2011 NFL Draft: Is Barrett Ruud the Answer at Inside Linebacker?

April 1, 2011   ·   Jon Gilbert   ·   Jump to comments

Tampa Bay Draft: Buccaneers may look for eventual replacement at inside linebacker in draft:
Despite recording no less than 114 tackles in each of the past four seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' middle linebacker, Barrett Ruud has his detractors. He's not physical enough, they say. Some draft experts believe that the Bucs need to find an inside linebacker in the draft this season.
Tampa Bay coach Raheem Morris isn't so quick to dismiss Ruud's contributions. He told Ira Kaufman of The Tampa Tribune:
"He's a selfless player, he fits the Tampa Bay Buccaneer mold and he is what we're about. He's worked himself up and become the leader of our defense, a rallying cry for all the guys."
Still, it wouldn't hurt to add some depth at the position. Ruud is 27 years old and not indestructible. North Carolina's Quan Sturdivant appears to have a bright future in the NFL and would be a sound second-round pick if the Bucs find it necessary.
LSU's Kelvin Sheppard would als...

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