Weakness or Strength?: Buccaneers Defensive Line

Depth

Depth has been the issue across the board for the Bucs but this year might actually be a change for this position group.  Akeem Spence, Noah Spence, Kourtnei Brown and Howard Jones are the projected names that round out this position group in one of my previous articles.  Versatility is key for the Bucs’ 2016 team, and these depth players contribute to that saying.

Kourtnei Brown is a player that is the most versatile of these four.  Brown is a player who most view him as an edge presence, but in an interview, Mike Smith said that he could see Brown moving inside in certain packages.  For a player who did not receive much attention or much playing time having his name brought up is interesting.  His versatility might lead him to having a more prominent role in this year’s defense.

Noah Spence is another versatile player that the Bucs’ will definitely use to the best of his abilities.  As seen in his college tape, Spence was able to both put his hand in the dirt, and also play as a standup outside linebacker successfully.  Spence said in a recent interview that they had a scheme for him to play as a stand up outside backer.

The Bucs will have their rookie in his best position to succeed, just don’t be surprised to see him playing both techniques like he did in college.

Akeem Spence has been a consistently great depth player at defensive tackle for the Bucs.  He has done everything they have asked of him and more every time he has been given a chance to play. Spence has seen in his way into the starting lineup many times throughout the past few seasons he was with the Bucs and it would be to no shock if this happens once again due to the lack of true defensive tackles on the roster.

Finally, Howard Jones. Jones is a player the Bucs brought in last year and he managed to have a great season with five sacks in the few snaps he played. The Bucs hope to continue to build upon this project of a player.

Next: Weakness or Strength?