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Where can Bucs hope for the unexpected?

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
In print: Sunday, July 13, 2008

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Everyone is technically a Super Bowl contender in July, when reality can't yet get in the way of optimism.

But in a moment of complete honesty, even the most zealous Bucs fan must admit there are but a handful of teams that possess the sort of boundless talent necessary to be considered a true favorite this early.

The Colts, Patriots, Cowboys and, perhaps, a few others have rosters teeming with star power.

Those with less must find an overachiever or two to make up the difference.

Which brings us to the Bucs. They know what they can expect from Jeff Garcia, Joey Galloway and Ronde Barber.

But who will be 2008's Earnest Graham, the former third-string back who saved the running game? Who has what it takes to be the next Greg White, the former Arena Football League player who nearly gave up his pursuit of the NFL?

Who will be the guy we never saw coming?

As we learned last season, when a number of unknowns become known commodities — such as B.J. Askew and Tanard Jackson — those performances often prove the difference between winning and losing.

Who will surprise us this fall? Some candidates:

• No one is counting on Antonio Bryant to excel this season.

The receiver's troubled history, which includes a few run-ins with coaches, is reason for caution. But if he can stay in line and regain the form that allowed him to surpass a combined 1,700 receiving yards in his past two seasons, signing the 6-foot-2, 188-pounder will prove a wise move.

Throughout summer workouts, Bryant, 27, was one of the more impressive offensive players. Now coaches are eager to see whether his play and discipline carry over into training camp.

• Jerramy Stevens' re-signing made headlines for all of the wrong reasons.

Past accusations of misdeeds and a detailed accounting of the tight end's struggles with alcohol surfaced after the season, making his return a delicate topic.

But none of that will matter when the Bucs line up on Sundays. If Stevens, 28, is in the game plan, you'll see him. And once he serves a league suspension for the first two games, don't be surprised to see him active in the passing game.

We saw late last season how coach Jon Gruden devised creative ways of using the athletic 6-7 tight end, at times in critical situations.

• The acquisition of Marques Douglas in March barely made a ripple around the league or even in Tampa Bay.

But the Bucs hope the 6-2, 292-pound defensive lineman creates a big fuss by harassing opposing quarterbacks.

Douglas, 31, has started 79 of the 88 games he has played in his career and will be one of many the Bucs will evaluate at defensive end and tackle. There's a realistic chance he takes the reins at either position. At the very least, he will be given ample opportunity.

• Yes, Michael Clayton makes the list.

Go ahead and scoff. After his uneven performances of the past three seasons, he should be used to it. But this is what you shouldn't lose sight of: The Bucs are going to give their first-round draft pick in 2004 a chance.

You saw it during the offseason when the 25-year-old receiver was used extensively in workouts. And you even saw it late in 2007, when injuries forced him to play a more pivotal role. He had arguably his best game in a couple of seasons when he caught five passes for 71 yards in December at San Francisco.

None of these guys is a sure bet. But this much is: If any of them turn in a remarkable season, it will be a performance the Bucs weren't counting on but would certainly welcome.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.