Buccaneers: Which undrafted rookies make the 53 man roster?

Now with the rookies in the building, and rookie mini-camp out of the way, which of the undrafted rookie free agents have the best chance of making the Buccaneers final 53 man roster?

General manager Jason Licht and the Buccaneers‘ brass have done a fantastic job this off-season through the draft process. Not only did they add a total of six players through the draft that can immediately find their way onto the field, but they also have brought in quality depth competition in their crop of undrafted rookie free agents.

Depth is important for a team looking to turn the corner, and Licht was able to address the positions that needed it most. Heading into this off-season depth at offensive tackle, linebacker, and cornerback were essential needs for this Bucs team. Lo and behold that was exactly what was targeted after all seven rounds were finished. They used the process as it should be used, to fill in gaps that weren’t worked on during the NFL draft itself.

Which of these guys have the most potential? Who might we see on the field when week one rolls around? Today we will take a look at five of these undrafted rookie free agents who have the best chance of making this roster, starting off with my personal favorite.

Anthony Auclair

If there is any undrafted rookie you are gonna want to make a bet on, it is rookie tight end Antony Auclair out of Laval. Standing at 6’6″ 256 pounds, Auclair was a prospect that was expected to go in the mid rounds of the draft. Luckily, while being on Tampa’s radar, he fell directly into the lap of the waiting Bucs. Bucs fans, you are going to like what this guy brings to the table.

The depth at the tight end position has been an issue with the Bucs for quite some time, and the bell has finally been answered. After nabbing OJ Howard in the first round of this year’s draft, the Bucs were not done yet. Pairing Howard and Auclair with returning players such as Cameron Brate/Luke Stocker should give Tampa the insurance in the long run for Dirk Koetter’s two tight end set offense.

Expect Auclair to make this team.  Not only will he be looked at as the eventual replacement to Luke Stocker, but you could also see Auclair rise through the ranks if Brate decides to move on from the Bay area.

Richie Brown

The Bucs were on the hunt this off-season due to their lack of depth at the linebacker position. Undrafted rookie free agent Richie Brown is a name that Buc fans should get to know. The 6’2″ 240 pound linebacker out of Mississippi State was a tackling machine in his time in college, but also a productive defender against the pass.

To have a linebacker as successful as Brown has been to come in as an undrafted free agent is a great deal for the Bucs. There was a reason he was one of the higher paid undrafted rookies to sign with any of the teams across the NFL. He posted 298 tackles during his four years at Mississippi St. I don’t care what level you are playing on, that is by definition, a “tackling machine”.

This guy wasn’t selected? Great for us!

After evaluating all three undrafted rookie linebackers tape, it is clear that Brown sticks out from the group.  Brown’s versatility to play both the MIKE and WILL linebacker, along with paying special teams, will help win him a roster spot come regular season. I expect Brown to find himself a way onto the field fast.

Jesus Wilson

Jesus or “Bobo” Wilson as he is more commonly known as, is a slot receiver who has the ability to be an x-factor in the special teams game. The small 5’9″ 189 pound receiver remembered as Mr.Dependable at Florida State is back with his former quarterback. Whether his familiarity with  Jameis Winston helps him or not is up in the air, but Wilson has the ability to make this roster.

The top four receivers in Mike Evans, Desean Jackson, Chris Godwin, and Adam Humphries are all locks for the roster, but after that it becomes hairy. That fifth and final roster spot at the receiving group may be up in the air for any player that has the ability in the return game. This is where Wilson sets himself apart.

The best way to stand out as a rookie during your first training camp is to play well on special teams. If he can show his stripes there, Wilson will get his shot. Kick returners have been at a premium in Tampa. DeSean Jackson returns kicks, but he isn’t getting any younger. A guy like Wilson could make a difference.

Now although to be the return man he will need more than just return skills, his route running in the clip above was spectacular. Any receiver who can return, and has the nickname that deals with his dependability is a plus in my book. Head coach Dirk Koetter has wanted speed in space, and Wilson provides just that.

Cole Gardner

Heading into this off-season, general manager Jason Licht and head coach Dirk Koetter made it clear that they were plenty pleased with their offensive line. Now although there has been various moves such as Ali Marpet to center and the return of J.R. Sweezy, Tampa based upon numbers has an issue with depth at tackle.

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The Bucs have only three returning tackles from the previous year, five now on the roster if you count Cole Gardner and fellow undrafted rookie Korren Kirvin. This leaves the door of opportunity wide open. Expect both tackles to push for a spot, but Gardner to take the cake.

The 6’5″ 295 pound product out of Eastern Michigan has the potential to be an undrafted steal for the Bucs. Much like Leonard Wester was this past off-season, Tampa has looked to fill their depth at tackle with small school products.

As a former tight end who was converted to tackle in college, Gardner has the athleticism that is required to play successfully. Although Gardner may be seen as more of a project, his name has already been promoted on Bucs’ website as having the possibility to be the third tackle.

Let’s see a swing tackle catch a touchdown this year.

Jonathan Moxey

The final undrafted rookie that has a better chance of making the 53 man roster is Boise State alum Jonathan Moxey. This 5’10” 190 pound corner fits the mold of exactly what Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith looks for to fit his defensive schemes.

Tampa made it clear throughout the draft process that they want competition at the corner back position. After signing three undrafted rookies this off-season (one has already been cut, Greg Mabin), Smith has made it clear that there will be a great training camp battle brewing.

Over the rookie mini-camp, Scott Reynolds of Pewter Report mentioned that Moxey may have had the best secondary play of the weekend out of any of the rookies.

The Bucs have most of the cornerback room returning from the 2016 season besides veteran cut Alterraun Verner. By including failed safety project Ryan Smith back into the corner back position, who would Moxey edge out? Time will tell, but judging by the clip above, Moxey has ability. He may be able to turn some heads of the coaching staff this summer.

Next: Where does the Bucs offensive line rank in the NFC South?

What do you guys think? Which UDFA’s do you like? Agree with my choices? Sound off in the comments below and take a second to follow me on Twitter to keep up with all things Bucs #SiegeTheDay