SR’s Fab 5: Inside Scoop And Evaluation From Bucs Mini-Camp

Welcome to SR’s Fab 5 – my weekly insider column on the Bucs that options 5 issues which are on my thoughts. SR’s Fab 5 is now a faster learn, however nonetheless packs a punch. Take pleasure in!

I’m off subsequent week, so there gained’t be one other SR’s Fab 5 column till Friday, June 28. Within the meantime, take pleasure in my perception, evaluation and inside scoop from Bucs necessary mini-camp.

FAB 1. Dimension Issues: Bucs Winners From Mini-Camp

Greater doesn’t at all times essentially imply higher, nevertheless it actually helps on the subject of the game of soccer, typically talking. There was a concerted effort in Tampa Bay for a number of gamers to get greater and stronger and plenty of did simply that this offseason within the Bucs energy and conditioning program.

A couple of rookies who wanted so as to add measurement previous to coaching camp did that even previous to rookie mini-camp. Tight finish Devin Culp, the staff’s seventh-round choose, weighed in at 231 kilos on the NFL Scouting Mix, the place he blazed a 4.47 time within the 40-yard sprint. However he reported to the Bucs final month already weighing 245 kilos and plans to be close to 250 for coaching camp.

Undersized inside linebacker Kalen DeLoach, an undrafted free agent, weighed 210 on the Mix, however reported to Tampa Bay at 215 and plans to be at 220 by the point camp comes on the finish of July.

In relation to the Bucs’ veterans, there have been a number of offseason winners when it got here to including wanted measurement – or adjusting their measurement within the case of defensive sort out Vita Vea. Listed below are 5 Bucs whose onerous work this offseason actually stood out heading into coaching camp.

DT Vita Vea

Bucs DTs Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

On a latest Pewter Report Podcast, Bucs basic supervisor Jason Licht broke the information in regards to the story behind Vea figuring out with Ndamukong Suh this offseason and reporting to necessary mini-camp in unbelievable form. When requested how a lot he presently weighs, Vea stated 347 kilos, which has been his listed weight since his rookie season in 2018.

Now at age 29, Vea has shed about 20 kilos in an effort to be extra fast and agile and probably forestall a few of the comfortable tissue and foot accidents he’s had from carrying extra weight in years previous. Vea has usually performed within the 360s, however needs to increase not solely his profession, but additionally the prime of his profession. It’s a sensible transfer that ought to permit Vea to grow to be extra of a dominant participant in 2024.

DT Calijah Kancey

At 6-foot, Kancey doesn’t have the body to realize way more weight. He performs between 280-286 kilos, however final yr’s first-round choose has added muscle, particularly to his decrease physique, which can assist him anchor higher towards double groups within the operating recreation. The Pitt product bought pushed round at instances on the line of scrimmage throughout his rookie yr.

Kancey continues to be under 290 kilos, however has transformed some fats to muscle. That ought to solely make him even faster as he heads into his second season in Todd Bowles’ protection because the chief disruptor up entrance. Taking part in subsequent to Vea, Kancey has the possibility at changing into a double-digit sacker this season after recording 5.5 sacks final yr, together with a sack and a half within the postseason.

DT Logan Corridor

Bucs DT Logan Corridor – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Corridor is the forgotten man on protection in Tampa Bay. The previous high choose of the 2022 draft has gotten misplaced within the shuffle a bit as he’s tried to remodel his physique from a 260-pound defensive sort out at Houston to 1 nearer to 300 kilos on the NFL stage. Corridor performed within the 270s in his first yr with the Bucs after which bought greater final yr, taking part in round 285 kilos.

It’s been an adjustment studying tips on how to transfer with extra weight on, however Corridor seems greater and stronger and is a lean 295 kilos proper now. Veteran Will Gholston has taken him below his wing and believes Corridor is in for a breakout season, particularly as a cross rusher. However Corridor’s sacks will possible have to return on first and second downs as Vea and Kancey will usually be on the sector in nickel protection.

RG Cody Mauch

Mauch had an up-and-down rookie season, however began all 19 video games at proper guard and didn’t miss a single snap. That was fairly a feat by itself. The staff’s second-round choose hit a little bit of a rookie wall at midseason, however completed the yr robust and developed some nice chemistry with proper sort out Luke Goedeke.

Mauch has added 10-15 kilos this offseason and is nearer to 320 kilos. He’s reworked his physique from that of an FCS left sort out to an NFL guard. Mauch’s higher physique and decrease physique have seen a rise in measurement and that ought to assist him anchor higher in cross safety and get extra push on the line of scrimmage within the run recreation this season.

