Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Welcome back to #BucsBracket. Let’s keep things going in the unofficial competition, set to determine the most popular and beloved Buccaneers of all time. This edition is the Selmon division, named after the first Buccaneer to make the Hall of Fame.
Be sure to cast your vote in each matchup, because every vote counts! Sound off in the comments and let us know why you made the picks you made, because we will use comments on the blog as tiebreakers, in case of a tie.
As usual we’ll keep the descriptions short and to the point so you can make your choices and get all the information you need.
1 seed: Lee Roy Selmon, Defensive End, 1976-1984
What else can be said about the original Buccaneer? Selmon was a star from day one, earning Pro Bowl bids and a Hall of Fame induction during the Bucs formative years. With 78.5 sacks and 28 forced fumbles in his career, Selmon was a disruptive force on the defensive line and a great man on and off the field. He passed away just a couple of years ago, and his impact on the Tampa Bay Area with both the Buccaneers and the USF Bulls Athletic Program will live on for years and years to come.
16 seed: Ian Beckles, Guard, 1990-1996
A name that most local Buccaneer fans likely hear more often in relation to his radio job or his recent police incident, Beckles was a very good guard for the Buccaneers during the early 90’s. He helped pave the way for some strong rushing attacks and played alongside Tony Mayberry to provide a bright spot on an otherwise disappointing franchise.
Select your favorite between these two former Buccaneers here:
8 seed: Davin Joseph, Guard, 2006-Present
Davin Joseph is a team leader and a key member of the Buccaneers’ strong offensive line heading into 2013. He’s active in the community, and a captain for the Buccaneers.
9 seed: Cedric Brown, Safety, 1976-1984
One of the original Buccaneers, Cedric was a safety out of Kent State who secured 29 interceptions during his career in Tampa Bay, including 9 in 1981. He scored three return touchdowns, setting the playmaking precedent for Buccaneer defenders for years to come.
Which of these Bucs do you pick to move on to the next round?
5 seed: Anthony McFarland, Defensive Tackle, 1999-2006
Booger, as he is more commonly known, was the lesser known of the two Buccaneers’ defensive tackles during the Super Bowl run. But he was still a key cog in the system that produced some of the most dominant defensive performances in NFL history, and was disruptive enough despite mainly being in his position to create space for others.
12 seed: Dexter Jackson, Safety, 1999-2002, 2004-2005
It’s strange that a Super Bowl MVP would be so low in the seeding, but Jackson had such a short time as a prominent player with the Buccaneers that his valuable performance in the Super Bowl was a rare highlight. Jackson appeared in 73 games for the Bucs, logging eight interceptions and forcing three fumbles. It was his two interceptions in the Super Bowl against the Raiders that are more well-remembered, and cemented his name in the team’s history books.
They both won a ring with the Buccaneers, but which one wins the matchup?
4 seed: Richard Wood, Linebacker, 1976-1984
Richard Wood was an incredibly productive linebacker for the newly opened Buccaneers’ franchise, logging tackles all over the field and starting game after game in the middle of a strong defense. He was one of the men to score in the Buccaneers first victory in 1977, and was known for his scoring on defensive plays in addition to his tackling ability.
13 seed: Mark Carrier, Wide Receiver, 1987-1992
Mark Carrier was a standout performer in 1989, earning All-Pro consideration for his more than 1400 yards and 9 touchdowns. He would never produce quite as many catches in any other season, but still turned in an impressive Buccaneer career before moving on to the Browns and Panthers.
Defense or offense, which way are you going to go?
6 seed: Vincent Jackson, Wide Receiver, 2012-Present
Even being one of the newest members of the team, and having one of the shorter tenures of anyone on this list, Vincent Jackson made a huge impact during his first year with the team. He had his career best in yards and catches, and finished with almost 20 yards per grab in his first season with Josh Freeman. Jackson will be an important part of the success of the 2013 Buccaneers, and his big play ability has already made him a fan favorite.
11 seed: Mark Cotney, Safety, 1976-1984
Cotney was the “other” safety for the early Buccaneers teams, not quite having the production of Cedric Brown but still contributing to a surprisingly good defense on a surprisingly streaky team. His career was ended short due to a back injury, but he still produced for the Buccaneers for 9 solid seasons.
The new guy on the block, or an original member of the defense. Which one do you pick?
3 seed: Simeon Rice, Defensive End, 2001-2006
Rice was the key pass rusher in the Buccaneers’ 2002 Super Bowl defense, logging 15.5 sacks that regular season and forcing six fumbles. Rice was brought to Tampa after being just as dominant with Arizona, and continue to dominate in his prime with the Buccaneers.
14 seed: Shaun King, Quarterback, 1999-2003
Shaun King got his first chance thanks to injury, and took advantage, helping to lead the team all the way to the 1999 NFC Championship Game. King never turned into an impressive NFL quarterback, but he made the key plays needed to help get enough points for the defense to do the rest.
Pass rusher or passer? Make your choice below:
7 seed: Cecil Johnson, Linebacker, 1977-1985
Johnson was an athletic linebacker who played well in coverage, snagging a career high five interceptions in 1981. He was a strong tackler, as well, and played a key role calling plays in the surprising Buccaneers’ defenses in the late 70’s.
10 seed: Gerald McCoy, Defensive Tackle, 2010-Present
Gerald McCoy was a high draft pick who failed to stay healthy and live up to his expectations until 2012, when he broke out and became a Pro Bowl player at his position. McCoy is a leader on the Buccaneers’ defense, and a disruptive force in the middle of the defense that other teams must account for.
Which of these defenders will move on?
2 seed: Mike Alstott, Fullback, 1996-2007
One of the best fullbacks in the history of the NFL, Alstott was maybe the most beloved Buccaneer during his 12 seasons. His six Pro Bowls and 4 All Pro selections don’t quite speak to the impact he had on the fanbase, who all rallied behind the A-Train anytime the Buccaneers’ offense was on the field. Alstott had 58 rushing touchdowns and 13 receiving touchdowns, many of which were earned by barreling over defenders on his way to the end zone.
15 seed: Al Singleton, Linebacker, 1997-2002
Singleton was a special teams tackler and a strong, well-built linebacker who never got a chance to shine on a regular basis as a Buccaneer. He still added plenty of tackles and a few interceptions during his time in Tampa Bay, but likely won’t get past the A-Train in this matchup.
Does the A-Train get upset? Vote below and decide: