Bucs GM Bruce Allen reworked the Bucs' offensive line in free agency but still wanted North Carolina G Jeb Terry in the draft
Despite bringing in four potential new starters through free agency, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers still felt the need to add to their offensive line depth during the 2004 Draft. They accomplished that task in the fifth round with the selection of North Carolina G Jeb Terry (146th overall).
Terry, who stands in at 6-5 and 311 pounds, was a team captain for the Tar Heels and is considered a strong pass-blocker. He has drawn comparisons to St. Louis Rams guard Adam Timmerman.
Terry began his collegiate career as a defensive tackle, and he took his aggressive approach to the opposite side of the ball. He was also an Academic All-ACC selection.
After taking a redshirt year in 1999 due to shoulder and neck injuries, Terry played on the defensive line in 2000, playing in five games and recording 3 tackles. He switched to the offensive line in 2001 and began a three-year run as a starting guard, playing in the next 35 games. In his three years as a starter, Terry was credited by coaches with allowing just four sacks, none as a senior in 2003.
The Buccaneers have done extensive rebuilding work on their offensive line this offseason. In March, the team added four players who had started for their previous teams – Derrick Deese, Todd Steussie, Matt Stinchcomb and Matt O'Dwyer. The team also retains all of its five starters from last season and has two 2003 draft picks – Austin King and Sean Mahan – to work into the mix.
The Bucs' next pick falls midway through the sixth round, the 181st pick overall.
