The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers That Must Stay? A Pewter Plank Roundtable

By Alan Schechter

Jul 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht and former player Ronde Barber look on during workouts at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 30, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht and former player Ronde Barber look on during workouts at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 7, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle
May 7, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle /

Brian DeFeo

The player on the bubble I feel deserves a shot to make the roster is A.J. Francis.  Francis is six-foot five and 330 pounds so he is not a small man.  The Bucs are very thin at defensive tackle so he shouldn’t have a problem making the roster but they need more help at other positions so that does make him expendable.  Francis has the potential to be a key piece in their defense because of his size.

The Bucs are going to need space fillers on short yardage situations and on the goal line.  Francis’ size alone would take up linemen allowing players like McCoy and Ayers to get after the running back or quarterback.  He won’t put up numbers like the other tackles on the team but his role could be vital for the defense. The Bucs’ defensive line has players that can play multiple roles like William Gholston but Francis’ size alone should be enough for him to make the team.

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