Buccaneers: Question marks at safety does not add up to depth
Here is Scott Smith’s complete rankings.
#1 – Running Back
#2 – Guard/Center
#3 – Safety
#4 – Tight End
#5 – Defensive Tackle
#6 – Defensive End
#7 – Quarterback
#8 – Wide Receiver
#9 – Corner Back
#10 – Offensive Tackle
#11 – Linebacker
If this was my list the safety position would fall to the #7 spot.
The tight end group has no dead weight. Every player has a realistic shot to make the final 53 man roster. Long time Buc Luke Stocker and last season’s third tight end Alan Cross are both in danger of not making the team.
With the off season acquisition of Chris Baker the defensive tackle position is deeper than it has been in years. Clinton McDonald drops from the starting lineup and will be first off the bench in the rotation. Plus the Bucs have two immovable objects in Sealver Siliga And Stevie Tu’ikolovatu.
If I was writing a piece on which position group I thought was to low defensive end would be my choice. Pencil in Robert Ayres and Will Gholston as your starters that leaves Jacquies Smith, Noah Spence and George Johnson as subs. Defensive ends should be ranked second.
Since no one can predict how Ryan Fitzpatrick is going to preform in Dirk Koetter’s offense that really hurts the groups ranking. I still however feel that his experience trumps whomever the backup safeties turnout to be.
Which brings us to safety. Because of the lack of any experienced depth with the wide receiver, cornerback, offensive tackle, and linebacker groups, I believe seventh is the perfect spot.
Let me sum up my argument this way; if I had a Ford Focus, Fiesta, Taurus, and F-150, do I have a good Ford car collection? I’m not knocking Keith Tandy and company but does anyone believe the Bucs have a GT, Raptor, Expedition or even a Mustang in their safety garage?
Scott Smith has been working for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for over 20 years and I follow his work closely. I rarely disagree with his analysis or assessment of the team, but ’tis the season for speculation and debate. If you would like to read his safety breakdown in it’s entirety click HERE.
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