Bucs Announce Undrafted Free Agent Signees

April 29th, 2013
dj monroe

Wide receiver D. J. Monroe

The Bucs announced the undrafted free agent signees today who will take part in the rookie mini-camp held this coming weekend at One Buc Palace:

Deveron Carr, CB, 5-11 190, Arizona State

Jerry Johnson, WR, 6-3 211, UCLA

Evan Landi, TE, 6-3 236, South Florida

Rashaan Melvin, CB, 6-2 193, Northern Illinois

D.J. Monroe, WR, 5-9 175, Texas

Willie Moseley, LB, 6-5, 251, Buffalo

Brice Schwab, OT, 6-7 302, Arizona State

Akeem Shavers, RB, 5-11 203, Purdue

Adam Smith, G , 6-5 325, Western Kentucky

Branden Smith, CB, 5-11 182, Georgia

Nick Speller, OT, 6-5 334, UMASS

Jason Weaver, OT, 6-5 305, Southern Mississippi

Tim Wright, WR, 6-4 220, Rutgers

Couple of players that jumped out at Joe: First is Monroe, who is listed as a wide receiver but played running back at Texas. The Bucs likely signed him more for his return ability than anything else.

As a sophomore, Monroe was a member of the Longhorns All American 4 x 100 meter relay track squad that finished sixth in the nation. In high school, Monroe won the Texas Class 4A 100-meter dash in a time of 10.45.

Smith, the Bulldogs cornerback, was featured by Joe during the East-West Shrine Game practices held in St. Petersburg this winter.

30 Responses to “Bucs Announce Undrafted Free Agent Signees”

  1. Bricen Says:

    A few good names on the list, Brice Schwab had a good year a ASU after finally getting in shape, but only has one good year, Evan Landi is a good receiving TE whose bounced around at several positions, but needs to gain lots of strength and obviously Branden Smith and D.J. Monroe are good returners but Smith is a liability in coverage and Monroe is undersized.

  2. Brandon Says:

    Two names to add to the list:

    QB Robert Marve and
    CB Jarvis Garvin… both are listed as tryout players for this weekend.

  3. Oldguy Says:

    If nothing else, it would be something to see Mr. Monroe and Mr. Demps have a race. Olympic speed. They sound like twins.

  4. robert Says:

    funny thing I see is the previous artcle on here by J.P. Peterson was RAGING on how bad the LB depth is….

    yet they aren’t brnging anyone in at all.

    guess that clown doesn’t know his ass from a hole n the wall because it’s clear they are very comfortable with their current group

  5. Brandon Says:

    Posted previously but updated:

    Akrem Shavers, RB, Purdue-5’10 198-another signee from Purdue, has good speed and quickness (4.48-some had as low as 4.35, 39″ VJ, 6.89 3cone). Moderately productive, 871 yards. Ability to return kicks could give him outside chance of making team.

    Evan Landi, TE, USF, 6’3 240-Local product dosn’t have much size or speed (4.87). Very similar to Graham in his chances to make an impact.

    Tim Wright, WR, Rutgers-6’3 219-Good sized but slow (4.65) former Schiano recruit has a little explosiveness (36″ VJ) may have to try to make it as a move TE.

    Jerry Johnson, WR, 6-2 211, UCLA-Marginally productive (31 receptions 428 yards 1 TD), really only played during his 5th year (5 receptions for 57 yards before). Has good physical ability (4.50 36″ VJ 10’00 BJ) and size but a lack of playing time for a receiving corps that hasn’t been bursting with talent isn’t a good sign.

    D.J. Monroe, WR, 5-9 175, Texas-Played RB mostly at UT. Also ran track, was onl 4X100 team and can really run (4.38). Was all Big 12 Honorable Mention as a returner. Didn’t return punts at all in college but did return kicks (3 TDs in career).

    Adam Smith, G , 6-5 322, Western Kentucky-All Sun Belt Conference First Team selection at RG. Starter of 45 games. Good strength and size (30 reps) and decent quickness (31.5 VJ and 7.25 3 cone-LB-like time) but painfully slow in the long run 5.72. Could have the physical tools to get a longer look.

