As we swiftly approach the Bucs’ third preseason game, this will be the last opportunity for players to make their final push to make it on the initial 53-man roster, raise their spot on the depth chart, or possibly have a spot on the teams practice squad. In some areas of the team, positions have been solidified with the Bucs figuring out their starting quarterback in Baker Mayfield after a solid showing from both him and now-backup Kyle Trask. The wide receiver room has showcased good ability from players like Rakim Jarrett, Deven Thompkins, and more getting a chance to shine. Tampa Bay has also figured out its next kicker in Chase McLaughlin after a competition with Rodrigo Blankenship.

However, all competition across the Bucs roster hasn’t gone so well, as there are certainly some concerns raised regarding the depth of certain position groups based on what has been seen in training camp practices and in the first two preseason games. These concerns could grow if situations warrant depth players being thrust into the team’s starting lineup during the regular season and could have results that could cost the Bucs later down the line in the regular season.

With that being said, let’s take a look at a couple areas of the roster where depth could be a concern for the Bucs moving forward into the upcoming season.

Will The Revamped Offensive Line Work?

As it stands right now, the Bucs are taking a pretty substantial risk with their offensive line. The line features all new starters in different spots from a year ago outside of Robert Hainsey, who will likely start the season at center once again. Tristan Wirfs has been moved from right tackle to left tackle, while Matt Feiler was brought in to be the team’s new left guard in free agency.

Bucs RT Luke Goedeke and RG Cody Mauch – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Cody Mauch, the team’s second-round pick, is stepping in as the new starting right guard after playing left tackle his entire college career at North Dakota State. Former 2022 second-round draft pick Luke Goedeke will be moving from left guard to right tackle this upcoming season.

One would think that with so many experiments and risks happening along the offensive line for the Bucs that there would be a more solid veteran presence of depth in case things were to go south for the starting unit. But that doesn’t seem to be the case.

Veteran guard Aaron Stinnie is returning from a torn ACL last season and has struggled in the preseason. Brandon Walton and Nick Leverett have struggled to set themselves apart in preseason and training camp as solid depth players. Many of the undrafted free agents that have been brought in haven’t done much to raise their stock or turn heads throughout the preseason process as well.

Veteran Justin Skule has looked okay as an option to replace swing tackle Josh Wells. But the Bucs still lack proven depth along the O-line, and the team can’t really afford to have that if things go wrong quickly with their starters. If a starter goes down or doesn’t perform well this upcoming season, the Bucs will be very limited on their options from the current in-house players. Perhaps they can add more proven talent in waiver wire pickups when roster cutdowns commence next week.

Can The Bucs Pay For More Depth?

Bucs OL Nick Leverett – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The cutdown period is going to be a very interesting time to see if the Bucs will be shopping for extra help regarding the depth of their offensive line. It’s a strategy the team has used in the past regarding last-minute additions right before the start of the season, and it is a strategy that they very well could look to employ again.

The team can still create cap space through a Mike Evans extension or a restructure of Shaq Barrett’s contract to give Tampa Bay a couple of ways to free up some money to go after a player or two that the Bucs would be interested in were they to become available after final roster cuts are made around the league.

The Bucs should explore all options regarding their offensive line depth, as the current group doesn’t inspire much confidence. It’s always better to be over-prepared rather than under-prepared, and right now the Bucs seem to be a team that is not prepared regarding adequate depth at one of the most important position groups.