Buccaneers 53-man roster projection 2.0

Here is a look at what the Buccaneers 53-man roster might look like come week one following the preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.

Following the first preseason game, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster may have seen some unexpected shuffling. Players at the end of the depth chart may have caused some early shakeup.

A few weeks remain before Tampa Bay has to come to a final decision, the 53-man roster took its first step towards being settled.

The pecking order along the offensive line changed and rookie defensive backs shook up the secondary. However, questions remain about the running back group as well as the linebacking corps.

Based off of early training camp practices and the Bucs 26-24 win over the Miami Dolphins, here is a projection of the 53-man roster for Week 1.

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

Running backs – Peyton Barber, Ronald Jones, Charles Sims, Shaun Wilson (4)

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

Wide receivers – Mike Evans, DeSean Jackson, Chris Godwin, Adam Humphries, Bobo Wilson (5)

Tackles – Donovan Smith, Demar Dotson, Leonard Wester, Mike Liedtke (4)

Guards – Ali Marpet, Caleb Benenoch, Alex Cappa, Evan Smith (4)

Centers – Ryan Jensen (1)

Defensive tackles –Gerald McCoy, Beau Allen, Vita Vea, Mitch Unrein (4)

Defensive ends – Jason Pierre-Paul, Vinny Curry, Noah Spence, Will Clarke (4)

Linebackers – Lavonte David, Kwon Alexander, Kendell Beckwith, Adarius Taylor, Devante Bond, Jack Cichy, Cameron Lynch (7)

Cornerbacks – Brent Grimes, Vernon Hargreaves, Carlton Davis, M.J. Stewart, Ryan Smith (5)

Safety – Justin Evans, Chris Conte, Keith Tandy, Jordan Whitehead, Josh Robinson (5)

Specialists – K Chandler Catanzaro, P Brand Anger, LS Drew Ferris (3)

There are some minor changes from the previous 53-man roster projection. The highlights are generally near the back end of the depth chart. Players like Bobo Wilson and Mike Liedtke have snuck onto the roster.

With Justin Watson an option for the practice squad, Tampa Bay can opt to stash him there to open the season, rather than put him on the final 53 as what could be an additional 6th receiver.

In Liedtke’s case, his performance after the first preseason game propelled him into the mix as another swing tackle for the Bucs.

As camp continues, keep an eye on new addition De’Vante Harris as he tries to sneak into the final cornerback slot. As well as Jordan Whitehead, who will try to make a run at the starting safety spot.

On offense, the battle at running back is far from over. Charles Sims’ ability to catch passes might make him safe at the moment, but Jacquizz Rodgers’ familiarity with Dirk Koetter’s system may give him the edge.

By this time next week, more changes will be made in the Buccaneers pecking order. There are still integral practices and games to be played as Tampa Bay continues to analyze their roster.