    Jason Weaver, OT, 6-4 313, Southern Mississippi-Conference USA Honorable Mention-Invited to NFL Combine. Started 25 games in career including last 23 in a row. Was a 6th year senior. Measured out poorly for an OL prospect (5.43 40, 21 reps, 21″ VJ, 8.23 3 cone) but did a little better at Pro Day (5.26 40, 24 reps, 22.5″ VJ, 7.77 3 cone) but still not very impressive.

    Nick Speller, OT, UMass, 6’5 300-Weighed in lighter than expected at Pro Day (listed at 334), transferred from Syracuse. Known as more of a mauler and tested that way (5.23, 24.5″ VJ) in everything but the bench press (15!). Will probably tried inside at OG because he has problems with speed…. but might not be big enough to hold up inside.

    Brice Schwab, OT, ASU, 6’7 303-Huge frame, projects better at RT where his limited athleticism (5.35 26″ VJ) and good upper body strength (29 reps) will do him some good.

    Willie Moseley, LB Buffalo, 6’4 232-Projects as a Mike or Sam for Bucs. Speed (4.77) is a big issue, as is functional strength (16 BP). Best/only hope is as special teamer.

    Branden Smith, CB, Georgia, 5’10 172-Small and fast (4.38), troubled with some off field issues (arrested for drug possession in spring. If he can keep clean and work hard, has a shot as a nickel CB. Also returns kicks.

    Rashaan Melvin, CB, Northern Illinois, 6’2 192-Yet another long CB. This one can really run though (4.42 38″ VJ). Played at high level during senior season and due to experience and athletic ability, has shot at sticking.

    Deveron Carr, CB, ASU, 6’0 187-Yet another good, draftable CB picked up as an UDFA. All three CBs thus far have legitimate chances to stick on the final roster. Has a ton of speed (4.36) and was Pac-10 Honorable Mention. Like many of the other prospects, can also help out as a kick returner. It wouldn’t surprise me if all 3 CBs make the final roster/practice squad.

    I have a feeling that the extra players listed previously are coming to Tampa at the end of the week as tryout players:

    Robert Marve, QB, Purdue-6’1 212-transferred from Miami. History of ACL injuries to left knee. Strong arm, good mobility (4.81) still. Solid player that COULD contend for a practice squad spot.

    Orwin Smith, RB, Georgia Tech-averaged 9.3 yards per carry this past season in GTech’s triple option offense. Only ran 4.60 at Pro Day so don’t think his gaudy ypc was all him and not the scheme.

    Taimi Tutogi, FB, Arizona

    ntel Harris, RB, Temple-5’8 208-former BC starter was kicked off the team for disciplinary reason and resurfaced with Temple. Has seemingly been around forever and his play seems like it. A hard charging, slightly speed deficient (4.57) smaller back, rushed for over 1000 yards this past season (though 356 came against Army). Has talent to stick as a 2nd or 3rd RB but has a history of character and knee issues.

    Hubie Graham, TE, Pitt. 6’3 237-Too small to be effective blocking, too slow to be effective running routes (4.93), Graham projects best as a camp body that may or may not make it to see the start of training camp.

    Chris Denton, WR, Mount Union-5’10 193-ran 4.67 but showed good explosion in other drills. Trying to use experience as punt returner to help make roster. Was fairly explosive as a returner…for Div III.

    Jace Daniels, OT, Northern Michigan

    Jerrell Gavins, CB, Boise State-Tiny 5’8 cover CB played opposite Jamar Taylor and held up well.

  6. c-spann Says:

    The cb that is 6`2 has a real good shot of making the team. Well based off his measurables lol. He has length and speed

  7. Bucs Fan #238 Says:

    Brandon… you shouldn’t be copy and pasting without providing your internet source that you stole that from. Unless that is, you scouted these guys ALL on your own.

