Matera’s Way Too Early 53-Man Roster Projection

Bucs QB Jameis Winston – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Quarterbacks – 3
QB Jameis Winston
QB Blaine Gabbert
QB Jake Fromm
Analysis: It’s all about Winston as the starter and seeing how much better he can get wit a running game and better defense to help him. Gabbert’s the backup in case of injury due to his experience, and Fromm only gets the chance to play if things really go south and the Bucs need to see what they have for the future.

Running Backs – 4
RB Melvin Gordon
RB Ronald Jones II
RB Cam Akers
RB T.J. Logan
Analysis: This has a chance to be a three-headed monster at running back with Gordon, Jones and Akers, overall leading to a better running game. Logan will take return duties.

Wide Receivers – 6
WR Mike Evans
WR Chris Godwin
WR Scotty Miller
WR Antonio Gandy-Golden
WR Justin Watson
WR Bryant Mitchell
Analysis: The Bucs still have the best in the game with Evans and Godwin, who will get the majority of the receptions. It should be a good battle for receiver positions 4-6.

Bucs TE O.J Howard – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Tight Ends – 3
TE O.J. Howard
TE Antony Auclair
TE Codey McElroy
Analysis: This is a big year for the tight ends in terms of Howard looking to bounce back, Auclair improving as a receiver, and McElroy proving he can play in the NFL.

Offensive Line – 9
LT Donovan Smith
LG Ali Marpet
C Ryan Jensen
RG Alex Cappa
RT Andrew Thomas
OT Demar Dotson
OT Josh Wells
C/G Earl Watford
C/G Nick Harris
Analysis: They’ve improved at right tackle and upgraded at running back, so now the Bucs get that ground game that they always wanted. There’s strong depth behind them as well with Dotson, Watford, and Harris in case something happens.

Defensive Line: 6
DE Will Gholston
NT Vita Vea
DT Ndamukong Suh
DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
DT Neville Gallimore
DE Jeremiah Ledbetter
Analysis: Suh and Vea can continue to be a dynamic duo in the middle clogging up the run game while we get a look at what Gallimore can do. The defensive line for the Bucs is going to be fun to watch.

Bucs OLB Jason Pierre-Paul – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Outside Linebackers – 5
OLB Shaq Barrett
OLB Jason Pierre-Paul
OLB Anthony Nelson
OLB Alton Robinson
OLB Khazin Daniels
Analysis: The Bucs get their two best pass rushers back and for potentially for a full 16 game season. Can they repeat their success? And how much damage can they with both healthy? Speaking of health, Anthony Nelson was banged up a lot last year, so he we still haven’t seen the best of him yet.

Inside Linebackers – 4
ILB Devin White
ILB Lavonte David
ILB Kevin Minter
ILB Jack Cichy
Analysis: Between White and David, this is one of the strongest units on the team. White will only improve while David continues to play at an All-Pro level. We’ve found out Minter is a good backup who can step in if they need him to. Cichy has yet to to play a full season healthy, so that’s his main priority.

Cornerbacks – 6
CB Carlton Davis
CB Jamel Dean
CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
CB Lavert Hill
CB Mazzi Wilkins
CB Ryan Smith
Analysis: It’s all about growth with this unit and seeing how big of a step Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean take in year two. Carlton Davis had a good second half of the season, now it’s time for him to work on his hands and make some picks.

Bucs SS Jordan Whitehead – Photo by: Mary Holt/PR

Safeties – 4
FS Tre Boston
FS Mike Edwards
SS Jordan Whitehead
SS D’Cota Dixon
Analysis: I just don’t believe Justin Evans will be playing for this team until we actually see him in a helmet and uniform on a Sunday. In my mind the Bucs have already moved on from Evans, but if there’s any way he comes back, that’s a plus. The Bucs get some more play-making ability with the addition of Boston while Dixon gets a chance after suffering a season ending injury in training camp. We’ll also find out how much of a jump Mike Edwards took.

Special Teams – 3
K Matt Gay
P Bradley Pinion
LS Zach Triner
Analysis: Pinion had a fine year punting and handling kickoff duties. Gay showed his led strength, but also missed some game winning kicks. He’s got a lot of potential that he can build on, but for now Bucs fans will continue to nervously monitor each kick.

What Do You Think?

Bucs head coach Bruce Arians – Photo by: Getty Images

Did you like my Bucs Battle Plan for the 2020 offseason? Did you like the trade I made? Does it adequately address Tampa Bay’s needs? Which additions did you like best? Let me know what you think in the article comments section below.

Don’t forget to check out Scott Reynolds’, Mark Cook’s, and Jon Ledyards’ Bucs Battle Plan for the 2020 offseason as well and let them know what your thoughts. You can read Scott’s here, Mark’s here, and Jon’s here. To round out the week, Taylor Jenkins’ Bucs Battle Plan is on Friday.