Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports The way things are shaping up, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers figure to have a pretty good defense in 2013. They’ve of course made a couple key additions to their secondary, but it’s their pass-rush that really needs to get going this season. In 2012 the Bucs only accumulated 27 sacks, good for 29th in the NFL. One of the main reasons for this, was the absence of defensive end Adrian Clayborn. The second-year starter suffered a season-ending knee injury in week three, and the team’s pass-rush was never the same. Clayborn is on track to return to the field this season, and he says he no longer is taking anything for granted: “I think the main difference between this year and last year for me is that I’m a little more appreciative of the game of football now and what I have. I don’t want to ever take that for granted, because I realize now that all it takes is one play and you could be out. One play and it could all be over for you, so, you know, knock on wood.” This is what you want to hear if you’re a Bucs’ fan, a young player that knows how great of an opportunity he has. What Tampa has, is a very talented DE with Pro Bowl potential. I watched Clayborn his entire career at Iowa, and I can tell you that he was definitely worth a first round pick for the Bucs. Clayborn fits the mold of how successful defensive ends look and play, and it seems that he also has the most important thing of all – heart. His comments show that he wants to be out there, and play football to the best of his ability. He’s not a player just collecting a paycheck. If he can stay healthy, I think we’ll start to see just how good Clayborn can be this season. Follow Andrew Fisher on Twitter

Another edition of the NFL Top 100 is done, and we have another couple of Tampa Bay Buccaneers make the list. Doug Martin came in at number 57, which is the highest mark a rookie running back has attained in any of the three years the show has been on the air. He was joined by Vincent Jackson, who came on to the list at number 52. Martin and Jackson are the fourth and fifth Buccaneers to make the Top 100 respectively, with Darrelle Revis making the list at number 67, Gerald McCoy coming in at 92 and Goldson at 97. The only other Buccaneer with a remotely realistic shot to make the list would be Carl Nicks, widely regarded as one of the top two or three offensive guards in the NFL. But he played just seven games last season and was ranked at number 76 last season. A rise seems unlikely, but not impossible. Half the Doug Martin bit was various Minnesota Vikings and Oakland Raiders complaining that he tore up their defense, gaining over 200 yards from scrimmage against both of those teams. That was a ridiculous two-game stretch, but Martin was the foundation of the entire Bucs' offense this season, gaining nearly 2,000 yards from scrimmage and scoring 12 touchdowns on the season. Meanwhile, Vincent Jackson's video talked about his vertical ability, which was incredibly impressive. Falcons safety Thomas DeCoud was impressed with him. But the best quote came from Ronde Barber: "He's worth it!" and "You're still worth it, baby!" Jackson didn't come to Tampa for the warm weather alone, after all: he got a five-year, $55.6 million contract -- and so far, he's been worth every penny. Let's see if Martin and Jackson can repeat the past season, with a few more wins now that the defense has added a few stars, too. Read more: Tony Dungy is number 20 Johnthan Banks signs his contract Recency bias, narratives and clutch performers How many games will the Bucs win?

Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports The Buccaneers put pen to paper with another rookie today, as Johnthan Banks, rookie corner out of Mississippi State, signed his first professional contract to stay on with the Buccaneers for 4 years. Sports Talk Florida’s Bucs Insider Jenna Laine broke the news of the contract details, outlining that Banks will receive fully guaranteed pay in years one and two of the deal, in addition to a singing bonus. Here is the breakdown from Jenna: Details of player contracts are not made available to the public, but a source tells Sports Talk Florida that Banks’ deal is worth $4,726,321 and includes a signing bonus of $1,817,324. Banks will earn a base salary of $405,000 in 2013, which is standard for NFL rookies. In 2014, that figure jumps to $619,833. In 2015, he’ll make $834,666 and in 2016, $849,498. This is just another sign of how valuable draft picks can be, because Banks will be making a very small salary (in NFL terms) for four years, and may wind up being an every week starter at some point during this deal, making him a massive value pick for the Bucs. Banks may not step into a starter’s role right away, but he doesn’t have to. He’s got plenty of competition at cornerback, which is a surprising statement given the results from the secondary last season, and there are questions about his speed and his lack of experience as a press-man corner. His inexpensive contract and the presence of Eric Wright and Leonard Johnson combine to allow him time to develop into the cornerback the Buccaneers drafted him to become. Mike Glennon remains the only unsigned rookie for the Buccaneers, which is not surprising, as quarterback contracts always take a while, even under a new Collective Bargaining Agreement. Expect to see Glennon signed soon, and the Buccaneers poised to make some bargain moves after June 1st, when another wave of cuts across the NFL may happen.

Tony Dungy was a great NFL coach, but is the 20th spot on a ranking good enough?

OTA#3-K Conner Barth talks about working with LS Andrew Economos and holder P Michael Koenen and the excitement of being back on the practice field.

OTA #3-CB Johnthan Banks expresses his excitement about being on the field and compliments his fellow DB's.

OTA #3-CB Johnthan Banks expresses his excitement about being on the field and compliments his fellow DB's.

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OTA #3-LB Mason Foster is confident about his off season conditioning and talks about his of fellow LB's.

OTA #3-LB Mason Foster is confident about his off season conditioning and talks about his of fellow LB's.