  8. DjoshFreeman Says:

    Jesus when did we start writing novels as posts! Anyway i feel one udfa we missed, Lonnie Pryor.great intelligence and blocking with speed behind it.anyway good for the jags.robert Marve absolutely won’t make the team.please.guys was great at plant.sucked at Purdue after trouble at the u.not gonna happen.he only has a tryout cuz if connections.our draft was fine.none of you are ever happy because revis, banks, spence, goldson aren’t enough…we need more starters, c’mon man

  9. RastaMon Says:

    Lotto tixs

  10. Andrew 2 Says:

    Rashaan Melvin…the best prospect according to multiple rankning sources such as nfldraftscout and etc

    He’s the exact same height and weight as Banks with a faster 40 time. Had 17 or 18 Passes Defensed for Northern Illinois, setting the school record.

    Top 300 prospect. Id take him over Myron Lewis or Gorrer.

  11. CanadianBucsFan Says:

    I watched Denton’s highlights, his punt returns are pretty damn impressive. He doesn’t rely on speed but he has good vision and able to make people miss with solid cuts.

  12. Macabee Says:

    C’mon Brandon,

    Tighten it up, pal. You’ve no idea what you’re talking about, just a lot of wasted ink. The Bucs have only signed 13 UDFAs that will attend rookie mini-camp this weekend. Joe dutifully listed them for you above. The rest of the list of wannabes are player who may be allowed to try out for contracts. If you’re going to speak as an expert, then get your facts together!

  13. BucFreak Says:

    Buc’s Fan. Brandon did that himself on a previous post. He doesn’t have to quote himself.

  14. 4everBucsFan Says:

    I think some of their undrafted free agents are better than a couple of the players they drafted. The back half of the Bucs draft was very weak.

  15. kh Says:

    erm, I’d be surprised if three people on that entire list made the roster/PS, nevermind the CBs

  16. PRBucFan Says:

    What about Jeremy Lewis OT Miami?

  17. 911bucs Says:

    BucFreak,
    If you paraphrase or copy and paste you need to acknowledge proper references. Just saying and go Bucs.

  18. kh Says:

    @4everBucsFan personnel from all 32 teams, those who are paid to study college football players, disagree with you.

  19. Brandon Says:

    Bucs Fan #238 Says:
    April 29th, 2013 at 8:20 pm
    Brandon… you shouldn’t be copy and pasting without providing your internet source that you stole that from. Unless that is, you scouted these guys ALL on your own.
    +++++++++++++++

    The numbers were taken from the player’s Pro Days or Combine. All comments and analysis is purely by me. Tell you what, I’m a teacher and an expert and catching plagiarists. All you have to do to catch a plagiarist is to take an excerpt of any questionable material, wrap it in quotes, put it through a Google search. I can assure you that NONE of my information was stolen. The only thing tha will come up if you do as I say is the same information that I posted on Draftcountdown.com under the username “Brasho”.

  20. Brandon Says:

    Macabee Says:
    April 29th, 2013 at 10:10 pm
    C’mon Brandon,

    Tighten it up, pal. You’ve no idea what you’re talking about, just a lot of wasted ink. The Bucs have only signed 13 UDFAs that will attend rookie mini-camp this weekend. Joe dutifully listed them for you above. The rest of the list of wannabes are player who may be allowed to try out for contracts. If you’re going to speak as an expert, then get your facts together!

    ++++++++++++++++++++

    Really? I have no idea what I’m talking about? The names I got were the same ones on NEPatriotsdraft.com and then posted AFTER mine on bucsnation.com. According to verified twitter accounts, the above mentioned players agreed to take part this weekend. Some of them are on try-outs. Do they not at least deserve the 5 minutes it took to do some research on them? I think Leonard Johnson feels they do.

    FYI, I’m not speaking as an expert, but surely I am far more knowledgeable than most on here. I speak as a passionate fan, a passionate fan that doesn’t mind doing extra leg work for other passionate fans, or even the ungrateful trolls that have attacked me for my passion. Whatever, get over it.

  21. Macabee Says:

    Brandon,

    Nobody questions your passion or your self-proclaimed knowledge of the game. But your own words validate my response. Reread your response. It’s not about the Bucs, It’s about you! You were first, you are far more knowledgeable. Those are self proclamations that’s meant to promote your own place in the world of experts sent by the gods to enlighten us.

