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.