Aug. 2, 2008

There is a high level of competition for reps among the Bucs’ receiving corps, with spots on the depth chart up for grabs behind Joey Galloway, but Michael Clayton may have an early edge on reclaiming a large role in the offense. “What I’ve seen is five or six consecutive days where (Clayton has) put his fist down and said, ‘I’m a go-to receiver,’ ” head coach Jon Gruden recently said. “If he continues to do that, he’s going to be a big part of this offense again. … He’s focused, he’s all business and he’s running all kinds of routes. He’s running inside routes, outside routes, and he’s showing very good stamina. And we know he can run with the ball after the catch. So we like what he’s doing, but we’ve got a long way to go.” Clayton has fallen off track after his historic rookie year of 2004 in Tampa. He’s caught just one touchdown in the last three seasons after having recorded seven as a rookie, but he may be on the verge of regaining Gruden’s confidence.