Will Dre Moore find playing time on the Bucs defensive line this year?

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Moore came into camp last season overweight, and never dressed, spending the whole year on the practice squad.  It seems as though he has a new mindset this season, and from all the talk around Tampa the last few days, the Bucs are counting on him to be a big piece of the puzzle on the dline.  

“I was going to talk about Dre Moore in a positive light today,” said Morris. “I’m starting to see flashes in Dre Moore. I’m starting to see things that I like. I’m starting to want to count on him. I’m not saying I count on him yet, but I want to count on him.” 

“The guy’s done nothing but come to work every day,” said Morris. “He’s working hard; he just doesn’t know how to work really hard yet. He doesn’t know how to lock in and focus, but he’s starting to get some of those things. He’s starting to do it. He’s starting to show up in team periods. 

“I’m starting to see signs of life. I’m starting to see a guy grow into his own. He’s done nothing but positive things. He’s at every workout. He’s showing flashes. He’s really shown in this camp. I know it’s rookies and he’s got a little bit of an advantage, but hopefully he gives the veterans the same sort of attitude. I’m just looking for an angry, big man to come out of that man.”

All of those quotes are coming from new head coach Raheem Morris himself.  

If Moore continues to progress and ends up being the player many thought he would be (he was slotted by a lot of draft experts as high as the 2nd round) coupled with another guy who has had some past underachievement issues who showed a lot of promise last year in Ryan Sims, the Bucs DT position might not be a hole, it might be a strength.  Add in Roy Miller and veteran Chris Hovan and the Bucs suddenly have a deep line, something I know Jim Bates wants to achieve.

My hope is to get one player up each day this week for potential Round 1 picks, and then do the same thing next week for round 2, etc.  

Without further ado…

DT Peria Jerry – Ole Miss

The Buccaneers’ biggest weakness right now is at the defensive tackle position. While Head Coach Raheem Morris specifically spoke about how we are fine at the defensive tackle position, it seems kind of like smokescreen to me. Behind Chris Hovan and Ryan Sims, there isn’t much experience. Greg Peterson and Dre Moore, two players drafted in the last 3 years are slated to backup both defensive tackle positions. Peterson has never seen significant playing time, and Moore was on the Practice Squad all of last season.

Perry is a guy who can bring back the days of a Buccaneer interior pass rush. Unless running a 3-4 defense, pressuring the QB from the DT positions is essential to defensive success, and in my opinion, is the most important position on the field. Pressure from the interior helps free up serious pass rushers on the outside which open holes for linebackers and allows corners to not have to remain on an island for a prolonged period of time. Peria led the SEC, the best conference in football, with 18 tackles for loss last season.

NFL.com Draft Profile

Possesses rare burst off the snap, lateral quickness and a nose for the football. Emerged as one of the flashiest prospects at any position in the 2009 draft. A highly touted prep prospect, Jerry spent the 2004 season with Hargrave Military Academy before arriving at Mississippi. He broke out as a junior, earning second team All-SEC accolades by finishing with 58 tackles, including 14 tackles for loss. Often faced two blockers in 2008, when Jerry improved his play behind the line and led the SEC with 18 tackles for loss. He was a four-time SEC Defender of the Week as a senior, and raised his stock even more with a dominating week of practice at the Senior Bowl. He’s likely to be a top-20 pick in April.