Five Best Edge Pass Rushers the Buccaneers Face in 2016

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
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Who are the five best edge pass rushers on the Buccaneers’ 2016 schedule?

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Demar Dotson (69) and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Demar Dotson (69) and defensive tackle Gerald McCoy (93) work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Buccaneers made some changes this off-season that have Gerald McCoy licking his chops.  He has been a consistent performer as a pass rusher, with at least 8.5 sacks in each over the last three seasons.  He has made four straight Pro Bowl appearances, and to his credit, he has been able to do it without much help along that line.  McCoy has been the threat as far as getting to the quarterback, so it is remarkable that he has been so strong by himself.

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The Bucs knew that they had to improve in this area.  McCoy must be pumped up with the moves that have been made.  They added an established pro in Robert Ayers and practically stole Noah Spence in the second round of the draft.  The numbers these guys have the potential to put up are astronomical.

Today, however, we are looking at the other side of the line of scrimmage.  Specifically, the pass rushers that the Bucs will be going up against this season.  With their improvement to 6-10 comes a tougher schedule, and a tougher slate of talent.  Here come the five best pass rushers on the 2016 schedule, and the ones that the Bucs’ offensive line had better be ready for.

Next: Number Five

Schedule