Buccaneers training camp battle breakdown: Safety

The Veteran: J.J. Wilcox

J.J. Wilcox signed with the Bucs on March 11th to a two-year deal. J.J. was signed from Dallas where he was a part-time player in the secondary. Wilcox was brought in to hopefully offer some veteran experience and leadership in the secondary. Wilcox will certainly be competing for a starting safety role along Tandy.

J.J.’s play style is like Evans in that they are both hard-hitting, solid tacklers. While Wilcox is better known for his ability to tackle, don’t think he is a slouch in coverage. Wilcox always finds himself around the football and that is needed for this Bucs defense. The Bucs defense late surge was mostly contributed to all the turnovers they caused. If Wilcox can help build on that he will make a strong case for a starting position.

Wilcox may find himself around the ball very often, but he does not force many turnovers. Wilcox throughout four years has only five interceptions and two forced fumbles. While those numbers are not horrible, one would hope for more results from a player who has started in 38 games. Wilcox will need to force more turnovers to fit in this defense which prides itself on the turnovers they force.