Buccaneers: A very early 53-man roster prediction

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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Keith Tandy (37) reacts after intercepting a pass to seal the win against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Jonathan Dyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety-(4)

Justin Evans, JJ Wilcox, Chris Conte, Keith Tandy

As for the safety position of the 2017 Bucs, the question mark could have not been larger. This past season, the Buc had all sorts of trouble with their safety group. Early during the season, the starters in Chris Conte and Bradley McDougald struggled mightily from both perspectives. Not only was the pair a liability on the field, but they also caused issues for the rest of the defense.

Luckily for the Bucs, midway through the season things began to change. Reserve man Keith Tandy stepped in and played lights out for the Bucs on his way to eventually earning a starting role. Not only did Tandy succeed, but Conte was also able to turn the corner by helping his team seal the fates of both the Kansas City Chiefs and the Chicago Bears.

Heading into the draft, it was no secret that Tampa was going to grab a safety, the only question was when. Come day two, Justin Evans out of Texas A&M was a Buc.

The expectation heading into the season is that Evans will be paired with one of the other three safeties on the Bucs roster. Whether it be returning players in Tandy/Conte or the newcomer JJ Wilcox fresh out of Dallas with a chip on his shoulder, the safety position will look new for the Bucs.

Do not forget JJ Wilcox Buc fans, it would be no surprise if he is your starting strong safety for this upcoming season with Evans on the back end.

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