Present State Of The Bucs
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a season wherein the group received a 3rd straight NFC South championship within the second 12 months of head coach Todd Bowles. The Bucs beat the Panthers in Week 18 to complete 9-8 and atop the division and received a house playoff sport towards the Eagles, which saved Bowles employed. Tampa Bay was tied with Detroit heading into the fourth quarter of the Divisional spherical of the playoffs earlier than dropping, however there’s optimism that the Bucs can keep atop the NFC South if the group can retain its core free brokers.
Professional Bowl broad receiver Mike Evans was re-signed for 2 extra years, and the group used the franchise tag on All-Professional security Antoine Winfield Jr. Subsequent up is making an attempt to get Professional Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield below contract earlier than the beginning of free company, then re-signing linebacker Lavonte David and kicker Chase McLaughlin.
The Bucs presently have round $21 million in wage cap area after retaining Evans and Winfield, however assistant common supervisor Mike Greenberg can do some restructures to create extra room as wanted. Tampa Bay is saddled with near $22 million in lifeless cap cash, however that’s a far cry from final 12 months when that determine was near $80 million.
Bucs GM Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
The Bucs have already introduced that they’ll launch 31-year previous exterior linebacker Shaq Barrett, and middle Ryan Jensen, who suffered a career-ending knee harm two years in the past, has introduced his retirement. Tampa Bay can be anticipated to launch oft-injured receiver Russell Gage to clear some cap room, and will do the identical with cornerback Carlton Davis III if the group doesn’t commerce him.
Tampa Bay has 18 unrestricted free brokers, however Mayfield, David, McLaughlin and lengthy snapper Zach Triner are the one starters. As Pewter Report reported at midseason, the Bucs won’t be re-signing inside linebacker Devin White, a former first-round decide, nor will Tampa Bay convey again security Ryan Neal, who signed a one-year deal final offseason.
Bowles has needed to make some modifications on the teaching employees this offseason with offensive coordinator Dave Canales leaving to turn into the pinnacle coach of the Carolina Panthers. Offensive line coaches Harold Goodwin and Joe Gilbert joined Canales in Carolina, as did receivers coach Brad Idzik. Bucs particular groups coach Keith Armstrong additionally retired and offensive assistant David Raih left for Washington.
Bowles employed Liam Coen to exchange Canales, and added Thomas McGaughey as the brand new particular groups coordinator. Kevin Carberry is the Bucs’ new offensive line coach with Brian Picucci as his assistant. Bryan McClendon is Tampa Bay’s new broad receivers coach, and Josh Grizzard has been employed to be the group’s passing sport coordinator.
Explaining The Bucs Battle Plans For 2024
PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Matt Matera, Josh Queipo, Bailey Adams and Adam Slivon have devised their very own Bucs Plans For the 2024 offseason. These come full with their individualized free agent signings, trades, roster strikes and draft picks to hopefully assist Tampa Bay earn a playoff spot for the fifth straight 12 months.
Bear in mind, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com employees members would reshape the group this offseason – not essentially what we expect Tampa Bay will do in free company and the draft, though there could possibly be some overlap with sure gamers the group could also be focusing on.
Queipo’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2024 Offseason
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield – Picture by: USA Immediately
The NFC South might not be the pushover it was only a 12 months in the past. The Falcons, relying on what they do on the quarterback place could possibly be contenders in a short time. The Bucs will must be good with each transfer to attempt to maximize their potential to win the division within the short-term with out hurting their probabilities to pivot to the longer term. My plan will mirror a technique that tries to just do that.
No cheap group coming off of an look within the Divisional spherical of the playoffs would ditch their possibilities of making an attempt to repeat when the entire items that helped get them there can be found to be retained. However on the similar time the group is within the midst of a youth motion. And discovering a roster that each options that youth motion whereas additionally discovering complimentary veterans to intensify it’s the path that I’m going to take.
I’ve 4 offseason priorities. 1) Retain high inside free brokers. 2) Make one splash exterior free agent to handle a tough want. 3) Plug any extra roster holes with moderately priced mid-tier free brokers. That can enable me to actually take a greatest participant out there strategy to the draft to amass high-end, cost-controlled expertise for 2025 and past.
Bucs Restructures
NT Vita Vea – Vea had one other good season, even when his sack complete got here down 12 months over 12 months. He continues to be a bit that the protection is constructed round and there’s no purpose to suppose he’s approaching a cliff. Restructuring his deal is sensible to open up extra cap area for a number of pending free brokers I consider the Bucs ought to retain. This restructure clears $10,781,250 in cap area.
