In advance of the Bucs’ first preseason game on Saturday night, the team released its first unofficial depth chart on Tuesday. It’s important to note that this is just a preliminary depth chart and often times be used to send messages or to motivate players. A lot can change between now and the next preseason game. And even more could change come when the regular season rolls around.

There are quite a few surprises listed on the depth chart. But perhaps the biggest is the inclusion of center Ryan Jensen. There has been no official announcement or roster move made yet with the veteran center. Despite that, it’s still surprising to see him listed in the top spot. Robert Hainsey is listed as the top backup and is likely to begin the season as the team’s starting center.

Vaughn The Top Backup

Running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn being listed as the team’s top backup was also a surprise. Vaughn has had a very good camp so far and it’s clear he put an emphasis on improving his pass catching. But he’ll still need to prove that the pass-blocking aspect of his game is up to speed as well. Giovani Bernard remains a top option as a pass catcher and is probably the most accomplished pass protector of the group. He has flashed his usual quickness and burst in camp.

Rachaad White listed as fourth on the depth chart is largely due to him being a rookie and still getting the playbook down. This is still very much a competition and there could be changes before the regular season rolls around.

Wide Receiver Room Starting To Take Shape?

Bucs WR Jaelon Darden – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The wide receiver position is one of the most intense battles of camp. There are 10 players vying for two or three spots. So, when the depth chat dropped, it wasn’t surprising to see the Bucs go with players that have been in the system.

Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson round out the top six spots. Jaelon Darden appears to be the seventh wide receiver, as well as the team’s kick and punt returner. Miller has had an exceptionally good camp, stacking strong practices and showing off his versatility. Meanwhile, Johnson has received the praise of head coach Todd Bowles and Mike Evans for his consistency in camp. Darden has impressed as well in his second year.

Just missing the cut of the top seven are Cyril Grayson Jr. and the injured Breshad Perriman. There’s slew of undrafted rookies behind them, too. That group includes the likes of Deven Thompkins and Jerreth Sterns.

Left Guard Spot Goes To the Vet

As expected, Aaron Stinnie is listed as the team’s starting left guard. He has the most experience of the group and has started several games for the Bucs over his career. Rookie Luke Goedeke is listed as the second-string left guard, a spot he has occupied all throughout camp. The versatile Nick Leverett lands as the top backup at right guard. Meanwhile, Brandon Walton is listed as the the third-string right guard. He has seen snaps with the starting unit at guard and tackle during the last couple of weeks.

A Straightforward Front Seven

Switching over to the defensive side of the ball, the defensive line is pretty cut and dried, with the top six essentially locked in. The same goes for the inside linebacker position, where it seems the Bucs are comfortable going four-deep at the position. At outside linebacker, it’s much of the same as well, as the team is locked in with its top four options. There’s a chance Elijah Ponder could unseat Cam Gill for the fourth spot or prompt the Bucs to keep five at the position. But we’ll know more on that front after joint practices and preseason games.

SMB Gets A Top Spot At Corner

Bucs CBs Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamel Dean – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The cornerback position is where things get a bit interesting. Throughout camp, Sean Murphy-Bunting has seen plenty of first-team reps on the outside. So, it’s not necessarily surprising to see him listed as a top corner opposite Carlton Davis. However, he hasn’t really stood out and there haven’t been many instances of splash plays being made by the fourth-year corner.

Jamel Dean has made more plays than SMB while going against pretty much the same competition in camp. Dean has multiple interceptions and pass breakups over the first couple of weeks. It will be interesting to see what the Bucs decide to do when the regular season comes around with Murphy-Bunting firmly done in the slot. Zyon McCollum listed as the top reserve behind Davis isn’t surprising, as he’s been in that role throughout camp and could break through into the lineup at some point if there are injuries or if either corner struggles.

Finally, it’s worth noting the astronomical fall of defensive back Ross Cockrell. Last year’s training camp MVP has struggled this year and finds himself at the bottom of the depth chart at safety.