Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4 players who deserve to make the team

TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers line up against the Detroit Lions during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 24, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - AUGUST 24: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers line up against the Detroit Lions during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 24, 2018 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
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GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 03: Jack Cichy #48 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with fans after defeating the LSU Tigers 16-14 at Lambeau Field on September 3, 2016 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
GREEN BAY, WI – SEPTEMBER 03: Jack Cichy #48 of the Wisconsin Badgers celebrates with fans after defeating the LSU Tigers 16-14 at Lambeau Field on September 3, 2016 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Jack Cichy

If it weren’t for an ACL tear which cost him the 2017 season with the Wisconsin Badgers, Jack Cichy would have been a much higher draft selection. The Buccaneers capitalized and selected him in the sixth round.

Through three games, he has gained some traction, especially in the Week 3 contest against Detroit. His five solo tackles were among the highest total on the team, and he was a regular on special teams.

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Injuries have opened the door for some linebackers as both Kendell Beckwith and Devante Bond don’t look ready for the season opener. Cichy is one of the best options in their stead. He is a sure tackler and if he has regained his athleticism, could be a late round steal.

Although Nigel Harris, Riley Bullough and Cameron Lynch are still in the mix, Cichy’s ceiling is much higher.

Mike Liedtke

Out of nowhere, Mike Liedtke has been one of the most important players for the Bucs this preseason. With both Demar Dotson and Donovan Smith missing some preseason action, Liedtke has played with the first team in every contest.

At both left and right tackle, he has managed to hold his own against starting caliber edge rushers.  When camp began, he was in the mix for one of the last offensive line spots; he looks like one of the best backup options now.

With injuries hitting the tackle position hard in preseason, Liedtke has stepped up and deserves to be the primary swing tackle.

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