Bucs Improvement at Middle LinebackerJustin Pawlowski @CommishOnlineJun 12, 2015
Bruce Carter brings the athleticism and speed that Mason Foster lacked, but does he make the Bucs defense better?The Buccaneers weren't overly active in free agency this off-season, but they were strategic in who they did sign. One position the Bucs needed to improve at was at middle linebacker. This need led them to signing Bruce Carter away from the Cowboys and a defensive scheme much similar to the Bucs."I think it makes it a lot easier, just knowing the scheme overall," Carter said after the final OTA on Thursday. "For me as an individual, a player learning a new position, especially middle linebacker, it takes some time to get used to it and working at it. [Linebackers] Coach Hardy [Nickerson] has been doing a great job of helping me out with my keys and reads."Carter has had some durability issues since he was drafted by the Cowboys, but when healthy, Carter brings excellent speed and athleticism to the position. Former Bucs MLB Mason Foster lacked that ideal athleticism to thrive in the middle of Lovie's defense."Just my athleticism, being able to cover large amounts of ground in our scheme," Carter said of the strengths he brings to the Bucs' defense. "Being here and being there, knowing the scheme and helping guys out – it's been awesome."The additions of Carter and 4th round pick Kwon Alexander bring a big improvement of speed and athleticism to the Bucs defense.link
