Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Roster breakdown by probability of making team
By Cory Kinnan
Locks:
QB Jameis Winston
RB Peyton Barber
WR Mike Evans
WR Chris Godwin
TE O.J. Howard
LT Donovan Smith
OG Ali Marpet
C Ryan Jensen
RT Demar Dotson
OLB Shaquil Barrett
OLB Carl Nassib
OLB Anthony Nelson
DT Vita Vea
ILB Lavonte David
ILB Devin White
LB/S Deone Bucannon
CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
CB Jamel Dean
S Mike Edwards
P Bradley Pinion
Probable:
QB Blaine Gabbert
RB Ronald Jones
WR Scotty Miller
WR Breshad Perriman
TE Cameron Brate
Given the need at tight end around the league, the Buccaneers could pull the trigger on a trade if they get an offer they cannot refuse. Plus he carries a $7 million cap hit into 2019.
OG Alex Cappa
OL Earl Watford
DE Jason Pierre-Paul
His car accident has really caused confusion about his health. Right now he is slated to return in five to six months, but any complication could lead to the Buccaneers moving on.
The Buccaneers drafted two big-bodied cornerbacks to play outside the numbers, a role Davis filled a year ago. He could become expendable.
CB/S M.J. Stewart
S Justin Evans
After a down year-two, there has been no word on how the new coaching staff feels about Evans. However, defensive coordinator Todd Bowles loves box safeties, so he may be alright?
S Isaiah Johnson
S Jordan Whitehead
K Matt Gay
More than likely will be the team’s kicker, but kickers are unpredictable and the most disposable position in the NFL.
LS Dan Godsil
On the Bubble (trending up):
QB Nick Fitzgerald
Do the Bucs have their version of the Saints’ Taysom Hill?
RB Bruce Anderson
RB Andre Ellington
WR Anthony Johnson
WR DaMarkus Lodge
WR Justin Watson
TE Anthony Auclair
OL Zack Bailey
OL Mike Liedke
OT Riley Mayfield
DT Beau Allen
DT Terry Beckner Jr.
DT Rakeem Nunez-Roches
DE David Kenney
DE Dare Odeyingbo
OLB Noah Spence
Given the injury to Pierre-Paul and the Bucs taking just one pass rusher, Spence may be safe.
ILB Davonte Bond
Has proven to be a solid plug-and-play starter when needed and earns his keep on special teams.
ILB Kevin Minter
An Arians guy at a position that lacks depth.
CB De’Vante Harris
S Kentrell Brice
Being a new free agent this offseason gives him an edge, but Brice is no lock to make the roster.
On the Bubble (trending down):
QB Ryan Griffin
WR Bobo Wilson
TE Donnie Ernsberger
TE Tanner Hudson
OG Caleb Benenoch
OL Evan Smith
DL William Gholston
DL Stevie Tu’ikolouatu
ILB Jack Cichy
CB Vernon Hargreaves
He is not off to a great start with his new coaches and after three failed seasons, the Bucs may be looking to move on.
CB Ryan Smith
S Lukas Denis
Doubtful:
RB Dare Ogunbowale
RB Shaun Wilson
WR K.J. Brent
WR Spencer Schnell
WR Cortrelle Simpson
OL Cole Boozer
C Nate Trewyn
OG Ruben Holcomb
OT Brock Ruble
DT Gerald McCoy
This is now a foregone conclusion and just a matter of time.
DE Khazin Daniels
Great story, but just does not have the athletic makeup to look like anything more than a practice squad stash.
ILB Corey Nelson
ILB Emmanuel Smith
OLB Demone Harris
OLB Farrington Huguenin
OLB Patrick O’Connor
CB Jalen Allison
CB David Rivers
S D’Cota Dixon
S Orion Stewart
LS Zach Triner
K Cairo Santos
Re-signs in Tampa Bay this offseason, they draft a kicker in the fifth round. Ouch.
Next. Buccaneers: Would you make this trade?. dark
Again, these are all approximations based off of their standing within the organization. Undrafted free agents make rosters all of the time, and this year will be no different. It will be rather interesting to keep an eye on a roster bound for major turnover as the offseason progresses.