Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Deone Bucannon poised for a breakout?

GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Strong safety Deone Bucannon #20 of the Arizona Cardinals before the NFL game against the New Orleans Saintsat the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 31-19. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - SEPTEMBER 13: Strong safety Deone Bucannon #20 of the Arizona Cardinals before the NFL game against the New Orleans Saintsat the University of Phoenix Stadium on September 13, 2015 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Saints 31-19. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
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GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 16: Fullback John Kuhn #30 of the Green Bay Packers is hit by strong safety Deone Bucannon #20 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ – JANUARY 16: Fullback John Kuhn #30 of the Green Bay Packers is hit by strong safety Deone Bucannon #20 of the Arizona Cardinals during the second half of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game at University of Phoenix Stadium on January 16, 2016 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Todd Bowles’ Swiss-Army Knife

By being able to play inside linebacker in a 3-4 and any of the 3 positions in a 4-3 while also being able to play safety, look for Deone Bucannon to have a big year despite being a backup. Todd Bowles is going to utilize the depth that the Buccaneers have to create an aggressive defensive unit that blitzes heavily.

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Devin White and Lavonte David are sure things as starters barring any injuries (knock on wood) but this in no way means that Bucannon will have limited role on the team. He could be subbed in to help against teams that are leaning heavily on the pass or are throwing to their running backs often. In addition to these tasks, Bucannon could also be used as a spy against mobile quarterbacks like Kyler Murray.

As of now, before training camp, Bucannon sits as the number three linebacker on the roster and is the third or fourth safety. By being able to play at two important positions on the defense Bucannon will be able to make big plays in any game regardless of where he is lined up or who he is lined up next to. This fluid style of play will be beneficial to a team that will be moving players around and require fresh legs often.

Bucannon had the skillset to be a starting linebacker on this team had the Buccaneers not taken Devin White with the fifth overall pick. Even though White was picked to be the future, this does not mean that Bucannon will not be on the team down the road.

There are many variables going into the next few years, but Bucannon could be a passable replacement for Lavonte David in 2020 if the Buccaneers part ways with the veteran like they did with Gerald McCoy this past May. Bucannon has the talent to be a starter and the 2019 season will be his way of showing the Buccaneers that he is ready for a new contract and new responsibilities in 2020.

2019 (generous) prediction: 2 interceptions, 1.5 sacks, 2 passes defended

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