    Listen, I have no reason to single you out, you are doing a good job of that yourself. Nobody needs a website monitor to tell us when we’re right or wrong. Joe already has that job!

    So be a passionate fan and state your opinions and leave others to enjoy the same privilege that you have – freedom of expression without expert criticism, even self-proclaimed expertise!

  22. Tomcin Says:

    I had no problem with what Brandon said. Actually i appreciate the info.

  23. Brandon Says:

    Macabee Says:
    April 30th, 2013 at 8:31 am
    Brandon,

    Nobody questions your passion or your self-proclaimed knowledge of the game. But your own words validate my response. Reread your response. It’s not about the Bucs, It’s about you! You were first, you are far more knowledgeable. Those are self proclamations that’s meant to promote your own place in the world of experts sent by the gods to enlighten us.

    Listen, I have no reason to single you out, you are doing a good job of that yourself. Nobody needs a website monitor to tell us when we’re right or wrong. Joe already has that job!

    So be a passionate fan and state your opinions and leave others to enjoy the same privilege that you have – freedom of expression without expert criticism, even self-proclaimed expertise!

    +++++++++++++++++++++++

    I don’t think I need to re-read anything. Why don’t you re-read what you wrote to me and tell me why I made my response about me. You told me I have no idea what I’m talking about. As for the tryout players, I clearly prefaced that with the paragraph that stated:

    I have a feeling that the extra players listed previously are coming to Tampa at the end of the week as tryout players:

    What about that statement followed by listing the following players in any way shows I don’t have my facts straight?

    Everthing you said in your last paragraph completely contradicted what you said in your previous statement.
    __________
    Listen, I have no reason to single you out, you are doing a good job of that yourself. Nobody needs a website monitor to tell us when we’re right or wrong. Joe already has that job!

    So be a passionate fan and state your opinions and leave others to enjoy the same privilege that you have – freedom of expression without expert criticism, even self-proclaimed expertise!
    ________________________
    I spent the time and effort in putting the list together. I didn’t bang my chest and proclaim myself to be the all-knowing God of football. I did it as a service to my fellow Buc fans so they could be better informed of some of the players we brought in. You have a problem with that, that’s on you, not me. What kind of person criticizes another when that other person is simply trying to help others be more informed, and doing it for free? Look at yourself in the mirror before you decide to criticize in the future because it sure seems apparent that the person you have a problem with is you.

  24. Brandon Says:

    Tomcin Says:
    April 30th, 2013 at 10:34 am
    I had no problem with what Brandon said. Actually i appreciate the info
    +++++++++

    Thank you. I’m still not sure what I could have possibly done to deserve criticism.

  25. PRBucFan Says:

    I agree thanks Brandon I enjoy what you post. It’s informative.

    Your not doing anything different than anyone else trying to provide football knowledge to the JBF Fam. I don’t recall you being a poster who stacks those who debate your points so yea dot sweat it. Some people for some reason can’t stand others providing more input than what they can offer.

  26. PRBucFan Says:

    Attacks not stacks lol and don’t not dot

  27. Brandon Says:

    PRBucFan:

    You might be right. What I don’t understand is that I remember Macabee from the old TBO or St. Pete Times comments section (I posted either as Brandon or Brasho, I don’t remember)… he was always a solid individual. Those criticisms seemed uncharacteristic of him.

  28. PRBucFan Says:

    It is uncharacteristic of him, most likely there’s a misunderstanding somewhere.

  29. Macabee Says:

    Brandon, et al

    I’m just back from Scottsdale attending an auto auction. I collect 60’s muscle cars. My 18 year old grandson, who happens to be a decent WR at Dunedin high, but full of testosterone was house sitting for me as my wife accompanied me on this trip. The first thing in noticed was the websites on my history that I would never visit.

    As I began too catch up on my Buc news I came across posts that he decided to make. He acknowledges the posts and says he meant no harm. It’s what all of his friends do. I don’t think he meant any harm. So I apologize if anybody was upset.

    Excuse me while I go see what other damage he may have done to my image! Try to have a nice day!

  30. PRBucFan Says:

    Problem solved 🙂