May 18, 2023
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 53
It might end up that the best and most competitive battles in training camp are
It might end up that the best and most competitive battles in training camp are on the defensive side of the ball. It's notable that the Buccaneers spent a majority of their draft picks on defense and suggests that's where the coaching staff feels the biggest impact on being competitive will be made.
That's a key factor to remember, as the Bucs are not approaching this season with any intention to tank and fully believe they can compete if the chips fall in their favor. With that in mind, it comes as no surprise that Todd Bowles would want to reload on defense and that starts up front.
Vita Vea is a Pro Bowl talent and Greg Gaines was added to help anchor the line. Tampa Bay used its first-round pick on Calijah Kancey to hopefully be the pass rusher of the future and create an edge presence that completes a devastating front.
Beyond those three, the depth is a bit harder to figure out than elsewhere on the roster. Logan Hall is among the handful of players entering a make-or-break season but should make the roster unless he completely flames out in training camp. Deadrin Senat is a local product from USF who has cut his teeth for a few seasons already and feels like a solid fifth option in a rotation.
Keep in mind that the Bucs could dip into the outside linebacker group to help add depth here, as guys like Shaq Barrett, Jose Ramirez, and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka could all find themselves rotating in.
Defensive Line (5) Vita Vea Calijah Kancey Greg Gaines Logan Hall Deadrin Senat