Buccaneers’ Biggest Positions of Need After Cuts

With the roster cut down to 53 the Buccaneers still have moves to make. They have trimmed down some of the fat but now they need the muscle to make the team reach full strength.

Quarterback really is the only position that the Buccaneers really don’t need help in. They have some solid starters and depth at most positions. They definitely had to let go of some quality players to clear up space to get to the 53 man roster limit. Some valuable players were released like former starter Major Wright and sixth round pick Danny Vitale but pretty much every other player that was released wasn’t too much of a shock. They did let go of a few players that were quality depth and there are going to be some problems there but every team isn’t perfect but the Bucs can get there with a few more additions.

Safety

The Buccaneers have never really had a top player at the Safety position since John Lynch. Bradley McDougald and Chris Conte don’t really excite people. Keith Tandy is a nice backup but that’s all he is, a backup. They have Isaiah Johnson on the Practice Squad but again none of them really jump out at you. Donte Whitner and Will Hill are the top free agents remaining. Hill got suspended 10 games and Whitner is getting up there in years so neither of the are a great option. They can get decent production from their players this year but it will be a top priority for them next season to address this issue. Jabrill Peppers and Jamal Adams are players to definitely keep and eye on this college football season.

Defensive Tackle

The Buccaneers are fairly thin at Defensive Tackle with four on the roster and one of them an un-drafted rookie. This may be because of the transition to a new defensive scheme. Gerald McCoy is the only one on the line that is really at an All-Pro level. Clinton McDonald is good and Akeem Spence is a nice depth piece but they have no big man to draw double teams and fill lanes. If I could pick up someone I would take a look at Terrance Knighton, he nick-named Pot Roast for a reason.

Linebacker

The Buccaneers have three quality starters in Lavonte David, Kwon Alexander, and Daryl Smith. Behind them not so much quality depth. Devante Bond and Adarius Glanton look promising but right now they are only special teamers. David and Alexander are fast enough to play as two linebackers but if one of them goes down the Buccaneers could have some issues. There are many players available the Buccaneers could pick up Akeem Ayers or Bjoern Warner. The Bucs are running a hybrid defense so I would like to see a pass rushing specialist to help blitz on the outside.

Next: Bucs Announce Practice Squad

The Buccaneers have some other positions that need addressing but these are the three main areas of concern. Depth is another serious issue at some positions. Wide receiver, corner back, and offensive line are three positions where the guys up top are solid but there is no one behind them if injuries occur. In the NFL injuries do occur so if the Buccaneers have injury issues this year we may be in for a long season.