CB Jamel Dean – Dean performed effectively late within the season and nonetheless has three years left on his present deal. I’d partially restructure a few of his base wage ($7,000,000) to assist create a little bit over $5 million in cap area. However I wouldn’t go for a max restructure in an effort to proceed to enhance the group’s long-term cap place.
Bucs Cuts
Bucs WR Russell Gage and OLB Shaq Barrett – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
OLB Shaq Barrett – This moved has already been introduced by the group. It will likely be a submit 6/1 designation that may require the group to hold his $14,190,882 wage cap hit by means of that date earlier than they obtain $4,923,882 in cap financial savings for 2024.
WR Russell Gage – I used to be one of many largest Russell Gage supporters from the second he signed with the Bucs in 2022. Sadly, accidents robbed Gage and the group of what may have been. Coming off of an harm that robbed him of his complete 2023 marketing campaign the group can’t be assured he’ll have the ability to present the manufacturing his $10 million wage and $13.35 million cap hit would require.
Slicing Gage offers the group with slightly below $6.5 million in cap financial savings.
C Ryan Jensen* – Jensen has technically retired. However he and the group received’t course of the paperwork till after June 1st to assist unfold out his lifeless cap hit throughout 2024 and 2025. The web financial savings might be $1.2 million in cap room for the Bucs.
OLB Anthony Nelson – I’ve lengthy been decrease on Nelson than most. Whereas his stress fee improved from 2022 to 2023 his sack complete got here down from 5.5 to 3 attributable to a predictable regression to the imply in conversion fee. He’s a moderate-floor, low-upside cross rusher and I wish to release his roster spot for higher-upside gamers greater than something. Slicing Nelson saves the Bucs $1.848 million.
Bucs Trades
CB Carlton Davis III – Regardless of receiving the ire of a lot of the Bucs fanbase for missed time attributable to accidents and deflated turnover numbers, Davis remains to be a superb nook in a league that’s continuously in search of them. However I do suppose Davis has began to say no and the Bucs can save cap area and internet a draft decide by buying and selling him.
The Ravens have wants at nook, so I discovered a commerce companion in them for the 93rd general decide. This falls in step with the commerce worth I consider Davis to have as detailed right here. This transfer would additionally clear $6.3 million in cap area.
Unrestricted Free Brokers Re-Signed
QB Baker Mayfield — 4 years, $130 million
Baker Mayfield – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Mayfield proved final 12 months he can function an offense that caters to his strengths at a median to above common clip. His mix of maturity, management, arm energy and processing can produce an environment friendly offense able to scoring sufficient to return the Bucs to the playoffs.
What’s extra, his teammates love enjoying with and for him and he received’t break the financial institution on a brand new contract. Ideally this contract would have been one 12 months shorter however primarily based on what I’ve heard round NFL circles, within the curiosity of realism I’ve it as a four-year deal that clears $32 million per 12 months.
The construction of the deal isn’t too prohibitive if I needed to stroll away after 12 months two, however below new offensive coordinator Liam Coen and primarily based on final 12 months’s efficiency and the state of the rising NFL wage cap I nonetheless be ok with this contract previous 12 months one. The 2024 cap hit can be $16.5 million.
WR Mike Evans — 2 years, $41 million
The Bucs and Evans got here collectively on an extension earlier this week in a deal that ought to assist guarantee he stays a Buc for all times. The deal is a win for either side, however particularly helps Tampa Bay with the 2024 cap hit. The 2024 cap cost needs to be $5,568,000.
S Antoine Winfield Jr — 4 years, $82 million
Winfield is about to turn into the best paid security within the NFL, and for good purpose. The All-Professional has greater than earned a market-setting deal. He has proven a capability to deal with, rush the passer, drive turnovers and be a common playmaker. Oh…and he’s a top-five deep security within the league. Fairly merely, the person can do all of it. The 2024 cap hit can be $7.5 million.
LB Lavonte David — 1 12 months, $7.5 million
Bucs ILB Lavonte David – Picture by: USA Immediately
David’s sport continues to be ageless. His distinctive mixture of instincts and preparation enable him to play a lot quicker than gamers 10 years his junior who’re a lot quicker bodily. He’s an undisputed chief of the protection, and by extension the group as an entire. He might be wanted to bridge the hole to the subsequent crop of Bucs linebackers.
