Tampa Bay Buccaneers 53-man roster projection

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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 31: Wide receiver Chris Godwin of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates what would be the game-winning touchdown with quarterback Jameis Winston #3 and tight end Cameron Brate #84 during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on December 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Offense

Quarterback – Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Griffin (3)

No surprises here. The Buccaneers will keep three quarterbacks on the roster for most of the season. Tampa Bay probably won’t keep a third quarterback while Winston serves his suspension. Leaving just Fitzpatrick and Griffin as their only options for three weeks.

Running back – Ronald Jones, Peyton Barber, Shaun Wilson (3)

Shockingly, both Charles Sims and Jacquizz Rodgers don’t make the final roster in this projection. Undrafted free agent Shaun Wilson has created some buzz around camp.

Wilson should get plenty of carries in preseason games and if he makes the most of his opportunity he can jump the mediocre backs in front of him.

ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 22: O.J. Howard #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills on October 22, 2017 at New Era Field in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

Tight end: – Cameron Brate, O.J. Howard, Anthony Auclair, Alan Cross (4)

The backend of the tight end depth chart is the wild west. Auclair, Cross, Donnie Ernsberger and other UDFAs are in the mix.

Cross and Auclair could be jumped in the preseason but it seemed the Buccaneers really liked his potential. Cross has been with Tampa Bay for a while and the coaching staff will want his veteran presence on special teams.

Wide receivers – Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Adam Humphries, Chris Godwin, Justin Watson (5)

The top four at wideout is solidified. The final spot (or two) remains up for grabs. Justin Watson has been one of the breakout players of camp thus far. Although it may be tough for him to get snaps with the talent in front of him, he would be solid depth. Keep an eye out for Bernard Reedy and Bobo Wilson who will also try to sneak onto the final spots.

Offensive line – Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Caleb Benenoch, Demar Dotson, Alex Cappa, Evan Smith, Leonard Wester, Cole Gardner (9)

Although the Buccaneers could opt to keep eight offensive linemen, the extra body wouldn’t hurt. Demar Dotson entered camp on the mend and Leonard Wester is also banged up. Extra bodies would allow Tampa to ease them into practice.

Total: 24 players

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