The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Predictions for every Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp battle

By Cory Kinnan

GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
GLENDALE, AZ - OCTOBER 15: Cornerback Vernon Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of the NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals at the University of Phoenix Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Glendale, Arizona. The Cardinals defeated the Buccaneers 38-33. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 08: Defensive back Adam Sparks #14 of the Missouri Tigers congratulates defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr. #5 after a tackle during the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
COLUMBIA, MO – SEPTEMBER 08: Defensive back Adam Sparks #14 of the Missouri Tigers congratulates defensive lineman Terry Beckner Jr. #5 after a tackle during the game against the Wyoming Cowboys at Faurot Field/Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images) /

Defensive Lineman

The Buccaneers have last year’s first round pick Vita Vea fully healthy and ready to go for training camp. In addition they signed veteran defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh to a one-year deal to provide a stopgap along the defensive front after parting with McCoy; they still have one slot along the defensive line still up for grabs.

Seventh round pick Terry Beckner Jr. has been impressing thus far throughout rookie and mandatory minicamps, but does he have the pop and athletic ability to compete for a starting job this early? Veterans Beau Allen and William Gholston return as significant contributors from a year ago while Rakeem Nunez-Roches and Jeremiah Ledbetter are hoping to earn a bigger role as well.

Vea has been cutting weight in an attempt to stay on the field on passing downs, meaning he may see some time at defensive end in Todd Bowles’ 3-4 defensive scheme instead of strictly at nose tackle. This gives the Buccaneers the flexibility to display a variety of looks up front with a variety of personnel packages.

Prediction: Gholston will be the predominant third defensive lineman on passing downs, Allen will act as a plug on running downs. Beckner has a change to syphon off reps from the two.

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