2018 Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defense
Defensive Line
Jason Pierre-Paul
Gerald McCoy
Vinny Curry
Vita Vea
Beau Allen
Mitch Unrein
Will Gholston
Noah Spence
Will Clarke
Pat O’Connor
Analysis: The first 8 were pretty much locks to make this team the question for was how many defensive tackles and defensive ends do they keep. Ren made this very easy for me and reminded me that both Jason Pierre Paul and Vinny Curry have the ability to play inside. So after that I chose four defensive tackles and six defensive ends. Will Clarke has been all over the place during the preseason. Remember, last year, Clarke had two sacks. He seems much improved under Coach Buckner. I really expected to see a lot from Evan Perrizo, but he has disappointed me and not done much in game situations. So for the final spot, I chose O’Connor to make the 53 man roster.
Embed from Getty ImagesLinebackers
Lavonte David
Kwon Alexander
Adarius Taylor
Kendall Beckwith
Jack Cichy
Analysis: With not knowing the timetable of Kendall Beckwiths return, I believe the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will keep five linebackers on their initial 53 man roster. If I was a betting man, I would suspect that Beckwith will be ready to play by week four. If that’s the case, the Buccaneers would leave him on the roster. Ardarius Taylor will start in Beckwiths absence. Primarily Jack Cichy will play special teams. It is time for the Buccaneers cut bait with Devante Bond, he has been injured more than he has played. He was seen walking around in a boot the Sunday after the Detroit Lions game.
- Ep. 197: Fields to Pittsburgh, Still Available Free Agentsby Full Press Coverage on March 18, 2024 at 8:00 pm
Cornerbacks
Brent Grimes
Vernon Hargreaves
Carlton Davis
M.J. Stewart
Ryan Smith
Analysis: The cornerback depth this year is night and day from a year ago. Out of that group M.J. Stewart has been the one to stand out the most during training camp and preseason. The reason why you don’t see Josh Robinson on this list is because Ryan Smith can take over as special team’s captain. Ryan Smith has the versatility to play corner if needed, whereas Robsinson has not played a defensive snap in three years. Ren believes that, because of his special team’s play, Robinson will make the roster. I could see that being the case, but went without him for this prediction.
Embed from Getty ImagesSafeties
Justin Evans
Chris Conte
Keith Tandy
Jordan Whitehead
Analysis: I asked Ren an interesting question, if for some reason, Justin Evans can’t go week one in New Orleans, who gets the start? Would Jordan Whitehead get the start over Tandy? He leaned more towards yes. Ren brought up good points. Whitehead has the same athletic ability as Evans. His athleticism allows him to play a cover one safety who can cover the entire field, unlike Tandy. Tandy however, has played against Drew Brees and could get the start because of experience.