The NFL season is upon us and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are preparing for the first preseason game. So the Buccaneers have dropped the first of many depth charts to come. Injuries will change things, game plans will call for player movements and the roster is never truly set. Let’s take a look at what the Buccaneers have published for week one of the preseason.
Offensive Line
It first appears as normal as you would think. Your offensive line consists of the players expected to start the season. Moving from the left side to the right; Donavan Smith, Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Alex Cappa, and Demar Dotson. Relatively unaddressed this offseason, the players listed as third and fourth string have a fight on their hands.
Running Back
Peyton Barber is listed first. The veteran will lead the way and has the opportunity to be the lead back. Ronald Jones III is going to get a second chance on life and falls behind Barber. We will see how the preseason plays out because as of right now Andre Ellington is listed third. He knows what Bruce Arians wants and has a leg up on the others behind him….for now. Bruce Anderson is listed as fourth with Dare Ogunbowale. I suspect the team will only carry three running backs so competition is on.
Wide Reciever
Most likely the deepest offensive grouping we know the number one and two wideouts. Behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin sit free-agent acquisition Breshad Perriman and Justin Watson. Next up is camp stand out Scotty Miller and Anthony Johnson. Seven other wide receivers round out the group. Amongst them is Bobo Wilson.
Tight End
O.J. Howard and Camron Brate will be the bookends for the offense when they line up. Behind them await Anthony Auclair and Tanner Hudson. With six total tight ends currently on the roster, I would expect this set of four players to remain the same, barring injury.
Quarterback
When Bruce Arians came in he said he did not want his quarterback looking over his shoulder. Jamies Winston firmly sits atop the depth chart. Blaine Gabbert sits in from of Ryan Griffin in the number two spot. Camp body Nick Fitzgerald rounds out the group.
Defensive line
It’s important to note that the first depth chart has the defense set in a 3-4 configuration. The starting front three is made of Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, and William Gholston. With six other players sitting behind them, seventh-round pick Terry Beckner has some ground to make up.
Linebackers
Listed as the outside linebackers to kick things off is Carl Nassib and Noah Spence. Lining up on the inside is first-round pick Devon White and Deone Bucannon. Fourth-round pick Anthony Nelson, Kevin Minter, Devante Bond, and Shaquil Barrett are list in the second string. Nine other players make up this group. Most notably Jason Pierre-Paul and Lavonte David. Obviously, Pierre-Paul will not play and neither will David. This group will fluctuate well into the season.
Cornerbacks
Carlton Davis and Vernon Hargreaves III are slated as the number one corners this week. Sitting behind them are the second and third-round picks, Sean Murphy-Bunting and Jamal Dean. Hot on their heels are M.J. Stewart and Ryan Smith. This group intrigues me greatly. Can Hargreaves bounce back? Who will top the depth chart to start the season? Only time will tell.
Saftey
Mike Edwards, the third-round selection in 2019, is sharing first-string duties with Jordan Whitehead. Looking to take their spots from them are rookie D’Cota Dixon and Kentrell Brice in the number two spots. A trio of players awaits in the wings to include Justin Evans.
Conclusion
This is the first preseason game depth chart. The flux this list will go under until the 53 man roster will be enormous. Players will get healthy and push players back down the depth chart. Some players will surprise with the snaps they get. So get ready Buccaneers fans, because its football time!!!