OLB Markees Watts

Bucs OLB Markees Watts – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Watts is essentially the most “flexible” of the staff’s edge rushers. Constructed decrease to the bottom at 6-foot-1 like former Bucs cross rusher Shaq Barrett, Watts’ quickness off the snap helps him get nice leverage on offensive tackles. There are occasions when Watts rushes the passer and flashes like Barrett in his prime as a result of he wears his previous No. 58 jersey. Weighing simply over 240 kilos as an undrafted free agent final yr, Watts wanted so as to add some measurement to have the ability to play the run higher and assist set the sting.

No stranger to the load room, Watts added extra measurement to his chiseled physique and is now simply over 250 kilos, which was the load Barrett performed at throughout his time in Tampa Bay. Watts has the power to be wherever on the depth chart from OLB5 to OLB2 behind Yaya Diaby. It simply will depend on how efficient Watts is at not solely attending to the quarterback but additionally stuffing the run the way in which Barrett did.

FAB 2. On The Scorching Seat: Bucs Losers From Mini-Camp

NFL offseasons comprise of OTAs (organized staff actions) and the necessary mini-camp, which is simply three extra OTA practices – however attendance is necessary. Oftentimes known as “flag soccer” or “underwear soccer” due to non-contact guidelines, it’s onerous to really gauge soccer gamers with out soccer pads on.

Having stated that, there are 5 Bucs who look like on the recent seat heading into coaching camp for varied causes.

OLB Randy Gregory

Bucs OLB Randy Gregory – Picture by: USA At the moment

Gregory was a no-show throughout all the offseason program, skipping the voluntary OTAs and even lacking the three-day necessary mini-camp. The veteran newcomer’s absence was unexcused and he’s topic to being fined $100,000 by the staff consequently. Not an excellent search for a participant with a checkered previous coming to a brand new staff.

Todd Bowles’ protection is kind of subtle, so if Gregory continues to be on the staff by the point coaching camp rolls round, he’ll be far behind the others by way of understanding the protection – regardless of being a 32-year previous veteran. The Bucs have fairly a little bit of expertise at exterior linebacker, particularly with the latest addition of second-round choose Chris Braswell. Gregory just isn’t a lock to make the 53-man roster – particularly after skipping all the offseason.

RB Sean Tucker

There was plenty of buzz surrounding Tucker final yr when he signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent. He missed the offseason as he recovered from a coronary heart ailment, however did sufficient in coaching camp and the preseason to really win the No. 2 operating again job behind Rachaad White. However in restricted taking part in time at first of the season, Tucker was too hesitant of a runner and struggled in cross safety.

In consequence, he was handed on the depth chart by veteran Chase Edmonds. Coming into his second yr in Tampa Bay, Tucker is now buried on the depth chart behind White, rookie Bucky Irving, the staff’s fourth-round choose, and Edmonds once more. He’ll want a Herculean-type coaching camp to climb the depth chart once more, however the actuality is that he’s at risk of sliding all the way down to the apply squad in 2024.

TE Ko Kieft

Bucs TE Ko Kieft – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Kieft is recovering from an undisclosed damage and missed all the offseason consequently. Whereas it was mandatory for him to rehab his damage, the timing wasn’t nice as Kieft not solely has a brand new offensive coordinator in Liam Coen to impress, but additionally a brand new place coach in Justin Peelle. Kieft is a one-dimensional participant who’s a greater blocker than he’s receiver however hasn’t had an opportunity to enhance in that space this offseason.

With Coen’s new offense that includes extra three-receiver units and much fewer double-tight finish units, the Bucs might hold six receivers this yr and simply three tight ends fairly than 4. Cade Otton will begin as soon as once more, and Payne Durham has made some large strides this offseason. Which means Kieft might be combating for a roster spot with seventh-round choose Devin Culp, who’s the quickest tight finish, and apply squader Tanner Taula, who has flashed this offseason as a receiver.

C Robert Hainsey

Hainsey is in a little bit of a predicament. He’s vying for the beginning middle job with Graham Barton, the staff’s first-round choose. Barton is an even bigger, stronger middle and one who has elite athleticism, too. Throw in the truth that Barton is tremendous sensible having come from Duke and it’s all however assured that the rookie will win the job within the preseason barring damage.

The issue for Hainsey is that the battle at left guard is between newcomers Sua Opeta and Ben Bredeson, who’ve been rotating in and sharing starter snaps this offseason. Hainsey just isn’t within the combine for that spot and has not taken any snaps at left guard to my information. So it’s an all-or-nothing battle at middle for the two-year starter. If Hainsey loses out to Barton, he’s possible going to be relegated to a backup function at middle this season.

