. Black tallied 24 tackles and 2 forced fumbles in limited play.
Grade: C

Tanard Jackson - What a story Tanard Jackson turned out to be. A first round talent who fell in the draft due to an off field incident at Syracuse in which he was the victim. Some people unfortunately frown upon the fact that he had even put himself in that position. Well the rest of the league lost out, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got a steal in round 4. TJ took the starting reigns from Will Allen right out of the gate and never looked back. Not only did he catch the eye of Bucc coaches and fans, he has caught the eye of the National media as well. Jackson started out hot in the first quarter of the season laying vicious hits on RB's and WR's that ventured into his territory. He has a knack for being around the ball, and flies to the ball carrier. He may not be the first defender in on the tackle, but he'll get a piece before the whistle blows. TJ didn't finish the season as strong as he started it, which is common for many rookies in the NFL, so I won't hold that against him. Jackson finished the season with 56 tackles, 1 forced fumble, 3 fumble recoveries, 2 interceptions and second only to Barbers 14 passes defensed with 13 of his own. He has laid a great foundation to build off of, hopefully he can avoid the dread Buccaneer sophomore slump.
Grade: B+

Greg Peterson - Peterson has often been associated with the terms potential and project. A light weight DT drafted out of a small school named North Carolina Central University, he was an unknown commodity to most Buccs fans when his name was called on draft day. Peterson displayed some raw talent in training camp which excited the coaching staff and filled their heads with visions of what could be, if coached up properly at the NFL level. Peterson has a combination of speed and strength that can be useful at the DT position, lacking only size. Weighing in at 285 pounds, that is his biggest draw back. Peterson did see some playing time this season, and impressed at times. He finished the season with 14 take downs, 1.5 sacks and 1 fumble recovery. If Greg hits the weight room hard this off season, he could surprise some people next season.
Grade: C

Adam Hayward - To be honest, after watching all 16 regular season games, and the lone playoff game I can't recall ever seeing Hayward line up as a LB. Like Quincy Black, it's hard to get playing time behind such players as Brooks, Ruud, June and Nece. Special teams is where he got most of his action, and he made some splash plays, and brought the lumber on a few occasions. He finished the season with 15 tackles. His overall contribution to the team warrants a D grade, but considering where he was drafted, most his peers were probably cut from the teams they were drafted.
Grade: C

Kenneth Darby - Darby seemed to have a nice camp. A lot of good things were said about him from local media covering the team. He had some trouble holding onto the ball, something that will assuredly land you in Jon Gruden's dog house. Some fans thought he would make the final roster, buy ended up getting cut. Darby then spent the rest of the season rotating from the practice squad, the active roster and waiver wire. Darby's season culminated to the tune of 2 carries for 9 yards in mop up duty during week #17.
Grade: F

First Year Players

Greg White - Easily the winner of 2007 unsung hero award. By now Buccs fans know the story of Greg White, this time last year he was working at Best Buy. What a Cinderella story, as White turned in the best defensive performance on the team. After bouncing around various NFL team's training camps and practice squads, White turned to the AFL to quench his football thirst, and put the NFL dream behind him. White was lured out of retirement after Jay Gruden urged his brother to give him a chance. Thank GOD they did. White left fans forgetting who the former RDE was. Some guy who wore #97. White displayed heart, desire and a motor that just wouldn't quit. Greg finished up the season leading the team with 8.5 sacks among his 25 tackles, with an awesome 7 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries and 12 pass defensed. Greg is 28 years old, so he still has a few years left under his belt, and we hope for a repeat performance next season.
Grade: A+

Donald Penn - When Luke Petitgout went down with a knee injury, Buccs fans around the globe shouted a collective "Doh!" Donald Penn came in a virtual unknown who showed some quick feet in pass protection during the pre season, and adequate run blocking. Most fans took note, but dismissed any importance that should be placed on his performance, relegating him to future project. Well the future came sooner than anyone thought and Penn was thrust into action, the old proverbial trial by fire. Penn quickly put water on that fire by turning in a very good effort against perennial Pro Bowl DE Dwight Freeney in his very first game. Penn slid back in his second game, but soon rode to the challenge and afforded the team a luxury they didn't know they had. Penn played solidly in his very first season of regular duty, and have some fans and experts wondering if he will challenge Luke for the starting job next year. If Penn proves to be a diamond in the rough, he could fill a nice piece to this on going puzzle we call the Offensive line. Making four of the five positions set in stone for the future. Penn has some work and progress to make, but he's on his way.
Grade: B-

Michael Spurlock - Spurlock was added to the roster for the Cardinals game after former kick returner Mark Jones was lost for the season due to injury against Detroit and place on IR. Spurlock teased Buccs fans for two weeks against almost breaking a couple long returns with just one guy to beat. He then cemented his legacy in Buccaneer history and in the hearts of Buccs fans everywhere when he returned the first ever franchise kick return for a touchdown 90 yards for the score against the Atlanta Falcons in front of the stunned home crowd. Spurlock finished the season with 10 returns for 291 yards(29.1 Avg) and a long of 90 yards with one history making TD. Spurlock then ended the season on a bad note when he fumbled the opening second half kickoff which set up a Giants touchdown and seemingly put the game out of reach and provided the Giants with a huge momentum advantage for the second half.
Grade: C

...JJC/ABuccsFan