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Buccaneers: Predicting the final 53-man roster

By Douglas O'Connor

TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Fans watch a military jet flyover during the opening ceremonies of an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 1: Fans watch a military jet flyover during the opening ceremonies of an NFL game between the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Carolina Panthers on January 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Nick Folk #2 of the New York Jets reacts after missing a field goal during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Nick Folk #2 of the New York Jets reacts after missing a field goal during the first half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2016 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images) /

Special Teams: Bryan Anger, Nick Folk and Garrison Sanborn

The only position that might be a conversation is the battle for long snapper. Andrew DePaola, the Bucs long snapper the last three seasons, returned to the team late in training camp. After he injured his knee in the last game of the 2016 season. At first I thought he might have a shot, given his history with the team, but he didn’t make one snap in the third preseason game. They all went to Sanborn. My guess is that Jason Licht brought in DePaola as a favor, so other NFL teams could see that he was back for his injury.

The Final Three: If you have been keeping track then you know that my roster only has 50 players on it. These last three players make my roster on future promise and depth needs.

Jeremy McNichols: True, he is struggling with the playbook and it appears that pass protection is a big factor. Sound familiar? He may not necessarily deserve a roster spot, but his potential and draft status keeps him around. If Martin wasn’t suspended the first three games McNichols misses the cut.

Cameron Lynch: I only have four linebackers on my roster. True, the ability of Beckwith and Glanton to play all three linebacker spots is a huge plus, but four just isn’t enough. Lynch gets the nod because he has been playing a ton of special teams. A huge clue to who will make the team.

Josh Robinson: Special teams player extraordinaire, Josh Robinson, gets the last spot for two reasons. First, as you might have guessed, he is an outstanding special teams player. Known mostly for playing gunner on punts. Second, he can backup safety and outside corner. Before Robinson came to the Bucs he lined up as a corner for the Minnesota Vikings. Last season for the Bucs he was listed as a CB for the Bucs. This training camp he has been exclusively playing S. Versatility and outstanding special teams play earns Josh Robinson the last spot on my 53 man roster.

Practice Squad*:  

QB Sefo Liufau: As I explained above. The Bucs need a scout team quarterback and Liufau has spent training camp learning what the coaches want from him. It just makes to much sense.

RB Russell Hansbrough: Spent last season bouncing back and forth from the practice squad to the 53 man roster. Last season was evidence enough that the RB position can get thin quickly. Hansbrough knows the offense a huge plus for him.

C Josh Allen: The Bucs are in great shape at center depth, but I think the Bucs like Allen more at center than Evan Smith. If Ali gets nicked up, look for Allen to be bumped up to the 53 man roster.

S Isaiah Johnson: Johnson also spent last year on the Bucs practice squad. With the long term safeties still cloudy. I think the Bucs continue to develop Johnson.

CB Vernon Harris: The Bucs are not that deep at outside CB. Harris is the best of the bunch that didn’t make the roster.

CB Jonathan Moxey: See Vernon Harris.

OL Michael Liedtke: Offensive line development is always a priority. Liedtke graded out so good at gaurd the Bucs gave him some starting snaps at left tackle.

DE Channing Ward: The Bucs outside pass rush is hinging on a lot of what ifs. Ward is always hustling. Either getting after the opponents or busting his butt trailing a run play to record a tackle.

WR Jesus “Bobo” Wilson: His Hard Knocks tape didn’t make him a fan favorite to say the least. But Wilson is fast out of his brakes and doesn’t drop the ball. He is a perfect player for development. His game and attitude could come around.

LB Riley Bullough: As I hinted above Bullough could be the best prepared defensive leader of a scout team in the entire NFL. He will know the scheme and he will get his guys in position. Unfortunately I think Hard Knocks has shown other NFL teams looking for leadership at linebacker Riley could be their guy.

LB Eric Nzeocha: The 11th man. I know I’ll get this one right. Again Nzeocha is guaranteed a spot on the practice squad but doesn’t count against the ten spots.

*The Buccaneers might bring in some players from other teams that get cut Saturday. Defensive end and corner back are the most likely positions the Bucs will look.

Next: What Griffin's Extension Means Moving Forward

So there you have it, Bucs fans. Our 53-man roster prediction. Any surprises? Disagreements? Disappointments? Let us know on Twitter or Facebook!

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