While at the time of the 2009 draft Joe was hoping the Bucs would pick wide receiver Derrick Williams of Penn State in the third round (he went to Detroit on the very next pick), Joe was content with the selection of defensive tackle Roy Miller.

So far, so good, reports Anwar Richardson of the Tampa Tribune. Although Jim Bates’ defense is far different than what Miller played in at Texas, Miller thinks he’s handling the adjustment.

“Last year, I did something completely different than what they want here,” Miller said. “I was a 1-gap type player, straight up field. Now I’m playing more on the blocker. It’s a transition, and I think I’m doing pretty well with it. The older guys, like [Chris] Hovan and [Ryan] Sims are giving me a lot of support and I appreciate it.”

Joe thinks Miller is the perfect Bates kind of tackle: a mauler. Joe believes Miller will someday be a stud. But to expect a rookie to shine as a defensive tackle is more wishful thinking that reality.