Bucs safety Mike Edwards is stepping into a bigger role this year after three seasons serving as part of a rotation at the position. Jordan Whitehead’s departure in opened up the opportunity for Edwards to step in as a starter.

While he hasn’t come down with any picks through the first four days of camp he’s been all over the field and made some good plays. As the pads come on, we’ll get a better look as to how the transition to a full time player will go but so far Edwards says it’s been going great.

“It’s been going great,” Edwards said. “We’re all learning together. I feel like we’re all coming out here and just supporting ourselves and just learning together and playing together. For me I’m taking on the role, no matter what role it is, and I’m taking it on great. I feel like I’m [in great shape] going into year four, learning the scheme and everything and doing good.”

Bucs S Mike Edwards – Photo by: USA Today

Edwards has been known as all ball hawk all the way to his college days. Last season he had two pick-sixes against Atlanta to turn the tide of the game. He has five career interceptions with the Bucs, including three last year, but Edwards is looking to top that number this year alone.

“Personally, just being the best player I can be,” Edwards said. “Making my team better. I definitely want to up my interceptions. I’m trying to get up every year, at least seven interceptions. Seven plus. Create more turnovers and just let my game play.”

Edwards has a pair of accomplished veterans in the safety room in Keanu Neal and Logan Ryan to learn from this year. That’s something the Bucs secondary hasn’t had since he entered the league in 2019. He’ll lean on both of them picking their brains to help improve his game for the upcoming season.

If he can excel in his new role and come down with more splash plays and turnovers, it will make the decision to let Whitehead walk the right move.