FAB 2. Bucs Training Camp Sleepers

All eyes will be on quarterback Jameis Winston, who enters the 2019 training camp in a critical contract year, in addition to the numerous training camp battles we just explored in the first segment of SR’s Fab 5. Now let’s reveal some of the “sleepers” in Tampa Bay’s training camp. This list is compiled from inside scoop from One Buccaneer Place as well as my own observation from the team’s OTAs and mini-camps.

Bucs QB Nick Fitzgerald – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Quarterback – Nick Fitzgerald
Fitzgerald might be the most intriguing of all of the sleepers in Bucs training camp because he will be lined up all over the field. Fitzgerald, who was a three-year starting quarterback at Mississippi State, will spend some time battling for the No. 3 QB job with Ryan Griffin in addition to seeing some action at tight end. Fitzgerald will need to perform well on special teams, perhaps as a personal protector on punts, to stick on the 53-man roster in a Taysom Hill-type role in Tampa Bay.

Running Back – Bruce Anderson
Anderson had 2,896 yards and 24 touchdowns while averaging 6.0 yards per carry in his North Dakota State career, but perhaps more importantly, he logged 32 catches for 448 yards and seven touchdowns in his four years for the Bison. Anderson, a Tampa native, will battle veteran Andre Ellington for the third-down back, and might take on Dare Ogunbowale for the kick return job. Anderson, who has good speed and tackle-breaking ability, had two kickoff returns for touchdowns in college while averaging 26.2 yards.

Wide Receiver – DaMarkus Lodge
At 6-foot-2, 202 pounds, Lodge has NFL size and similarly built to other young wide receivers on Tampa Bay’s roster like Bryant Mitchell, Xavier Ubosi, Anthony Johnson and K.J. Brent for the final spot on the depth chart. Lodge was overshadowed by D.K. Metcalf and A.J. Brown while at Ole Miss, but was a solid possession receiver capable of winning 50-50 balls and picking up first downs. If he can do that in camp and play a role on special teams Lodge could be a Buccaneer well into September.

Tight End – Tanner Hudson
Hudson faces an uphill battle to make the 53-man roster because the top three spots are taken with O.J. Howard, Cameron Brate and Anthony Auclair. Head coach Bruce Arians has said that the team will likely keep three tight ends unless the person vying for the fourth spot is a stud special teamer. The 6-foot-5 Hudson has good height and good athleticism, but needs to add more bulk to be a more effective in-line blocker. The Bucs might not keep four tight ends, but if they do, it might be Hudson over veteran newcomer Jordan Leggett and Donnie Ernsberger.

Offensive Line – Reuben Holcomb
Ali Marpet is entrenched as the starter at left guard and Alex Cappa and veteran Earl Watford will battle for the right guard job. But who will be the other reserve guard? It could be Holcomb, who impressed the Bucs last summer as an undrafted free agent. The 6-foot-4, 309-pound Holcomb is a road-grader in the run game and is pretty stout in pass protection. He’ll have to beat out rookie Zack Bailey and others to win a roster spot, and if he can show position versatility by playing some center Holcomb could be a surprise player to watch in camp.

Defensive Line – DE Jeremiah Ledbetter
Ledbetter opened some eyes during the offseason by showing good athleticism and strength. Can he continue to draw praise when the pads come on? The 6-foot-3, 295-pound Ledbetter recorded 7.5 sacks in two years at Arkansas, including 5.5 and a forced fumble during his senior year in 2016. Ledbetter will battle Will Gholston for the defensive end spot on the D-line, playing the five and six technique. He’s one to watch as Ledbetter battles Dare Odeyingbo and others to be on the Bucs’ 53-man roster.

Bucs LB Devante Bond – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Inside Linebacker – ILB Devante Bond
Bond, a sixth-round pick in 2016, has struggled to find a role in Tampa Bay over the years outside of playing on special teams. Moving from strongside outside linebacker in the Bucs’ former 4-3 scheme to inside linebacker in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 defnese has made Bond look like a new man. Bond has good size at 6-foot-2, 240 pounds and is a very good athlete. He’s matured as a football player and looks more natural playing inside rather than on the edge. With the roster spots of Lavonte David, Devin White, Kevin Minter and Deone Bucannon solidified, Bond will duke it out against Jack Cichy, Corey Nelson and Emmanuel Smith for a reserve inside linebacker role.

Outside Linebacker – OLB David Kenney
Kenney earned a spot on the Bucs’ 90-man roster after being a try-out player during the team’s rookie mini-camp. Kenney showed impressive burst off the ball and an incredible knack for timing the snap. Rushing the passer in shorts and shirts is one thing, but when the pads come on in training camp it will be a different story. Kenney needs to show he can be physical as well as fast off the edge. If he can do that and be a factor on some special teams, the 6-foot-2, 250-pound Kenney can surprise in August and perhaps win a roster spot.

Cornerback – De’Vante Harris
Harris, a former New Orleans Saint, was signed midseason last year due to injury and had three passes defensed and three tackles in a 24-17 win against Carolina. Harris has good size at 5-foot-11, 190 pounds and has the opportunity to win a roster spot if he can play well on special teams in camp and the preseason. Having Ryan Smith start the season on the suspension list will only help Harris’ cause in the battle for the No. 5 cornerback spot on the depth chart.

Safety – D’Cota Dixon
Dixon, a rookie undrafted free agent from Wisconsin, was a playmaker in college, playing both cornerback and safety ad recording 179 tackles, 11 passes defensed, five interceptions, three forced fumbles, 2.5 sacks and two fumble recoveries. At 5-foot-10, 205 pounds, Dixon will be competing for both the nickel spot in the slot, as well as strong safety. Dixon likely won’t win a starting job, but he could claim a roster spot with enough playmaking tape on defense and by starring on special teams.

To find out more about Kenney, who is Tampa Bay’s ultimate underdog sleeper this year, continue on to Fab 3.