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While Bucs players report today, training camp officially kicks off tomorrow with Tampa Bay’s first practice of the 2021 season. As our training camp battle series comes to a close, we’ll take a look back at each position we’ve covered. The stories are linked below with a brief synopsis of each battle. I also take a stab at a 53-man roster prediction and practice squad.
Quarterbacks
In the quarterback preview we took a look at the battles Blaine Gabbert will face. Up against rookie Kyle Trask for the backup job and Ryan Griffin for a spot on the roster, his experience in the system should give him an advantage. While Griffin is most likely the odd man out in this competition, a strong showing in camp could earn him a spot on the practice squad.
Running Backs
With the starting job up for grabs, all eyes will be here during camp. Ronald Jones led the team in yards last season, but recency bias could weigh in Leonard Fournette’s favor after an impressive postseason. How newcomer Giovani Bernard will work into the mix will be something to watch, as well as the progression of Ke’Shawn Vaughn.
Wide Receivers
The odds of the Bucs keeping seven wide receivers on the roster is slim. However, Justin Watson and Jaydon Mickens will make their best case during camp. The key to a successful bid will be to show out on special teams. Mickens will have to prove he is indispensable as a returner, while Watson needs to show more as a wide receiver.
Tight Ends
Whether the Bucs keep a fourth tight end on the roster as insurance for the oft-injured O.J. Howard will be a storyline worth monitoring throughout camp. At the expense of a roster spot elsewhere, it will take an impressive showing by bottom three tight ends to earn a spot on the team.
Offensive Linemen
The Bucs are guaranteed to keep eight offensive linemen due to league rules. The team is likely to keep at least nine linemen on the roster, with competition for the final spot coming from Brad Seaton and young, inexperienced players. Versatility will be the key to making the team out of camp.
Interior Defensive LineÂ
The Bucs managed to return every starter and depth piece from the defensive line in 2020. Young and hungry, players like Benning Potoa’e and Jeremiah Ledbetter could challenge veteran Steve McLendon for his spot. There should be solid competition on the back end, with the possibility of a veteran signing during camp.
Adding rookie Joe Tryon in the first round will push all other outside linebackers down the roster. How quickly the rookie can get up to speed and see meaningful snaps will be worth noting. While Anthony Nelson’s development as a pass rusher will be crucial in holding off Cam Gill and Quinton Bell.
Off-ball Linebackers
To try to fill the revolving door at depth linebacker, the Bucs invested in two draft picks at the position. They also brought in veteran special teams ace Joe Jones from Denver. The battle for the fourth spot will come down to special teams contributions, with Jones the heavy favorite.
Cornerbacks
A mix of youth and veterans make up the corner room. The battle here will come down to the fifth spot and will be heavily special teams dependent. Former special teams captain Ryan Smith saw zero snaps on defense last season. Antonio Hamilton, Cameron Kinley, Herb Miller and others will compete for the final cornerback spot.
Safeties
The Bucs waived Curtis Riley with an injury designation, who was promptly placed on injured reserve after clearing waivers. With the news of Jordan Whitehead’s placement on the team’s COVID/Reserve list, it will give an opportunity for more snaps for every other safety on the roster.
53-Man Roster Projection
Offense
Quarterback: Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Kyle Trask*
Running Back: Leonard Fournette, Ronald Jones, Giovani Bernard, Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Wide Receiver: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Antonio Brown, Scotty Miller, Tyler Johnson, Jaelon Darden*
Tight End: Rob Gronkowski, O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate
Tackle: Donovan Smith, Tristan Wirfs, Josh Wells
Guard: Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa, Aaron Stinnie, Sadarius Hutcherson*(C)
Center: Ryan Jensen, Robert Hainsey*(T/C)
Defense
Defensive Line: Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, Will Gholston, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Steve McLendon, Pat O’Connor, Khalil Davis,
Outside Linebacker: Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, Joe Tryon*, Anthony Nelson, Cam Gill
Off-Ball Linebacker: Lavonte David, Devin White, Kevin Minter, Joe Jones
Cornerback: Carlton Davis, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean, Ross Cockrell, Herb Miller
Safety: Jordan Whitehead, Antoine Winfield Jr., Mike Edwards, Javon Hagan
Specialists
Kicker: Ryan Succop
Punter: Bradley Pinion
Long-Snapper: Zach Triner
Practice Squad:
Offense: QB Ryan Griffin, WR Travis Jonsen, WR Jaydon Mickens, TE Tanner Hudson, OL Nick Leverett, OL John Molchon, OT Brad Seaton
Defense: DL Benning Potoa’e, DL Jeremiah Ledbetter, OLB Quinton Bell, ILB Grant Stuard*, ILB K.J. Britt*, CB Cameron Kinley*, CB Chris Wilcox*, S Raven Greene
Specialist: K Jose Borregales*
* Denotes rookie