Buccaneers: Reactions to team’s first depth chart of 2017
By Bailey Adams
With the Buccaneers’ first preseason game coming up on Friday, the team released its first depth chart of 2017. Here, we look at where everyone stands, some surprises and what could change.
A lot is going on for the Buccaneers these days. On Tuesday night, they made their debut on HBO’s Hard Knocks. This Friday, they’ll finally line up against another team when they square off with the Bengals in Cincinnati. With that game coming up, the team released its first depth chart. Obviously, things will look much different for week one of the regular season. For now, we can take a look at where everyone stands.
On offense, there aren’t any real surprises when it comes to the first-team spots. The only noteworthy slot is running back. Despite a three-game suspension to finish up and some interesting remarks from general manager Jason Licht, Doug Martin is currently listed as the starter. From all reports so far in training camp, everything is positive with the veteran out of Boise State.
Where things get interesting, though, is on the second team. Jacquizz Rodgers was a major bright spot last year, but as of right now, he shares the backup spot with Charles Sims. Sims had injury issues in 2016 and struggled with productivity when healthy, but it appears the coaches are still high on him. Then, at quarterback, the backup spot is “co-occupied” by Ryan Fitzpatrick and Ryan Griffin. That is a bit odd, if only because the veteran Fitzpatrick has significant experience and Griffin does not.
Out at wide receiver, rookie Chris Godwin is a glaring absence from the second team. Instead, it’s Freddie Martino paired with Adam Humphries. Godwin is having an excellent training camp, so there’s no doubt that he’ll move up as the preseason rolls on. However, does this mean Martino is leading the pack for the fifth wide receiver spot? Donteea Dye is on the third team, while Josh Huff, Shaq Hill and Bobo Wilson are on the outside looking in. And in a mild surprise, Tevin Westbrook is one of the second-team tight ends, with Alan Cross on the third team.
The first-team defense is mostly set. The only possible change by the season opener might be at strong-side linebacker. Devante Bond currently holds the starting spot, but third-round pick Kendell Beckwith is showing that he could challenge him for that role. Tampa Bay’s new additions to the safety position, rookie Justin Evans and veteran J.J. Wilcox, are currently on the second team. They’re behind last year’s starting duo of Keith Tandy and Chris Conte, though that’s not unexpected at this point in camp. Javien Elliott, who showed signs of potential in 2016, is the third-team cornerback, but he should have the starting nickelback role locked down.
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Special teams-wise, the kicking competition is still close. Roberto Aguayo and Nick Folk are sharing the top spot. The team was unlikely to put one over the other on a depth chart this early anyway, as the winner will be decided in the preseason. And in the return game, Humphries holds the punt return job while Ryan Smith is the leading kick returner. Smith leading the kick return job is likely just indicative of who will get first reps on Friday. Donteea Dye, Josh Huff and Justin Evans are still in the running, so they’ll their looks as the game progresses.
Overall, the first depth chart of the year doesn’t mean a whole lot. It shows where people stand after a couple of weeks, but a lot can change by September. What is obvious right now, though, is that the starters on both sides of the ball are essentially set. Throughout the preseason, we’ll get to see guys fight for second-team spots, while others fight to keep a roster spot.
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What do you think of the initial depth chart, Bucs fans? Did you see any big surprises? Let us know what you think in the comments, on Twitter or on Facebook. And, be sure to check back for coverage of the Bucs’ preseason opener with the Bengals this weekend.