Buccaneers: Who should play, who should sit in the preseason finale
By Ryan Doyle
Who should play
Ronald Jones, RB
The second-round pick hasn’t gotten off to a great start in Tampa Bay. Expected to take the reigns as the starting running back at some point in 2018, Ronald Jones may take a back seat to Peyton Barber for an extended period.
Through three games he hasn’t gained any traction on the ground and aside from a 37-yard catch, has been nowhere to be found.
While the coaching staff shouldn’t run Jones into the ground, Jones needs to open the game as the starter and have the offense revolve around him. It will allow the coaching staff to see what he can do. The extra reps can’t hurt him. Plus, Jones’ talent will make him look like a superstar against the third and fourth string defenses. It’ll be a great way to build his confidence.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Noah Spence, DE
The hype around Noah Spence’s 2018 season has dwindled. Through three preseason games, he has made zero impact and has been on the field late in the fourth quarter against offensive linemen who won’t be on a roster next week.
Spence is entering a crucial campaign. He needs to prove his worth as an edge rusher if he wants to stick around Tampa Bay. A former second-round pick, Spence had all the talent in the world and was lauded as one of the biggest steals in the 2016 draft class.
It’s time for a wakeup call. Throw Spence into the fire in the fourth preseason game and see if he can respond. He hasn’t stood out against backups at all in the preseason, if he wants an important role come Week 1, now is the time to prove it.
Jordan Whitehead, S
The previous two players should see the field on Thursday night against the Jaguars because of their lack of production. Jordan Whitehead should see the field for the complete opposite reason.
His terrific performance in the preseason has seen him rise up the depth chart and has fans clamoring for him to be inserted into the starting lineup. While he may not be there in defensive coordinator Mike Smith‘s eyes, giving him more snaps will only help him when the regular season comes around.
Whitehead can play in the final preseason game and take on a leadership role with the second team defense. He can move around the field and play both in the box and roam centerfield because he could be the first option off the bench if Justin Evans or Chris Conte goes down with an injury.