Sikkema’s “Way Too Early” Projected Bucs’ 53-Man Roster

Quarterbacks – 3

Bucs QB Jameis Winston – Photo by: Mary Holt/PR

QB Jameis Winston
QB Josh McCown
QB Manny Wilkins
Analysis: I think the Bucs will still keep three quarterbacks on their roster, despite what needs to be total dedication to Winston. McCown played as a veteran under Bowles in New York, so he would be a good guy to bring in. Then I think they’ll take an undrafted rookie as their third.

Running Backs – 4

RB Peyton Barber
RB Rodney Anderson
RB Andre Ellington
RB Ronald Jones
Analysis: I believe Barber and Jones can be a good one-two combo for the Buccaneers behind a much improved offensive line. Ellington can give them the same role Jacquizz Rodgers did last year but with more familiarity with Arians and his system. Anderson is a wild card as he heals up from a torn ACL.

Wide Receivers – 5

WR Mike Evans
WR Chris Godwin
WR Justin Watson
WR Bobo Wilson
WR Jalen Marshall
Analysis: Evans and Godwin lead the way in an still stacked and talented receiver group. Though it isn’t as deep as the one they had last year, I think it can be just as productive with veterans at the top and Justin Watson getting his first crack at some starting action.

Tight Ends – 4

TE O.J. Howard
TE Antony Auclair
TE Tanner Hudson
TE Donald Parham
Analysis: With no Brate, Auclair will have his time to step up. It will be the O.J. Howard show at the top, and I have to imagine Arians is going to make Howard one of the most productive tight ends in the NFL.

Offensive Line – 9

Bucs LG Ali Marpet and LT Donovan Smith – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

LT Donovan Smith
LG Ali Marpet
C Ryan Jensen
RG Mitch Morse
RT Yodny Cajuste
OL Alex Cappa
OG Nate Herbig
G Dru Samia
OT Leonard Wester
Analysis: Smith will man the left tackle position while I think one of their rookies, either Cajuste or Samia will pay right tackle. Cajuste played left tackle at WVU, and while Samia played guard at Oklahoma for the last few years, he started at right tackle as a true freshman for them. I also have Morse playing right guard with Jensen remaining at center. That’s a very solid starting five.

Defensive Line – 6

NT Vita Vea
DT Quinnen Williams
DE Will Gholston
DT Gerald McCoy
DE John Cominsky
NT Bennie Logan
Analysis: As the Bucs transition to more multiple defensive sets, they need to make sure they have the talent and the size to play whatever front will work best for them. With a rotation of Vea, Williams and McCoy – who could also all play at the same time in certain sets – the Bucs will truly have a wave of interior players to send out there again offensive linemen.

Outside Linebackers – 4

SLB Carl Nassib
WLB Jason Pierre-Paul
SLB Kendell Beckwith
WLB Noah Spence
Analysis: The outside linebacker group will be led by Pierre-Paul, the only man to eclipse double-digit sacks for the Buccaneers since Simeon Rice. Though I’m not sure Nassib’s production will stay as high as it was last year, he has certainly earned plenty of playing time in 2018. As for the others, this is Noah Spence’s last chance to prove himself and you just hope Beckwith is healthy enough to contribute.

Inside Linebackers – 4

ILB Kwon Alexander
ILB Lavonte David
ILB Cam Lynch
ILB Kevin Minter
Analysis: The dynamic duo of David and Alexander are back to man the middle of Bowles’ multi-front defense. Those two will give the team plenty of energy on the inside, as will their backups.

Cornerbacks – 6

Bucs CB Vernon Hargreaves III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

CB Carlton Davis
CB Vernon Hargreaves
CB Ryan Smith
CB Javien Elliott
CB Montre Hartage
CB Savion Smith
Analysis: It’s a young cornerback group that the Buccaneers will be trotting out, but in a defense that allows cornerbacks to play up in press coverage and get close to receivers, Smith and Davis should fare well, and Hargreaves is set for a bounce back year at the nickel.

Safeties – 5

FS Justin Evans
SS Tyrann Mathieu
SS Andrew Adams
FS Jordan Whitehead
SS MJ Stewart
Analysis: The prize of the free agency period for most Bucs fans will make his debut as the strong safety in the Bucs’ aggressive multiple defense. Mathieu and Evans will be one of the most dynamic tandems in the NFL.

Specialists – 3

K Matt Bryant
P Brad Wing
LS Drew Ferris
Analysis: Matt Bryant takes his old position as kicker of the Buccaneers, and I have signed punter Brad Wing to replace Bryan Anger.