Perhaps no team is as set at the off-ball linebacker position as the Bucs, with Lavonte David, Devin White and Kevin Minter occupying their top three roster spots. Beyond that trio is a lot of uncertainty that has led to one of training camp’s fiercest battles. Rookies K.J. Britt and Grant Stuard and veteran Joe Jones are engrossed in an epic competition for the LB4 spot as camp comes to a close.

But according to Bucs head coach Bruce Arians, one member of the group is pulling away.

Bucs ILB K.J. Britt – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Really close [battle],” Arians said on Wednesday. “K.J. [Britt] has kind of separated himself a little bit as a linebacker. All of those guys are fighting for the same – three dogs, one bone.”

Britt has run with Minter on the second team defense, so Arians’ remarks aren’t a surprise. But the fifth-round pick has not played very well in either preseason game, missing too many tackles and struggling in coverage. Britt is big, smart and physical, which has aided his transition to the NFL. But missing three tackles in 65 defensive snaps is not encouraging. Especially when you consider Britt’s biggest impact needs to be on special teams.

The Auburn product is still adjusting to coverage as a linebacker in the NFL as well. Britt has surrendered four catches on four targets for just 20 yards, but one of those receptions went for a touchdown, per PFF. His lack of range and athleticism are going to be difficult to scheme around on defense.

Stuard hasn’t been much better, missing three tackles and allowing four catches for 33 yards in 71 snaps, per PFF. But Stuard has also made a positive impact, notching three tackles-for-loss and a sack on Saturday. Many of those were cleanup plays after someone else created disruption, but it was still a good outing for Stuard.

“He made a nice move,” Arians said. “He was very, very productive in that ball game. [Stuard] aligned himself better to be more successful. Grant is a very bright guy, so he takes coaching extremely well. We’ll do some things to help on special teams, but I like the way he plays the game.”

Bucs ILB Grant Stuard – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Arians said after Saturday’s game that Stuard “may have made it” after his performance against Tennessee. That’s more of a vote of confidence than we’ve heard for Jones, who has been quiet outside of a pick-six against Cincinnati. Jones has been solid on the Bucs third team defense, but even he didn’t tackle well on Saturday. A proven commodity on special teams, Jones played 16 snaps on teams against the Titans.

“Again, defense – you’ve got to play defense – and then special teams,” Arians said. “Joe has a résumé, Grant doesn’t. But Grant has one from college, so that’s a huge battle.”

Three dogs, one bone, per Arians. Does that mean the team will keep only four off-ball linebackers? Stuard would likely clear waivers easily, but not Jones. Could that push the Bucs to keep five linebackers instead of four?

On Saturday at 8 pm EST against the Texans, all three linebackers will have a chance to make their final stand for a roster spot.