The Pewter Plank
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Five Most Important Buccaneers’ Training Camp Battles

By Alan Schechter

Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer head coach Dirk Koetter is introduced to the media at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer head coach Dirk Koetter is introduced to the media at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Robert Ayers (91) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) is sacked by New York Giants defensive end Robert Ayers (91) during the fourth quarter at MetLife Stadium. The Jets defeated the Giants 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive End

Where is the playing time going to go?

The Bucs worked hard this offseason to acquire a few playmates for Gerald McCoy.  Three guys will be fighting for the major playing time: Noah Spence, Robert Ayers, and Jacquies Smith.  There will likely be playing time for all, but who starts?  Who will see the most snaps?

Robert Ayers is the most experienced of the bunch, entering his eighth season as a pro.  Last year with the Giants, he posted a career-high nine sacks, and comes in with a fresh new contract looking to make an impact on his new team.  Smith has been with the team over the last two years, posting 13.5 sacks as a part-time center.

Spence could be the x-factor.  According to Zach Shapiro of the Pewter Report, Spence is already getting attention from team veterans.  An explosive player in college, he could be a difference maker in year one.

Next: Third Wide Receiver

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