WR Sterling Shepard

Bucs WR Sterling Shepard – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Whereas Shepard is the one actual veteran receiver exterior of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, he’s not a lock to make the 53-man roster regardless of the thrill his signing prompted final week. At 5-foot-10, 190 kilos, Shepard is neither large nor quick. And at age 31, accidents have robbed him of a few of his pace and quickness. Shepard is also behind by way of studying Liam Coen’s playbook, however does take pleasure in the subsequent six weeks to attempt to catch up.

Shepard is a savvy, artful veteran and an excellent insurance coverage coverage in camp and the preseason in case there are accidents to any of the highest 4 receivers on the depth chart. The issue for Shepard is that rookie Jalen McMillan and Trey Palmer have had wonderful offseasons and are vying for the WR3 function. That solely leaves one or two spots left on the depth chart, relying on if Tampa Bay retains 5 – 6 receivers. Rakim Jarrett and Kameron Johnson have additionally impressed, which means will probably be onerous for Shepard to make the staff.

FAB 3. Bucs Sleepers Heading Into Coaching Camp

OLB Jose Ramirez

Bucs OLB Jose Ramirez – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Whereas Markees Watts continues to get rave opinions this offseason, the thrill is simply as robust for Ramirez, who deserves honorable point out as a mini-camp winner. Ramirez has actually reworked his physique this offseason, shedding some extra weight and actually firming up and getting stronger. That ought to assist towards greater offensive tackles, however even final yr Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke have been saying that Ramirez gave them suits in apply along with his stealthy cross rush strikes.

Additionally undersized at 6-foot-2, 252 kilos, Ramirez faces the identical problem as Watts does. He’ll must flash as a cross rusher on third down, but additionally be stout sufficient to set the sting and stuff the run on early downs. Ramirez pulled a hamstring and missed the final two preseason video games final yr. That allowed Watts to say a spot on the 53-man roster whereas Ramirez wound up on the apply squad. Ramirez is in higher place to problem for a roster spot this yr with a greater physique.

TE Payne Durham

Durham has labored on his physique this offseason and gotten a little bit leaner, but additionally placing on some muscle that can assist him within the run recreation on the line of scrimmage as a blocker. At 6-foot-6, 255 kilos, Durham has nice measurement to be a pink zone menace, and has a a lot better understanding of what it takes to achieve the NFL after an up-and-down rookie season.

Durham got here to the Bucs final yr as a notoriously sluggish rookie, operating a 4.87 within the 40-yard sprint. That prompted him to slip to the fifth spherical. However Durham has grow to be a tick sooner and gained some quickness as a result of offseason program and might separate from protection even higher this yr. Durham is in prime place to win the TE2 function heading into coaching camp consequently.

CB Tyrek Funderburk

Bucs CB Tyrek Funderburk – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Funderburk was one of many rookies that Bucs head coach Todd Bowles stated he was anxious to see in coaching camp as soon as the pads come on. He had an interception throughout the necessary mini-camp and nearly got here away with one other one. The 6-foot, 186-pound Funderburk has flashed at cornerback and can problem Keenan Isaac for a spot on the depth chart.

The Bucs are set with their high 4 cornerbacks in Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum, Bryce Corridor and Josh Hayes, who was probably the greatest gunners within the NFL final yr. Funderburk might want to splash on particular groups and show his price there to win the CB5 function, and Isaac does have a yr’s price of expertise on him. However Funderburk has impressed in each the slot and out of doors, and heads to coaching camp with some momentum.

S Marcus Banks

The Bucs lack depth at security behind starters Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead. Gone are Ryan Neal and Dee Delaney, and solely Kaevon Merriweather stays as a holdover depth piece at security. Tampa Bay drafted Tykee Smith within the third spherical and he has the power to play nickel cornerback and security, and final yr’s nickelback, Christian Izien can be cross-training at security this offseason.

However Banks, an undrafted free agent, is a sleeper who has flashed within the offseason and has the possibility to both be a part of Merriweather as a reserve security on the depth chart or unseat him for a roster spot. At 6-foot, 190, Banks isn’t as large or bodily because the 6-foot, 212-pound Merriweather, however he’s sooner. Banks has 4.45 pace, which permits him to play each free and robust security, whereas Merriweather, who has 4.62 pace, is primarily a powerful security.

WR Kameron Johnson

Bucs WR Kameron Johnson – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Johnson is a 5-foot-10, 190-pound receiver from tiny Barton Faculty in North Carolina. The Bucs didn’t even have any Barton tape of their system, however the staff’s space scout went to highschool and watched Johnson apply and watched recreation tape there and pounded the desk for him after the draft. Jason Licht and John Spytek, being wonderful at their jobs and trusting their space scouts, listened and signed Johnson in undrafted free company.