As a lot as Mike Evans deserves to retire a Buc, David deserves it extra. He will get the Ronde Barber therapy from me. One-year offers primarily based on whether or not he desires to proceed his profession till he lastly hangs ’em up. David’s 2024 wage cap hit can be $4,166,667.
Ok Chase McLaughlin — 2 years, $9 million
McLaughlin had one of the best season by a Bucs kicker in franchise historical past. You don’t let that stroll out the door, particularly contemplating the vary that McLaughlin can hit precisely from. Put him on the record, and his cap hit can be $4.25 million in 2024.
QB John Wolford — 1 12 months, $1.125 million
Wolford could also be one of the best third-string quarterback within the NFL since Brock Purdy. The connection to new offensive coordinator Liam Coen is a plus. As his familiarity with the system, which may help the remainder of the quarterback room acclimate rapidly. Wolford’s 2024 cap hit can be $1,125,000.
WR David Moore — 1 12 months, $1.125 million
Bucs WR David Moore – Picture by: USA Immediately
It took time for Moore to get a possibility on the sphere after spending many of the season on the Bucs’ follow squad. However as soon as he obtained his shot, he took full benefit. Moore is the right depth receiver who’s strong in most aspects of the sport and may step in to most roles. Moore’s 2024 cap hit can be $1,125,000.
OT Justin Skule — 1 12 months, $1.125 million
Skule’s lateral agility and measurement make him an awesome backup for an offensive scheme that ought to ask its linemen to be lively throughout two planes. This may lead to a 2024 cap hit of $1,125,000.
DT Pat O’Connor — 1 12 months, $1.125 million
O’Connor is a lunchpail sort of man who does his job effectively as each a particular teamer and because the sixth defensive lineman. When requested to play a dozen snaps or so he will get the job carried out. The worth he brings because the 52nd or 53rd man on the roster is immense. His 2024 cap hit can be $1,125,000.
DT Greg Gaines — 1 12 months, $2.25 million Gaines was a strong backup to Vita Vea at nostril deal with final 12 months and whereas I give attention to many different facets of the roster, I convey him again to attempt to preserve the established order at DL depth. Gaines’ 2024 cap hit can be $2,250,000.
Unrestricted Free Brokers Not Re-Signed
Bucs ILB Devin White – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
LB Devin White – On condition that his opinion of himself doesn’t jive with what the group considered him on the finish of 2023, it’s greatest that each events get a contemporary begin with out the opposite.
OG Matt Feiler – Feiler started the season because the beginning left guard however misplaced the job whereas he was recovering from an harm midseason. His play main as much as that harm wasn’t excessive sufficient to make the group wish to return to him as soon as he returned to well being. The group must discover a youthful, extra athletic, larger upside guard to proceed the re-vamping of the group’s offensive line.
DL Will Gholston – Gholston’s 2023 was a bounce again from a disappointing 2022. However together with his snap depend diminishing for the third 12 months in a row it’s secure to surprise if he might have performed his final NFL snap.
S Ryan Neal – Nobody might have been as excessive on the Neal signing final 12 months as me. However by any and all measures Neal was a disappointment. As a lot as I needed him to work out in Tampa Bay, I don’t retain his providers in 2024.
RB Chase Edmonds – Edmunds had spurts of effectiveness, however accidents and inconsistency depart me desirous to see if I can discover higher reliability to match up with Rachaad White.
OG Aaron Stinnie – Stinnie will probably be in search of greater than a deal for a backup. I’m dedicated to upgrading that left guard place, so our priorities and Stinnie’s simply don’t align.
LS Zach Triner – Triner has been a high quality lengthy snapper for a number of years, however the place is a fairly replaceable one and the Bucs can avoid wasting cash by transferring to a youthful possibility.
OLB Cam Gill – Gill as soon as flashed some promise, however accidents have killed any probability of him ever being a significant function participant for the Bucs.
Restricted Free Brokers Re-Signed
Bucs OL Nick Leverett – Picture by: USA Immediately
OL Nick Leverett — 1 12 months, $1.125 million
Leverett didn’t get any enjoying time in 2023 as Robert Hainsey’s backup. However rewind to the 12 months prior and he performed a serviceable beginning left guard after taking on for Luke Goedeke halfway by means of Tom Brady’s closing 12 months. Leverett’s lack of enjoying time signifies that I received’t have to make use of a restricted free agent tender (the bottom tier – proper of first refusal is available in at $2,985,000).
