5 pleasant surprises at Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp

5 pleasant surprises at Buccaneers training camp

By Ryan Doyle | Aug 12, 2018

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 12: Wide receiver DeSean Jackson #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for a first down during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New York Jets on November 12, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

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MIAMI, FL – AUGUST 09: Andre Branch #50 of the Miami Dolphins rushes towards Ryan Fitzpatrick #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first quarter during a preseason game at Hard Rock Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

Backup offensive tackles

It cannot be overstated how many injuries the Buccaneers have dealt with at offensive tackle so far in camp. Four tackles weren’t available against Miami alone.

Regardless of who goes down, the next player has stepped up and shined. Demar Dotson has been taken along slowly after he underwent surgery in the offseason and backup tackle Leonard Wester has sat out most of the practices thus far.

It has opened the door for players like Cole Gardner, Brad Seaton and Mike Liedtke. On paper, these names were nothing more than emergency tackles. Maybe one of them would sneak onto the roster.

Now, the Buccaneers may have a full-fledged battle on their hands. Gardner shined early in camp while Seaton and Liedtke performed admirably on Thursday night.

Tampa Bay’s newfound depth at tackle has been an unexpected bonus. Tampa now has some options if the injury bug were to strike in the regular season.

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