John

Gilmore

He’ll be a backup when Desmond Clark returns.

He’s not expected to return. Gilmore is strictly a blocking tight end.

Gilmore is a blocking specialist and will get run on Sundays, but Olsen has put on a clinic at training camp so far. Desmond Clark remains the starter.

As a first-round pick, Olsen is the future but his game isn’t near as well-rounded as Desmond Clark’s. With John Gilmore an effective blocker, Olsen could have a hard time seeing immediate snaps on non-passing downs.

He is due a $3.545 million option bonus in 2008. Olsen is expected to be a solid fantasy tight end once he develops. However, he’ll start out behind the well-rounded Desmond Clark on Chicago’s depth chart. John Gilmore, who is a superior blocker, may even get more snaps than the rookie early on.

Sure it won’t. Gilmore, the No. 3 TE and a blocking specialist, said the move “wasn’t cool.” He has fallen behind Desmond Clark and Greg Olsen at the position, and will likely take his 21 catches in six seasons elsewhere this offseason.

Blocking ace John Gilmore is second, with Ben Troupe and Jerramy Stevens third and fourth. The Bucs are likely to use a rotation at this position this season. Smith, Troupe, and Stevens may end up canceling each other out.

Gilmore is primarily a blocking tight end, and would help fill the void left by Anthony Becht. The Bucs have Alex Smith on their roster, and are also pursuing Alge Crumpler as an upgrade to Jerramy Stevens.

Surprising the Bucs made Gilmore such a priority, but he’s a solid blocker who will add to their tight end rotation. For now, he’s a backup to Alex Smith.

Smith practiced on a limited basis Wednesday, but couldn’t make it out for Thursday’s work. The Bucs will rotate John Gilmore and Jerramy Stevens at Detroit. Smith has 19 catches for 228 yards and three TDs on the season.