Restricted Free Brokers Not Re-Signed
CB Dee Delaney – Delaney has been a do all of it backup for a few seasons, however at 29 years previous I fear about his athleticism declining quickly.
Unique Rights Free Brokers Re-Signed
WR Deven Thompkins – The Bucs have already re-signed Thompkins, extending him to a one-year, $980,000 deal. Thompkins was a strong returner final 12 months who offered some sparks to the offense as a gadget participant.
OT Brandon Walton – Walton has been a developmental deal with who has grown right into a strong backup left deal with. The Bucs have already re-signed him to a one-year, $980,000 contract.
New Unrestricted Free Brokers Signed
WR Josh Reynolds — 2 years, $10 million
Lions WR Josh Reynolds – Picture by: USA Immediately
Reynolds had a breakout season with the Lions in 2023 catching 40 passes for 608 yards and 5 touchdowns. He works particularly effectively towards zone protection, and regardless of a nasty sport towards the 49ers within the NFC Championship sport, he had a drop fee of below 10%.
Reynolds would have the ability to push Trey Palmer to solidify himself because the No. 3 receiver function or take it for himself. Both manner it improves the depth and ground of the room if one of many Bucs’ high two receivers goes down.
C Brian Allen — 1 12 months, $2.75 million
With simply 12 video games performed up to now two years Allen comes with loads of harm threat. However with Robert Hainsey and his 36 begins within the final two years transferring to a backup function, the Bucs are ready with the right hedge towards that threat. Allen, when on the sphere, is an excellent middle who is aware of Coen’s system and may present a veteran presence on an evolving line.
RB DeeJay Dallas — 1 12 months, $1.125 million
Dallas has restricted put on on his tires, however loads of expertise in an identical system to what offensive coordinator Liam Coen will wish to run. Dallas doesn’t have anybody nice trait, however he could be a dependable praise to Rachaad White who may help maintain an offense on schedule.
EDGE Bryce Huff — 4 years, $68 million
Huff is one among my favourite free brokers of this cycle. His effectivity numbers as a cross rusher had been a few of the highest within the NFL final 12 months. He was third within the league in cross rush win fee (22.7%) and thirteenth in Professional Soccer Focus’ cross rush grade (89.7) in true cross rush units. The 6-foot-3, 255-pound edge rusher can win across the edge with velocity to energy and with inside counters.
S Geno Stone — 2 years, $17 million
Stone got here out of nowhere to choose off seven passes as part of an especially proficient Baltimore Ravens protection. Stone is at his greatest enjoying high down as a deep security, which permits Bucs head coach Todd Bowles to maneuver star chess piece Antoine Winfield Jr. throughout the sphere as a matchup nightmare for opposing offenses.
OG Laken Tomlinson — 1 12 months, $2.25 million
Tomlinson was just lately launched by the Jets. That was principally a cap saving transfer as he had not lived as much as his $13,333,333 APY contract. He’s not a long-term answer, however he’s been constant and out there. The 2023 season was the primary time in six years his cross block effectivity had dipped under 97% and it’s an affordable guess that on a really low cost deal he may bounce again above that threshold.
LB Josey Jewell — 2 years, $12.5 million
Jewell is the antithesis of Devin White. He’s not uber athletic however he’s task sound and strong in cross protection. Paired with Lavonte David, the Bucs can presumably discipline one of many higher linebacker duos within the league.
Queipo’s 2024 Bucs Draft Picks
Florida State WR Keon Coleman – Picture by: USA Immediately
I used the Professional Soccer Focus mock draft simulator to assist inform my draft. Whereas it’s not excellent, no draft simulator is. And general, I may see every of those gamers being out there the place the Bucs decide.
There have been two gamers I hoped would fall to No. 26 however that I used to be unwilling to commerce up for. Each had been inside offensive linemen in Duke’s Graham Barton and Oregon’s Jackson Powers-Johnson. Powers-Johnson went at No. 20 to the Steelers and Barton went one decide earlier than the Bucs at No. 25 to the Packers.
So, with no coveted participant at No. 26, I look to commerce again and accumulate extra draft capital. The Giants supplied me picks Nos. 39, 70, and 108 together with a 2025 fourth-round decide. I take the commerce and now have six picks within the high 110.
