Training camp is almost here. As Bucs fans count down the days until the return of football here are a handful of Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp bold predictions.
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers season inches closer, fans are eager for the start of training camp. We all can’t wait for some real football and it gives us a sneak peek into the regular season. Every year training camp comes with great matchups, storylines and new potential starters.
This is a very crucial season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They must have a different mindset for everything if they want to make a playoff push.
The Bucs have a lot to prove, they are already without their starting quarterback for the first three games. Maybe that is a good thing, it may force them to play with urgency. Players may perform like their job is on the line in the opening weeks of the season. The time to win is now and with that these are my bold predictions for training camp.
The approach to practices will be different
I remember last season reading stories about the joint practices between the Bucs and Jaguars. I read multiple stories how much harder the Jaguars practices were and how they went full effort in everything. Look how well the Jaguars did last year, they were on the cusp of the Super Bowl.
This year I think the Bucs learned from their mistakes and start their season off right. I believe they changed their identity by adding tough, gritty players and they will practice accordingly.
Alex Cappa will be starting right guard
When the Bucs cut JR Sweezy, it showed they are happy with their young talent. I believe Caleb Benenoch will be given every chance to be the starting guard, but in the end, Alex Cappa will be the guy. Benenoch got playing time last season but to he never had any “wow” moments where he really stood out.
I truly feel Cappa was a player the Bucs had their eyes on for a long time. Cappa fits right in to the players they added this offseason, he is a tough, gritty, hard nosed, no nonsense type of player. If he lives up to that standard, the Bucs interior offensive line could emerge as one of the best in the league.
Vita Vea will show why he was a top pick
When the Bucs selected Vea with their first round pick I was a little disappointed. Look, I understand why they picked him but I’m a big fan of Derwin James. I thought James could bring the Bucs the intimidating presence in their secondary.
I believe Vea will make me eat my words and help turnaround the Bucs terrible defense. Vea is a physical freak who can potentially take a game over. I think the hire of defensive line coach Brenston Buckner and the help of veteran Gerald McCoy will help Vea blossom into a great player.
Jack Cichy will emerge as a draft steal
With Kendell Beckwith injured, the third linebacker spot is up for grabs. Devante Bond, Adarius Taylor and Jack Cichy will all duke it out for the starting linebacker spot. General Manager Jason Licht has a knack for finding late round steals and I feel Cichy will continue this trend.
Much like Kendell Beckwith, Cichy would have been selected much higher in the draft if it wasn’t for his knee injury. Cichy is a very instinctive, hardworking player who will push everyone around him. In the end, I see Cichy winning the third linebacker spot.
I also think when Beckwith returns healthy, the Bucs will be in no hurry putting him back into the starting lineup. I think the Bucs will make sure Beckwith is healthy enough to return while Cichy exceeds expectations.
Jordan Whitehead will be a starting safety
Jordan Whitehead has the potential to be another late round gem for general manager Jason Licht. Whitehead was slowed down in minicamp with a hamstring injury but by the time training camp gets here I believe he will hit the ground running.
Related Story: 5 Free Agent Safety Targets
At the end of mini camp coach Dirk Koetter said he was impressed with Whitehead’s quickness. Hopefully when the pads come on he can impress the coach with his physicality too.
Like I said earlier I’m a big fan of James, but I wouldn’t be surprised at all if Whitehead emerges as a steal for the Bucs. If Whitehead, Vea, Cappa and Carlton Davis emerge as starters, the 2018 draft could end up being a very successful draft for the Bucs.
Carlton Davis will secure a starting cornerback position and become the top rookie cornerback
I think the cornerback position battles will be one of the most entertaining of training camp. The Bucs have added talent from the draft to hopefully push Vernon Hargreaves. I expect Carlton Davis to emerge as the starter opposite Brent Grimes as the top rookie cornerback this year, overtaking Hargreaves.
I am a big fan of Davis, he is my favorite rookie this year for the Bucs. In practice Mike Evans will push him as one of the most physical recievers in the league and Desean Jackson will test him with his speed. Davis will be ready when the regular season comes. I believe he will be a starter this year and by years end he will be the top rookie cornerback.
Next: Buccaneers Madden 19 Player Ratings
I can’t wait for the football season to start. I truly feel these bold predictions are not completely out of the question. This year is different, there must be a sense of urgency. They attacked their offseason different I hope it carries on to training camp and leads to success for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.