November 14, 2010; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Dekoda Watson (56) talks with defensive line coach Todd Wash (right) during the first half of their game against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

With a high likelihood that Mason Foster and Lavonte David will be starting in the middle and on the weak-side respectively, strong-side linebacker is a position that could be up for grabs, with a number of candidates vying for starting reps. Black looks to have the inside track for both financial and experience-based reasons, but whether or not he’s the better long-term fit is far from certain.

So far in his young NFL career, Dekoda Watson has been asked to fill more of a support role, finding time on special teams and in reserve duty, but rarely getting chances to play meaningful downs in big situations. That could change with Greg Schiano and his regime of coaches though, Watson has had a chance to learn to ropes in the NFL, and now when push comes to shove with a clean slate and a coaching staff that doesn’t know anyone, Watson’s athleticism is going to make him a really intriguing player.

Watson is one of the four or five best athletes on the Buccaneers.

That’s not an exaggeration, he’s incredibly strong, he runs a 40 in the 4.4′s, he has a 40 inch vertical, he can cover and he’s proven already he can get the edge rushing the passer. How many times do you see linebackers as the gunners on punt coverage? Almost never, except for Watson.

Jan 1, 2010; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Florida State Seminoles linebacker Dekoda Watson (second from right) sacks West Virginia Mountaineers quarterback Jarrett Brown (16) during the first quarter of the 2010 Gator Bowl at Jacksonville Municipal Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-US PRESSWIRE

The question isn’t what the guys vying for the role of starting strongside LB have in terms of on-the-field athleticism, Watson wins that argument, it’s whether Watson can put it together between the ears and play the kind of smart, disciplined football Greg Schiano wants.

And that remains to be seen.

At Florida State, where he was a three year starter, Watson was at times emotional and could play recklessly, he was the captain of a very undisciplined defense his senior year under Mickey Andrews. In the pros he has been coached by Raheem Morris who also ran a notoriously loose ship that featured an undisciplined, at times out of control defense. My point is, Watson may be in for a culture shock, hell, he may not even be a Schiano type player.

But if the Bucs can harness Watson’s athleticism and potential, that last upgrade at linebacker may already be on the Buccaneers roster.

What will the former FSU star bring to the Bucs?

The Bucs selected FSU strong side linebacker, Dekoda Waton, with the 10th pick in the 7th round (from the Jaguars), 217th overall. Watson is 6’2″, 226 lbs., and runs the 40 yard dash in 4.4 seconds. He was selected 2nd team All-ACC performer last season, in which he racked up 65 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, and 6 sacks, all career highs for him.

Watson is a very athletic linebacker with above average speed but lacks size and strength. He is often stone walled and pushed down by offensive linemen when pass rushing or stopping the run. He has to rely on his speed to get around lineman, but at the pro level, he won’t be as productive using this technique. He is not a sure tackler either, often pursuing runners and waiting on other players to help him secure the tackle. He is good at dropping back in coverage and is suited for a Cover 2 type defense, but will have trouble tackling and lining up with strong running backs or receivers.

So what is to be expected of Watson, the answer, not much, at least not right now. Scouts watched Watson all season, intrigued by his athletic talent, many projected him to be a late 3rd to 4th round pick, but he fell into the Bucs hands in the end. Watson will help provide some depth at linebacker for the Bucs, but is not expected to play much in a starting role, or even as a reserve. He will most likely spend a majority of his time on special teams, using his speed on the field while gaining strength to help him play his natural position. Watson may learn fast and could become a good 2nd unit player, but only time will tell.

Dekoda Watson has signed his first ever NFL contract

The Buccaneers have released three players, but at the same time, signed two rookies to contracts:

• The most notable cut has to be LB Angelo Crowell, who has a total of 346 tackles and 7 sacks since his rookie season in 2003.
• The other two players who are no longer on the team are S Emanuel Cook (who never lived up to the expectations placed on him coming out of college), and LS Chris Mauriello.
• Besides releasing three players, the Bucs did sign two of their draft picks – DE Erik Lorig and LB Dekoda Watson have officially signed their first ever NFL contracts.