Spherical 2 – Florida State WR Keon Coleman • 6-3, 213 • Junior
The Bucs receiver room stays intact with the re-signing of Mike Evans, however Chris Godwin is coming into the final 12 months of his present deal, and no different receiver has established themselves as a reputable starter as of but. Coleman is one among a really deep crop of receivers on this 12 months’s draft. He has a superb body, and whereas he doesn’t wow on the stopwatch, he can hit some critical high speeds. He was clocked at over 20 miles per hour in the course of the gauntlet drill on the 2024 NFL Mix and nonetheless grades out effectively athletically.
Coleman is a superb understudy to Evans down the road who can even assist solidify the receiver room as an unbelievable energy. He mixed with Palmer offers the Bucs some stability on the place past 2026.
Spherical 2 – Western Michigan EDGE Marshawn Kneeland • 6-3, 267 • Senior
Kneeland is one among “My Guys” on this 12 months’s draft. His mix of energy, velocity and bend is intriguing. He was one of many standout gamers of the Reese’s Senior Bowl in Cellular the place he proved he may grasp with Energy-5 competitors regardless of enjoying his collegiate profession within the MAC. Kneeland had alternatives to go to a better publicity faculty for his senior 12 months, a la former teammate Braden Fiske, however opted to remain at Western Michigan out of loyalty to this system and his teammates.
Kneeland completed his profession with 12.5 sacks, and 28 tackles for loss whereas capping off his school profession with a 12.8% stress fee in his senior 12 months. He can function in a flexible scheme as each a hand-in-the-dirt rusher or standing up and may drop into protection effectively attributable to his background as a former tight finish. His athleticism permits him to work effectively off of a robust bull rush and he has displayed a wide range of cross rush strikes as a part of a well-rounded cross rush plan.
Spherical 3 – South Dakota State G Mason McCormick • 6-4, 309 • Senior
McCormick is a compact, high-effort blocker who scored an virtually excellent relative athletic rating (RAS) on the NFL Scouting Mix. He performs with a finisher’s mentality and combines that with a excessive soccer IQ. A 3-year group captain reveals that he approaches the sport the proper manner.
He solely allowed three pressures in virtually 400 cross block reps final 12 months and McCormick’s run blocking may assist jumpstart a Bucs run sport that has struggled for consecutive years now.
Spherical 3 – Ohio State DT Michael Corridor Jr. • 6-2, 313 • R-Sophomore
Corridor is a twitchy hole shooter who can play effectively as a backup to Calijah Kancey as a backup 3-technique on rush downs and as a 4i/5-technique in base personnel. He’s fast off the road and likes to penetrate gaps each as a cross rusher and when defending towards horizontal run schemes. He makes use of his fingers effectively to search out stress factors towards opposing linemen and may cut back his floor space to assist him win rapidly.
Corridor lacks ultimate measurement and has hassle anchoring towards double groups, however in a run protection that options Vita Vea, I really like the thought of constructing depth for the Bucs’ four-man cross rush. As a redshirt sophomore, there’s room for him to proceed to develop by way of mass on his body and his general long-term outlook.
Spherical 4 – Louisville CB Jarvis Brownlee Jr. • 5-10, 194 • Senior
Brownlee is a small, however bodily nook who excels in press-man inside 10 yards. He likes to assist in run protection as effectively. This provides as much as a participant who may push Christian Izien because the Bucs’ beginning slot nook whereas offering depth on the perimeter as effectively. Brownlee had an superior Senior Bowl the place he excelled towards an excellent receiver group. I’m betting on his mentality and demeanor to pair together with his aggressive skillset to win on the subsequent degree.
Spherical 4 – Florida State RB Trey Benson • 6-0, 216 • Senior
That is one I could also be getting away with. This 12 months’s incoming crop of rookie working backs is a bit on the unheralded aspect. And there’s no consensus High 10, 5 and even three. I believe folks could also be sleeping on this group. There’s a probability Benson could possibly be RB1 on some group’s board and he’s not there within the fourth spherical. However he was in my simulator and contemplating the general outlook on this working again class and the shortage of consensus by way of order, I’m taking him right here.
Benson examined very effectively on the Mix and has some superior tape at Florida State. I really like his mixture of contact/steadiness and imaginative and prescient and his profession missed tackle-forced fee is close to 40%. His sub-4.4 velocity proves he could be a breakaway menace pas the second degree. His measurement and aggressive working model ought to complement effectively with Rachaad White. If he can study to lean into his measurement a bit extra by way of working downfield with authority extra usually he may show to be fairly the steal.
