The Bucs finally get their preseason underway Friday night, hosting the Steelers at Raymond James Stadium in the first of three exhibition games on the slate. Ahead of that game, as required by the NFL, Tampa Bay has released its first depth chart of the 2023 season.

No Surprises With Bucs’ First Starting Lineup

Bucs QBs Kyle Trask and Baker Mayfield – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs have Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask listed as co-starters at quarterback, as the two are going toe to toe in a competition for the right to start under center come Week 1 in Minnesota.

Outside of the co-starters at quarterback, Tampa Bay’s starting lineup features no surprises. The offense features Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Russell Gage as the starting wide receivers, with Rachaad White starting in the backfield and Cade Otton being listed as the No. 1 tight end.

On the offensive line, it’s Tristan Wirfs at left tackle, Matt Feiler at left guard, Ryan Jensen at center, Cody Mauch at right guard, and Luke Goedeke at right tackle.

The defensive starting lineup includes a front headlined by Vita Vea, Logan Hall, and Calijah Kancey, though Kancey is set to miss the preseason with a calf injury. Devin White and Lavonte David start at inside linebacker, with Shaq Barrett and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka listed as the top two outside linebackers.

The secondary consists of Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean, Antoine Winfield Jr., and Ryan Neal.

Bucs Have Depth At Some Key Positions

Bucs C Robert Hainsey – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The depth chart paints a good picture of why the Bucs like the group they have behind the starting offensive line. Aaron Stinnie (second-string left guard) has playoff and Super Bowl experience. Robert Hainsey (backup center) played all 17 regular season games last year. Nick Leverett (second-string right guard) played meaningful snaps at guard last year. Brandon Walton (backup right tackle) also has plenty of experience.

On the defensive line, Tampa Bay has some veterans ready to step in behind its young starters. Pat O’Connor, Will Gholston, and Greg Gaines are listed on the second team.

At outside linebacker, the Bucs suddenly have some intriguing depth as well. Anthony Nelson re-signed this offseason, so he’s the No. 3 guy. Meanwhile, the other second-team EDGE is rookie Yaya Diaby, who has impressed so far and is making a push for snaps this season.

A Look At Tampa Bay’s Ongoing Position Battles

Bucs WR Deven Thompkins – Photo By: Cliff Welch/PR

The competition for the Bucs’ depth receiver roles is always fierce, and it’s no different this year. Behind the usual top three, Tampa Bay has rookie Trey Palmer, veteran David Moore, and second-year standout Deven Thompkins, who has been having a strong camp.

The third-team wide receivers are currently standout rookie Rakim Jarrett, Kaylon Geiger, and converted tight end Ryan Miller.

Elsewhere in camp competitions, the Bucs currently have veteran Chase Edmonds ahead for the No. 2 running back job. Ke’Shawn Vaughn is No. 3, while Sean Tucker, Patrick Laird, and Ronnie Brown are all listed after him.

Ko Kieft still has the edge for the No. 2 tight end job, but David Wells is listed at No. 3 and has flashed in camp. Payne Durham, Tanner Taula, and Dominique Dafney are all listed after him.

K.J. Britt and SirVocea Dennis are the backup inside linebackers, and perhaps the backup cornerback spots will give us a peek at the battle for the starting nickel position. The Bucs don’t have nickel listed as a position on the depth chart, but they list Dee Delaney ahead of Josh Hayes on the cornerback depth chart.

Nolan Turner and Christian Izien are currently the second-team safeties, with Kedrick Whitehead and Kaevon Merriweather behind them on the third team.

Chase McLaughlin is listed as the starting kicker over Rodrigo Blankenship right now, while Deven Thompkins is listed as both the starting kick and punt returner. Trey Palmer is the second-team punt returner, while Rachaad White is the second-team kick returner.