Gaines

Adams

Gaines Adams appears to be entrenched on the right side despite his up-and-down camp. The winner at left end is more likely to rack up tackles than get a ton of sacks. The loser will likely see action on the interior.

Adams is behind starters Greg Spires and Kevin Carter, and now Patrick Chukwurah, who is serving as the primary nickel end. The Bucs are often slow to incorporate rookies, so Adams may come off the bench all season.

He’s not the Bucs’ first choice to replace Simeon Rice, so that job may fall to Kevin Carter. Camp has reportedly been an “eye-opening experience” for Adams but he should at worst be a nickel-rushing third end as a rookie.

Don’t get carried away, they are just making the rookie earn his stripes. Jovan Haye is also lining up with the first team at under tackle, but won’t stick.

It’s not exactly a shocker, as Rice was due to count over $10 million against the salary cap in 2007, far too much for a player his age (33) coming off a major shoulder surgery. He was reportedly unwilling to take a cut in pay and Rice already didn’t hold up against the run. Gaines Adams should instantly move into the starting lineup at right end. Rice, who is second among active sackers with 121, should find well-paid work quickly if he’s healthy.

It previously appeared Adams might be stuck in a situational role, but the Bucs will count on their rookie to play on all downs. Somewhat of a liability against the run in college, he’s likely to stuggle in that aspect initially.

Adams, a relentless pass rusher who played eight-man prep ball before starring at Clemson, will immediately push Simeon Rice and Greg Spires for their starting jobs. While Adams would ideally play right end (Rice’s position), he also could overtake the left end spot and move Spires to under tackle.

The Bucs signed Chukwurah to help on passing downs and play special teams, but he was seeing a lot of time at right defensive end of late. First-round pick Gaines Adams should now replace him and be a starter all year.

Adams has two sacks in the preseason, however, and should play a major role as a nickel-down pass rusher even if he doesn’t start. Adams is the most talented defensive lineman Tampa Bay has on its roster.

Adams, who is Tampa Bay’s fourth defensive end at best at this point, is uncertain to play against Detroit. He has recorded one sack this year.