Under-the-radar player to keep an eye out for in camp: Clifton Smith, return man/running back, Buccaneers. It may seem like a stretch to call a guy who has been to a Pro Bowl an under-the-radar player, but Smith fits the profile. After missing most of the second half of last season after concussion problems, Smith has sort of been forgotten. That might be a mistake...
He also lists players who are on the hot seat and singles out defensive tackle Ryan Sims for the Bucs.
He was a starter with Chris Hovan at defensive tackle the past few years. The Bucs got rid of Hovan as soon as they could after last season. With the team using its top two picks on defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price, Sims can't be feeling too secure. With Roy Miller also in the mix and the Bucs in a full-blown youth movement, Sims needs a strong camp just to secure a roster spot.
: Clifton Smith is definitely someone to keep an eye on heading into training camp. The Bucs' third running back spot is open for the taking and Smith is battling with second-year back Kareem Huggins for the spot. Smith is also looking to return to his 2008 Pro Bowl form in the return game. Even though Sammie Stroughter and Michael Spurlock each had a return for a touchdown last season, Smith lead the team in kick and punt return average. If he can remedy the fumbling problems that have plagued him early in his career, Smith should be in line for more work on the offensive side. Pewter Report also agrees with Yaskinskas in Sims. The 30-year-old Sims did start all 16 games for the Bucs last season, but had just 33 tackles and one sack. He was one of main problems that led to the Bucs being ranked dead last in the NFL against the run last season. His lack of production is one of the reasons the Bucs drafted McCoy and Price in April. Another name on the hot seat is wide receiver Michael Clayton. Both of those guys need strong outings in training camp to remain employed in Tampa Bay.
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