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

The defense

Defensive end: Jason Pierre-Paul, Vinny Curry, Noah Spence, William Gholston, Will Clarke (5)

This unit was locked in for the past few weeks. Even though Noah Spence has been one of the biggest disappointments in camp, there was no way the Bucs were going to give up on him this early.

Defensive tackle: Gerald McCoy, Beau Allen, Vita Vea, Mitch Unrein, Jerel Worthy (5)

With injuries to both Vita Vea and Mitch Unrein, Jerel Worthy was able to latch onto the regular season roster.

Vea appears to be on track to return soon, but Unrein’s concussion issues could have him sidelined until further notice. Aside from Worthy, no surprises here.

Linebackers: Lavonte David, Kwon Alexander, Adarius Taylor, Jack Cichy, Cameron Lynch (5)

With Kendell Beckwith forced to miss the first five games of the season after moving to the reserve/non-football Injury list, Jack Cichy and Cameron Lynch will be the rotational pieces.

Adarius Taylor will start alongside Lavonte David and Kwon Alexander in the meantime.

Cornerbacks: Brent Grimes, Vernon Hargreaves, Carlton Davis, M.J. Stewart, Ryan Smith, De’Vante Harris (6)

The Buccaneers added some depth at cornerback with De’Vante Harris making the final roster.

Safeties: Justin Evans, Chris Conte, Jordan Whitehead, Isaiah Johnson (4)

All of the surprising moves happened at safety. Both Josh Robinson and Keith Tandy were released as the Buccaneers have opted to keep younger players on the roster.

Isaiah Johnson appeared to be on the outside looking in but has managed to make the team after getting cut for the past two seasons.

Specialists: Chandler Catanzaro, Bryan Anger (2)

An important note here, both long snappers on the roster were released to give time to put Mich Unrein on short-term injured reserve. As soon as he can move there, a snapper will be brought back.

It looks like long snapper Garrison Sanborn will be re-signed, according to the Tampa Bay Times’ Greg Auman.