Spherical 4 – Maryland S Beau Brade • 6-0, 203 • Senior
Brade is a high quality jack-of-all-trades security whose positional versatility may pair effectively with Antoine Winfield Jr. down the road. He can play up high, within the field, or transfer to the nickel if wanted. He has good ball expertise, which is one thing the Bucs defensive backfield has lacked for a few years now. I like his eyes and the way effectively he retains observe of the ball and will get his head round on the catchpoint.
Brade is an effective zone defender who drives to the ball effectively because it will get into the air. He’s not a bodily enforcer as a tackler, however he’s a prepared run defender who will execute his job soundly. And I believe he’s a plus blitzer who had a profession stress fee of over 16% in restricted alternatives throughout his profession.
My final transfer of the draft is to bundle all three of my remaining picks (204, 244 and 255) to maneuver as much as decide 181. I take advantage of that decide to pick out:
Spherical 6 – Michigan TE A.J. Barner • 6-6, 251 • Senior
Barner is a tall, lean tight finish with a powerful blocking background. He offers athletic upside over Ko Kieft as a pass-catcher. Barner holds up effectively towards edge rushers as a run blocker who may help the Bucs run sport lastly get to not less than common.
As a cross catcher, he’s not tremendous fluid to win on the high of his stem towards man protection, however Barner finds holes within the zone and I believe he could possibly be an above-average seam runner. For a Day 3 decide I like the thought of including to the back-end of the tight finish room with some competitors.
Queipo’s “Approach Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection
QUARTERBACKS – 3
Baker MayfieldKyle TraskJohn Wolford
Evaluation: No change from 2023 for a quarterback room that over-achieved versus most individuals’s expectations. Mayfield’s deal on no account prohibits the group from taking a swing at quarterback within the draft at any level sooner or later. And with each Trask and Wolford being below contract solely by means of the 2024 season there’s a good probability my Bucs group can be wanting on the 2025 draft class not directly for a sign caller.
RUNNING BACKS – 4
Bucs RB Rachaad White – Picture by: USA Immediately
Rachaad WhiteTrey BensonDeeJay DallasSean Tucker
Evaluation: Benson offers Rachaad White a high quality working mate with extra short-area quickness. He additionally runs with a bit extra sense of urgency. The pairing of the 2 will hopefully enhance the outcomes of the working sport general. Dallas offers some insurance coverage from a veteran who has performed in an identical system in Seattle whereas concurrently pushing Tucker to show he actually was a steal as an undrafted free agent signing final 12 months.
WIDE RECEIVERS – 5
Mike EvansChris GodwinJosh ReynoldsKeon ColemanTrey PalmerRakim Jarrett
Evaluation: Those that had been excessive on Palmer final 12 months might really feel like my roster constructing wastes him as there’s a life like model of this world the place he’s now WR5. Equally, some may say that signing Reynolds to a multi-year contract solely to then choose Coleman with my first draft decide is a waste of one of many two gamers. Right here is my response: for those who really feel like my WR5/6 are too good to be WR5/6 then I will need to have carried out a rattling advantageous job of constructing the room right into a energy.
I really like how this group formed up because it offers me a ton of depth for accidents. It forces three gamers who’ve all proven good qualities to earn their place on the depth chart and units the room up properly for 2025 and past (which is what one of the best group builders do – look past the present 12 months to the wants of 12 months two/three).
TIGHT ENDS– 4
Cade OttonPayne DurhamKo KieftA.J. Barner
Evaluation: Cade Otton got here on down the stretch final 12 months and proved he’s a starting-caliber tight finish and an actual asset to the Bucs passing sport. I’m hopeful that his blocking will take not less than a small step ahead in 12 months three to make him a extra full participant. Durham had some promising moments within the second half of 2023, and I anticipate him to win the TE2 spot together with his measurement and red-zone skills.
Kieft will battle Barner for the TE3 spot. Barner offers an attention-grabbing developmental alternative as his athleticism actually shines on tape and he proved to be a better-than-average blocker final 12 months in a run-heavy Michigan scheme. That provides him extra long-term upside than Kieft, who might be the higher pure blocker at this stage of every participant’s particular person profession.
