During the slew of roster cuts that the Bucs have been making, there was one that has come with a bit of a surprise. The Bucs have released veteran inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. per Adam Schefter, who was on the Non Football Related Injury list. According to Schefter, Walker Jr. is "healthy and ready to go," which is surprising.

Walker Missed All Of Training Camp With Bucs

Walker has not participated at all during training camp this summer as he was placed on the NFI list upon his arrival. It was unfortunate for Walker and Tampa Bay as he had really made his presence felt and been vocal while operating the defense during OTAs and mini-camp back in the spring. Head coach Todd Bowles stated that Walker had a lower leg injury that kept him out.

When the Bucs signed inside linebacker Anthony Walker Jr. this offseason, it was believed they were getting an upgrade over K.J. Britt that was quicker and provided experience and leadership at a position that remains critical to Todd Bowles' defense.  He was about to enter his ninth NFL season after productive stops in Indianapolis, Cleveland, and Miami.

Bucs ILB Anthony Walker Jr. – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

There was also has a personal connection in Tampa coming from a long-standing friendship with Lavonte David. The two trained together in Miami for years, and Walker was even staying at David's house during OTAs.

Ultimately, Walker was not going to be a long-term solution for the Bucs, but would've been an important short-term addition as a backup to David and SirVocea Dennis. There's a possibility that Walker could get on Tampa Bay's practice squad, but he would likely prefer to find a spot on an active roster on another team.

Could Bucs Keep An Undrafted Free Agent ILBs?

Part of this move by Tampa Bay might have come because they've found two new and younger replacements with inside linebackers Nick Jackson from Iowa and John Bullock out of Nebraska. Jackson has a bit more upside with his athleticism and really showed out during the preseason.

Against the Titans in the first preseason game, Jackson put together an impressive debut. He filled the stat box with six tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, a quarterback hit, a pass breakup, and an acrobatic one-handed interception. Jackson followed it up with another sack against Pittsburgh, coaches have praised his instincts, his quick read-and-react ability, and the relentless effort he brings to every snap. He wound up leading the team with 14 tackles in the preseason, in addition to two sacks, an interception and a pass breakup.

Update: Jackson was cut by the Bucs in a very surprising move. If he is not picked up by another team, it is very likely that Tampa Bay would add him to the practice squad and have him as a game day roster elevation.

Bucs ILB Nick Jackson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Bullock's impact has been was also very significant. The Nebraska product had two pass breakups in the preseason opener, one of which led directly to Jackson's interception. A week later, he added a sack against the Steelers, showing his ability to affect the game both in coverage and as a blitzer.

While he hasn't generated the same level of buzz as Jackson, Bullock has been consistent, dependable, and versatile. He led the team with five special teams tackles, including three in the finale against Buffalo. Tampa Bay values special teams production, which might give him a chance to make the 53-man roster.

Bucs ILB John Bullock – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR