Buccaneers Rankings: How the linebackers in the NFC South stack up
The Buccaneers may not have won any single category, but they had solid showings in each category in this.
The Saints, Panthers, and Falcons each took a top spot so there’s something to be said there.
We’re ranking the total package here, not just the pieces. Let’s get to it.
New Orleans Saints
There’s no secret the Saints’ defense is a work in project. Buccaneers fans can relate as just a few short seasons ago there were a couple good spots, but not a lot to be excited about.
Cameron Jordan is a solid player and while Craig Robertson is going to look to build upon what he’s done to this point, there are more questions than answers.
Stephone Anthony will hopefully benefit from Mike Nolan’s arrival, and he’ll have to if he’s going to secure a future with the Saints.
This group could be better than we’re expecting, but it’s not likely when you look at the linebacker groups they’re going up against.
Atlanta Falcons
Vic Beasley is a stud and Deion Jones surprised many with his combination of instincts and athleticism.
Their young linebacker group might someday compete for the best one in the NFC South, and if Duke Riley rises up to take over starting duties on the weakside then they’ll be even better.
The weakside is definitely the question mark for this group, but isn’t too detrimental since the team will likely spend most of their time in sub-packages.
Youthful talent is tricky because it can be boom or bust, and despite the third place finish here, they’re a strong third.
Must Read: Predicting the Future
Carolina Panthers
It wasn’t an easy decision to put Carolina at number two or Atlanta. As amazing as this might sound with names like Thomas Davis and Luke Kuechly on the Panthers roster, the Falcons are on a big upswing at linebacker.
What made this questionable was Davis’ age and Kuechly’s injuries. Shaq Thompson definitely helps to round out this group better than what Atlanta has going on opposite their stud outside linebacker.
Depth is going to be an issue if they need to rely on it, but if this unit can stay healthy they’re still one of the best in this division.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
If you could tell me the Panthers were going to be healthy all year, then maybe I’d place them above the Buccaneers here.
As it is, the injury concerns are real and can’t be denied enough.
This isn’t to say the Bucs group is free of injury risk, because of course they aren’t, but looking at recent trends it seems they have the upper hand here.
If Kendall Beckwith can get healthy and capitalize on his potential then Tampa should have a solid four-man group led by Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David.
In the end, the health of the Buccaneers’ linebacker group edges them over the Panthers while the limited performance history in Atlanta knocks them to third.
New Orleans comes in last, but as they continue to build, they should look to find some stronger talent in their linebacker room.
These are the rankings as I see them, let me know what you think in the comments, on Twitter or at walkingtheplankpodcast@gmail.com.
Then, check out the rankings for the defensive line, offensive line and quarterbacks!