Jason Taylor would be great fit in Tampa.

As the Bucs move towards the 2011 season (whenever that finally starts), their front four will be amongst the youngest units in the league. That’s part of why the Bucs hired two defensive line coaches (Grady Stretz and Keith Millard), it’s also why I expect the Bucs to be in the market for a veteran defensive end to mentor their young line. I’ve already opined that the Bucs need to bring back Stylez G. White, but I think they may also want to look at another veteran to come in and help the rookies as well.

Back in February the Jets released Jason Taylor along with three other veterans, at the time many expected Taylor to retire, he has instead publicly stated a desire to play one more season. Despite the fact Jason Taylor is on the decline (he is, no doubt about it), he would still be a tremendous asset to a team like the Bucs. Aside from being the active sack leader and 8th all time, Taylor can still contribute as a role player and has a well-deserved reputation amongst NFL circles as a high-character leader. Jason Taylor is the type of player who immediately commands the respect of younger players based just on his impressive Hall of Fame-worthy exploits on the field. But he’s also the type of player who likes to take the time to mentor young guys too. Case in point, he worked with Cameron Wake in his last year with Miami, teaching Wake to become a more complete player and to utilize a more diverse repertoire of moves when rushing the passer. Last season, after Taylor’s departure Cam Wake was named an All-Pro and went to his first Pro Bowl with 14 sacks as Taylor’s replacement.

Now, what was one of the biggest knocks on both Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers coming out of college? One of them was the lack of a pass rushing repertoire that consisted of more than a bull-rush and a lot of natural ability. Scouting reports on both of the Bucs two top picks said that they would need to develop actual technique in the NFL to reach their potential. Who better to help them with that than a once-undersized 6’6 former basketball player who had to develop that kind of repertoire just to see the field?

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