“It’s Not My Position, But I Can Do It”
March 12th, 2015
New Buccaneer Henry Melton speaks
Brand new Bucs defensive tackle Henry Melton, a former Pro Bowler, played Gerald McCoy’s position under Lovie Smith with the Bears.
So where will he fit in with the Bucs?
Joe asked Melton today at One Buc Palace about his experience at nose tackle.
“It’s not my position, but I can do it,” Melton said. “Just from when I first came in and, you know, trying to find my spot in the rotation, I had to play every position.
“I played some end this year for Dallas for a couple of games. You know I just get in where I fit in. If they say they need someone to work on this guy, and ‘I think you have a favorable matchup here,’ I do it.”
Melton, 28, signed a one-year deal with the Bucs today and should provide fantastic depth. But will he get many snaps?
The Bucs love nose tackle Clinton McDonald, who had 5.5 sacks last year. And Jason Licht has said many times he’s looking for “more Clinton McDonalds” in free agency. Akeem Spence also is a legitimate backup.
Joe’s not complaining. Again, Melton provides great depth and experience. It’ll be fun to watch him compete for playing time. It should make the whole interior line better.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:41 pm
“Henry Melton, a former Pro Bowler, played Gerald McCoy’s position”
While agree he’ll add depth to our rotation it’s just as good given GMAC’s struggles with injuries to have a former pro bowler backing up our own pro bowler.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:42 pm
WITH LOVIE, WHO KNOWS? MAY BE THE NEW QB.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:42 pm
seems to me Lovie wants interior pass rushing depth and pairing McCoy and Melton on 3rd downs plus being able to give McCoy a breather when needed.
I’m liking the DT rotation of McCoy, McDonald, Melton and Spence
Now go get some edge rushers!
March 12th, 2015 at 12:43 pm
The Bucs need a new QB?
March 12th, 2015 at 12:44 pm
What happened to the future is now kid?
March 12th, 2015 at 12:48 pm
this is the way to go on free agency. just by signing role players their is no need of making a splash im pretty sure jason licht and lovie smith already learned their lesson
March 12th, 2015 at 12:48 pm
I heard he played RB in college.
March 12th, 2015 at 12:56 pm
having depth on the d line will come in handy big time against run heavy teams, offensive line like Dallas has and considering we have chip Kelly’s eagles on the schedule this year your going to need those guys fresh
March 12th, 2015 at 1:03 pm
Why only a one year deal?
March 12th, 2015 at 1:07 pm
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25104206/gerald-mccoy-to-henry-melton-were-a-f—ing-nightmare-for-o-lines
HELL YEAH! LETS GET IT BOYS!!
March 12th, 2015 at 1:27 pm
Why is he relegated to playing nose? Remind me who Gerald’s backup at the 3-tech is again? You are right, Joes. Gotta think this is more of a low-risk, high-reward depth move than anything. I only hope this somewhat spells the end of Akeem Spence. Beyond the weight room and toking through Alabama, can’t think of anything to remember him by.
One year contract because: (1) History of torn ACL, (2) Didn’t quite live up to the contract the Cowboys were hoping he would, hence the not picking up of the extension, (3) Checkered past – DUI, etc.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:40 pm
Exactly what we need. We dont need a lot of big name guys coming. We need second tier type guys to develop and eatablish a core. While I was hoping for an oline or a DE I think this offseason has gotten off to a good start.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:44 pm
@TheKevin
Because Melton can’t stay healthy. Or he wants to do a Jeremy Maclin prove it year and hope to strike it somewhat big next year before he turns 30?
March 12th, 2015 at 1:49 pm
good depth, but this position needed less work than the gaping holes at other positions. I don’t like making guys play out of position either. You make them a jack of all trades and master of none.
March 12th, 2015 at 1:56 pm
I’d sign em all to one year deals…
March 12th, 2015 at 2:51 pm
faster and more athletic on Defence. Pressure up the middle destroys NFL offences….even one’s led by Matt Ryan and Drew Brees.
March 12th, 2015 at 2:56 pm
He’ll be awesome playing RDT in Lovie’s new 5 man d-line…featuring GMC @ LDT and McDonald on the nose…. 😉
March 12th, 2015 at 3:16 pm
This is great but we need DE’s!
March 12th, 2015 at 3:17 pm
I’m loving this off season!!!
March 12th, 2015 at 5:46 pm
Melton may play some DE. He did last year
March 12th, 2015 at 11:15 pm
it would be nice to know that the team is still capable of pressuring QBs without mccoy in the game. melton helps that possibility. a good rotation can give every member more impact plays than if they played every single down