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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Breaking down the initial 53-man roster

By Ryan Doyle

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way through the tunnel before the start of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 18: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way through the tunnel before the start of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons on December 18, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way through the tunnel before taking to the field with teammates before the start of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on October 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – OCTOBER 1: Wide receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers makes his way through the tunnel before taking to the field with teammates before the start of an NFL football game against the New York Giants on October 1, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

The offense

Quarterbacks: Ryan Fitzpatrick, Ryan Griffin (2)

There are no surprises here. Veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick will try and lead the Buccaneers to a successful start to the season. Both quarterbacks put together strong preseasons and have plenty of weapons at their disposal.

Running backs: Peyton Barber, Jacquizz Rodgers, Ronald Jones, Shaun Wilson (4)

It was great seeing Shaun Wilson make the team. He was one of the hottest names in camp and could be the Bucs’ primary third-down back.

Out of camp, Peyton Barber has won the starting job by a country mile. Second-round pick Ronald Jones struggled in meaningless preseason games, but could still be a factor as a change of pace back.

Wide receivers: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, DeSean Jackson, Adam Humphries, Justin Watson, Freddie Martino (6)

The Buccaneers have plenty of depth at wideout. The first four names will get the majority of targets throughout the season, while Justin Watson will be a developmental piece after a strong preseason. Eventually, he could be an essential part of the passing attack.

Freddie Martino was able to sneak onto the roster as the last wide receiver. He had an up-and-down preseason but is a reliable option if significant injuries strike.

One final note, look out for Chris Godwin. He was a star in August and should be considered one of the top breakout candidates in the league.

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

Early in camp, Dirk Koetter said Alan Cross was not on the roster bubble. The comment made it easy to see how the Bucs tight end unit would shake out. Unless an undrafted player jumped Anthony Auclair with an otherworldly performance, this was going to be the group.

Offensive tackles: Donovan Smith, Demar Dotson, Leonard Wester, Mike Liedtke (4)

Who could have guessed that Mike Liedtke would have made the team a month ago? The Illinois State product took advantage of his opportunity and will be an essential backup along the offensive line.

Interior offensive line: Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Caleb Benenoch, Evan Smith, Alex Cappa, Adam Gettis (6)

Truthfully, the only shock in this group is Adam Gettis. While he is a quality backup, many felt he was the odd man out with veteran Evan Smith and third-round pick Alex Cappa ahead of him.

Gettis played well in the preseason and forced the Buccaneers to keep him on the team. With ten linemen to open the season, Tampa Bay should be able to handle injuries up front.

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