The Pewter Plank
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
8 of 8
Next
Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Howard Jones (95) in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Howard Jones (95) in action against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. The Philadelphia Eagles won 17-9. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports /

Alan Schechter

Howard Jones needs to stick around for a couple of reasons.  First of all, he would be a DPR, or designated pass rusher.  In only 402 snaps last year (Pro Football Focus), Jones posted five sacks.  The sacks were always at premium times in the game, as three of the five sacks were in games that were within seven points.  It doesn’t take a ton of playing time to learn this guy has ability.

He also adds an important depth role.  What happens if the unthinkable goes down, like Gerald McCoy suffering an injury that takes him out for an extended period?  They have Clinton McDonald, and then the cupboard is bare.  Guys like Noah Spence can move to the inside, as can William Gholston.  But that takes away the depth on the outside.  Having a guy like Jones that is an edge specialist is an added dimension that would prove valuable.

Next: Donteea Dye to Waived/Injured List

Who do you think needs to be kept?

Home/Bucs News