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Which players should be most worried about their jobs, heading into the season?

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5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Veterans Now on Roster Bubble Following Draft By Luke Easterling  May 6, 2015 Bubble1_Zpsd84Xourp.jpgPhelan M. Ebenhack/Associated Press The NFL draft is one of the most exciting events for NFL fans and teams alike. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, this year's installment was particularly enjoyable, with the addition of quarterback Jameis Winston as the top overall selection.But the draft isn't all sunshine and giggles for every member of the team. A new haul of rookies means more competition for roster spots, which ends up forcing veterans out of their jobs once training camp rolls around.However, competition can bring out the best in certain players and should always be a positive for teams, challenging the best players to rise to the top, as well as helping players develop by pushing them to compete with incoming teammates.Which players should be the most worried about their jobs heading into the 2015 season? Here's my take.P Michael KoenenBubble2_Zpssdwo9Tv8.JpgRick Osentoski/Associated Press The Bucs didn't spend a draft pick on a punter, but it still wouldn't surprise me if they end up looking for a cheaper, younger replacement for punter Michael Koenen.Koenen had an up-and-down year in 2014, struggling for much of the season before finishing stronger. Tampa Bay's defense struggled enough on its own, but Koenen didn't do the team many favors when it came to turning the field around and setting it up with advantageous field position.Koenen is scheduled to make $3.25 million this season, which is a hefty price tag for an inconsistent punter. Andrew Wilder was signed as a free agent earlier in the offseason, and he should be given every chance to wrestle away the starting job in training camp.LB Jason WilliamsWilliamstackledefense-820X550_Zpsqpcdseym.jpgMike McCarn/Associated Press The Bucs went into the draft hoping to bolster their depth in a number of positions, but linebacker is where they found a great combination of value and scheme fit with LSU's Kwon Alexander.Alexander is a talented but raw player, and while he could challenge Danny Lansanah for the starting spot on the strong side, it's more likely he spends much of his time in 2015 on special teams, while he develops his skill set.That could end up pushing a player like Williams off the roster. The Western Illinois product appeared in just three games in his first year with the Bucs last season, tallying seven tackles. He'll have to prove his value on special teams in training camp if he wants to make the final 53-man roster.OL Garrett GilkeyBubble4_Zpsj4Xwkr1N.jpgBob Leverone/Associated Press Tampa Bay's offensive line struggled mightily in 2014, and the severe lack of depth was exposed when injuries started to mount. Garret Gilkey was forced into action at both guard and center at times last year, and he failed to prove himself effective at either spot.Gilkey's poor performance last season would have had him already in danger of not making this year's team, but the Bucs spending two of their first three draft picks on offensive linemen makes his uphill climb even steeper now.Second-round pick Ali Marpet can play either guard or center, and the likes of Kadeem Edwards and Patrick Omameh will provide much stronger depth than Gilkey. Barring any injuries, I don't see Gilkey making the final cut come preseason.DT Matthew MasifiloBubble5_Zpsxt1B93Yd.jpgAssociated Press Another position the Bucs didn't address in the draft was defensive tackle, but that's because it's already one of their strongest units.Gerald McCoy, Clinton McDonald and Akeem Spence were already a strong rotation last year, but the Bucs bolstered the position even further in free agency by adding veteran Henry Melton this offseason. This likely leaves Masifilo as the odd man out.The Stanford product has spent three seasons with the Bucs, but he has only appeared in one game and has failed to register anything on the stat sheet. Tampa Bay has all the depth it needs on the interior of the defensive line, so don't be surprised if Masifilo doesn't make the cut.TE Luke StockerBubble6_Zpsq0Tmysje.jpgTim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports Tight end is another position the Bucs didn't add to on draft day, but that doesn't mean there won't be a logjam on the depth chart once training camp rolls around.Austin Seferian-Jenkins is primed for a breakout season now that he's fully healthy, and Brandon Myers is a decent second option. Luke Stocker found his greatest value last season when he moved to fullback, stepping in for the injured Jorvorskie Lane. Stocker proved to be an effective run-blocker, and the team re-signed him this offseason.That said, it's tough to tell if Stocker is locked into a roster spot. Lane will be back to full strength, and the team drafted Hawaii's Joey Iosefa to compete with him at fullback. If Stocker isn't able to contribute in that role, it could limit his chances of making the team.link

 
Posted : May. 7, 2015 11:33 am
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