NFC Notes: Buccaneers, Giants, Redskins

Buccaneers

• While Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times writes that the Buccaneers have “big plans” for second-round RB Ronald Jones, he says that the rookie must hold up in pass protection this summer.
• As for the other running backs on the roster, Stroud writes that Peyton Barber is a competent inside rusher, while Charles Sims, Jacquizz Rodgers and rookie Shaun Wilson will compete for a third-down role.
• Stroud believes DeSean Jackson will get the first opportunity at remaining the No. 2 receiver but mentions that second-year Chris Godwin is playing “like a starter” during offseason practice.
• Regarding the defensive line rotation, Stroud writes that Gerald McCoy and Jason Pierre-Paul are “locks” to start, while Beau Allen and first-round pick Vita Vea will compete for the starting defensive tackle spot.
• Stroud adds that Vinny Curry and William Gholston will compete for one of the starting defensive end positions.

Giants

Matt Lombardo of NJ Advance Media expects Giants’ third-round DL B.J. Hill to have a “significant role” this season, given that he has already earned praise from DC James Bettcher.

“One of the things when we drafted B.J.,” Bettcher said. “What was part of us selecting him was because we thought he has a potential to be a three-down player. Whether that’s a middle push guy, whether that’s a guy that can beat some guards and create some disruption for either edge players, or edge pressure guys”.

• Regarding the No. 2 receiver role, Lombardo writes that it is Cody Lattimer‘s “job to lose” at this point.
• As for second-round LG Will Hernandez, Lombardo believes the rookie has the potential to be an “elite” run-blocker.
• Lombardo believes third-round LB Alex Carter has a chance to have an “immediate impact” as a starter alongside Alec Ogletree, B.J. Woodson, and Kareem Martin.
• Lombardo notes that Ereck Flowers has done well in practice after recently converting to right tackle.

Redskins

New Redskins QB Alex Smith mentioned during an interview with Joe Theismann of Redskins.com that feels like his best football is still ahead of him.

“I still feel like my best football’s in front of me,” Smith said, via Redskinswire.com. “I still feel young…I see a hungry football team. When I first stepped in the door I was anxious to see what the culture was like, what the attitude was like, what the locker room was like. You know, work ethic, determination, sense of urgency…I think right away it hit me how hungry this team is, how willing to work this team is, how willing to sacrifice this team is.”