A really gifted athlete, Johnson’s pace and agility are on par with former Bucs receiver Deven Thompkins. However Thompkins was 5-foot-8, 155 kilos and Johnson is 35 kilos heavier and two inches taller. Keep watch over Johnson as a potential return specialist in addition to making a run on the WR6 spot on the depth chart throughout coaching camp.

FAB 4. Most Stacked Place Heading Into Camp – Offense

The Bucs have seen vital upgrades on offense this offseason with operating again Bucky Irving bolstering that room, and rookies Graham Barton and Elijah Klein and veterans Sua Opeta and Ben Bredeson including much more expertise to the offensive line. However on the subject of essentially the most stacked assortment of expertise on offense, the extensive receiver place stands out.

Bucs WR Jalen McMillan – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Not solely do the Bucs return the one receiver duo to have 1,000-yard seasons in every of the final three years in Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, however Tampa Bay has a pair of younger, gifted receivers in Jalen McMillan, this yr’s third-round choose, and Trey Palmer, who was final yr’s WR3. That quartet is immensely gifted, and Godwin might be closely motivated getting into an enormous contract yr.

Tampa Bay will possible hold no less than 5 receivers this yr – probably six because of Liam Coen favoring three-receiver units. And the Bucs have a number of gifted gamers vying for the ultimate roster spot or two.

Rakim Jarrett, an undrafted free agent from a yr in the past, continues to show heads in apply and could possibly be an element as a kick return candidate, too. He’s a favourite to say both the WR5 or WR 6 spot. Tampa Bay can be keen on undrafted free agent rookie Kameron Johnson, in addition to Ryan Miller, a apply squader from final yr, retains making performs in apply.

Throw in veteran newcomer Sterling Shepard, a 31-year previous receiver with loads of expertise, and the group of 13 extensive receivers will get even stronger. Shepard, who was faculty teammates with Baker Mayfield at Oklahoma, can even be within the combine for one of many ultimate spots on the extensive receiver depth chart.

Exterior of Evans, Godwin, Palmer and McMillan, that’s 4 official rivals battling for one or two roster spots at extensive receiver. The Bucs haven’t had one of these depth since Evans, Godwin, Antonio Brown, Scotty Miller and Tyler Johnson helped the staff win Tremendous Bowl LV in 2020.

FAB 5. Most Stacked Place Heading Into Camp – Protection

So far as Todd Bowles’ protection goes, the one place that seems to be stacked is exterior linebacker. Whereas the Bucs might or might not have a double-digit sacker this yr, there appears to be sufficient younger expertise to have an edge rusher – or two – emerge as an actual drive getting after the quarterback. Bear in mind in 2020, Shaq Barrett solely had eight sacks within the common season and Jason Pierre-Paul was the Bucs’ lone Professional Bowler with 9.5 that yr.

Bucs OLBs Yaya Diaby and Markees Watts – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Yaya Diaby figures to be one of many starters, and presently Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, who’s getting into an enormous contract yr, is penciled in as the alternative starter. Behind these two are six-year veteran Anthony Nelson, who can be in a contract yr, and Chris Braswell, the staff’s second-round choose.

Tryon-Shoyinka and Nelson ought to be extremely motivated this yr with a brand new contract in Tampa Bay – or elsewhere – on the road. And Braswell might have the same rookie yr to Diaby the place he begins off sluggish as a rotational participant however emerges as a starter over the second half of the season.

After these 4, the Bucs have two different younger, promising cross rushers in Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez. Watts was a situational cross rusher final yr who led Tampa Bay’s edge rushers with a 23.1% cross rush win price – albeit with a smaller pattern measurement. He and Ramirez are each within the combine for the OLB5 spot on the depth chart. If each shine, Tampa Bay might even discover a solution to hold six exterior linebackers if the fellows on the finish of the depth chart are star particular groups contributors.

And eventually, there’s free agent addition Randy Gregory, who was a no-show for all the offseason, together with the necessary mini-camp. Skipping that can get him fined round $100,000, nevertheless it additionally places him approach behind everybody else by way of studying the intricacies of Bowles’ protection.

If Gregory decides he needs to play soccer, exhibits as much as camp and rapidly will get caught up, he’ll grow to be the seventh legit choice to make the Bucs exterior linebacker depth chart. Oh, and Tampa Bay can be happy with undrafted free brokers Shaun Peterson Jr. and Daniel Grzesiak.

The Bucs didn’t exit and lay our a fortune on a free agent like Danielle Hunter or Bryce Huff. However they could have an underrated, untapped expertise on their current depth chart who can emerge the way in which Barrett did in his first season in Tampa Bay in 2019.