2013 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Overview: Complete Roster Outlook
By Leo Howell
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have a lot left to do this offseason, but it’s never too early to start assessing the roster as it will look in the upcoming NFL season. Earlier this offseason, we took a look at the team position by position and assessed the likelihood of each player being on the roster in 2013. Now that we’re into the new league year, and the Bucs have made some moves, let’s evaluate where the team is and see just what sorts of needs are yet to be filled.
Key:
Likely to be on roster – Bold
Likely to fail to make roster – Italics
Any other players are “on the bubble”
Quarterback
- Josh Freeman
- Dan Orlovsky
- Adam Weber
This position is fairly straightforward. Freeman is the starter, Orlovsky might be the backup, and Weber is there in case of emergencies, and either Orlovsky or Weber likely gives way to a rookie or free agent signing before the season starts.
Running Back
- Doug Martin
- D.J. Ware
- LeGarrette Blount
- Michael Smith
- Erik Lorig (Fullback)
There will almost certainly be change at this position before the offseason ends, as LeGarrette Blount is being shopped for trade and may be gone before the draft begins. The draft will also likely see a late round selection spent on an additional set of legs to back up Doug Martin.
Wide Receiver
- Vincent Jackson
- Mike Williams
- Kevin Ogletree
- Tiquan Underwood
- Chris Owusu
- David Douglas
The top two are set, and are exactly what the Buccaneers need. Jackson and Williams will be a key part of the 2013 offense. Ogletree and Underwood will battle for 3rd receiver duties, with the one who loses out on the battle likely relegated to special teams. Owusu and Douglas will both have to prove their worth on special teams, or be cut or sent to the practice squad.
Tight End
- Luke Stocker
- Tom Crabtree
- Nate Byham
- Drake Dunsmore
- Danny Noble
- Zach Miller
Stocker, Crabtree, and Byham would be on the roster if the season started tomorrow, and would likely be ranked in that order in the “snaps played” category. Stocker’s blocking ability outweighs his pedestrian pass-catching abilities, and he will be a key part of the Buccaneers 2013 run offense. Crabtree will add to the offense and special teams. Dunsmore, Noble, and Miller will battle for a final roster spot and practice squad duties. A rookie is likely to be added at this position, as well, and would likely bump Byham out of the mix.
Offensive Tackle
- Donald Penn
- Demar Dotson
- Jamon Meredith
- Derek Hardman
- Mike Remmers
Penn and Dotson are almost certain to be the week one starters at tackle. The Buccaneers are not completely happy with Meredith, but he’ll be likely to stick with the team and be a backup.
Offensive Guard
- Carl Nicks
- Davin Joseph
- (Jamon Meredith)
- (Ted Larsen)
- Desmond Wynn
- Roger Allen
Nicks and Joseph returning to health will be a key for the offensive line. Meredith and Larsen both gained valuable experience in 2012, and will be solid backups. Wynn and Allen will have to fight for roster spots.
Center
- Jeremy Zuttah
- Ted Larsen
- Cody Wallace
Zuttah is the obvious starter here, with Larsen providing strong support. Wallace will fight for a spot at the end of the bench.
Click the button below for the defensive breakdown, along with special teams!