With the injury to Jason Pierre-Paul the Buccaneers must decide who will fill the role of their best defensive linemen. I will highlight a few players that could fill that void.
Ndamkong Suh
This choice will depend on the scheme of the defense, Suh would be the logical choice for the causal fan. He played in a similar defense for the Rams but played mostly on the interior of the defensive line. Suh is better suited to play the defensive end position in a 3-4 defense. Now with JPP’s injury he is the most experience of the defensive line group. The multiple looks that Coach Bowles will employ will determine where Suh plays on the line.
Noah Spence
While Suh make be the sexy pick, I think this is a better choice. Spence has spent the last two seasons trying to crack the depth chart and find his spot on the team. The change in defensive scheme fit well into what Spence does best and that is use his speed and athleticism to get to the QB. I see this as a year that Spence can finally be the productive player that the Buccaneers drafted him to be.
Shaq Barrett
Barrett is a player that was brought in because of the change in defensive scheme. A true Outside Linebacker in a 3-4 scheme, Barrett may have a leg up over the other players. He has played in a 3-4 defensive since entering the league in 2014. As a Denver Bronco, Barrett played in 61 games, started 15, had 14 sacks and seven forced fumbles. He has shown that he can play with his hand in the dirt or standup and cover.
The defensive scheme and opponent will play a huge part in which player will replace JPP. With training camp starting the coaching staff will have its hand fill figuring out which player best fit in that role.