OFFENSIVE LINE – 10
Bucs LT Tristan Wirfs – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
LT Tristan WirfsLG Laken TomlinsonC Brian AllenRG Cody MauchRT Luke GoedekeOL Nick LeverettG Mason McCormickC Robert HainseyOT Justin SkuleOT Brandon Walton
Evaluation: I’ve Tomlinson and Allen penciled in as starters right here, however I may simply see McCormick incomes the beginning left guard function. He isn’t as polished as different small-school, mid-round gamers the Bucs have taken in latest reminiscence, and he may wish a 12 months to develop earlier than taking the beginning reigns in 2025.
Hainsey offers a superb hedge for Allen’s harm historical past, whereas the remainder of the road stays the identical from 2024. I anticipate whoever wins that job to supply comparable-to-better play than the Bucs obtained out of that spot final 12 months. I’m additionally relying on a sizeable soar in play from Mauch and a smaller soar from Goedeke to assist the unit take a step ahead 12 months over 12 months.
DEFENSIVE LINE – 6
Vita VeaCalijah KanceyLogan HallGreg GainesMichael Corridor Jr.Patrick O’Connor
Evaluation: Not quite a lot of modifications on this group from 2023 to 2024, though I believe the extent of play would enhance simply on Kancey’s 12 months two soar alone. Corridor changing Gholston on the roster would inject some youth and athleticism whereas sacrificing expertise and a sure ground that Gholston offered. I do suppose it offers a small increase to the cross rush which was one among my largest areas of emphasis this offseason.
EDGE RUSHERS – 5
Bucs OLB YaYa Diaby – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Bryce HuffYaya DiabyJoe Tryon-ShoyinkaMarshawn KneelandMarkees Watts
Evaluation: Huff is introduced in to be an alpha edge rusher that ought to enable head coach Todd Bowles to blitz extra out of creativity than necessity. Kneeland provides to the potential of the room. Dropping this room to a five-man unit versus final 12 months’s six-man room ought to give Watts extra alternatives to get on the sphere as effectively. I be ok with Diaby taking a step in 12 months two and changing into extra constant whereas JTS provides depth to the rotation.
INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 4
Lavonte DavidJosey JewellKJ BrittSirVocea Dennis
Evaluation: Jewell and David present a strong, veteran beginning duo that each play effectively in each side of the place. Jewell’s addition ought to instantly enhance the Bucs’ cross protection within the flat and hook zones. That enables David to be moved round much more now that he doesn’t must cowl for a companion who usually freelanced exterior of his task. Britt and Dennis present strong backups in case both of the starters go down with accidents (which each have had lately).
CORNERBACKS – 5
Jamel DeanZyon McCollumJarvis Brownlee Jr.Christian IzienJosh Hayes
Evaluation: Dean strikes to CB1 and McCollum will get an outlined function as a beginning perimeter nook. Izien and Brownlee Jr. get a camp battle to see who the beginning nickel might be. Brownlee can be first man to shift to exterior nook if both Dean or McCollum get harm.
I’ll admit that is the realm of the roster that I fear most about, however nook play is so unstable year-to-year I used to be frightened about sinking {dollars} right into a place group the place these contracts hardly ever look good a 12 months or two after they’re signed. I like Hayes as a developmental exterior nook who I believe can contribute in restricted snaps in 12 months two. He has nice measurement and good positional consciousness to play in Todd Bowles’ Cowl 3-heavy scheme.
SAFETIES – 4
Bucs FS Antoine Winfield Jr. – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
Antoine Winfield Jr.Geno StoneBeau BradeKaevon Merriweather
Evaluation: I hope the place the group lacks at nook they make up for with an attention-grabbing and deep security room. Stone is a ballhawk who can hopefully group with Winfield to create a turnover-heavy tandem that may flip video games at a second’s discover. I’d be snug with each Brade and Merriweather getting on the sphere in three-safety seems or as harm fill-ins.
SPECIALISTS – 3
Ok Chase McLaughlinP Jake CamardaLS Evan Deckers
Evaluation: A small change to this unit because the Bucs go youthful and cheaper at lengthy snapper with Deckers. Camarda continues his ascension as a future Corridor-of-Famer and McLaughlin returns after a historic season.
What Did You Assume?
Did you want my Bucs Battle Plan for the 2024 offseason? Does it adequately deal with Tampa Bay’s wants? Which additions did you want greatest? Let me know what you suppose within the article feedback part under.
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