5 dark horse candidates to make Buccaneers final roster

DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 09: Shaun Wilson #29 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a touchdown run against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC - SEPTEMBER 09: Shaun Wilson #29 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a touchdown run against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
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DURHAM, NC – SEPTEMBER 09: Shaun Wilson #29 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a touchdown run against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)
DURHAM, NC – SEPTEMBER 09: Shaun Wilson #29 of the Duke Blue Devils reacts following a touchdown run against the Northwestern Wildcats at Wallace Wade Stadium on September 9, 2017 in Durham, North Carolina. (Photo by Lance King/Getty Images)

As training camp heats up, here is a look at 5 dark horse players who could end up on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 53-man roster.

Every year, there are always a handful of unknown players who raise eyebrows. Small school undrafted free agents and veterans who most thought were over the hill make a team despite the odds stacked against them.

For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there are a handful of players who may sneak onto the final roster if they can continue to perform throughout the preseason.

Whether the position they are vying for is loaded with talent or in need of a boost, these players have gained some momentum and could make the ultimate statement by landing a roster spot to open the regular season.

Even if these players are one of the final cuts, they could be some of the first to land on the practice squad and may eventually see time with the team.

Here are five dark horse candidates to make the Buccaneers final roster:

Shaun Wilson, RB

If Tampa Bay is truly interested in improving their running game, Shaun Wilson can help turn it around. Wilson put up monster numbers at Duke and was one of the priority free agents following the NFL Draft.

With the Buccaneers adding Ronald Jones in the second round, Wilson, Jones and Peyton Barber could create a solid young core of backs. He may not get many carries if he makes the final roster but could be a dynamic piece to the offense down the road.

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