Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Day-one defensive recap of training camp
By Rob Leeds
![TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 01: Noah Spence #57 and Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate after a failed two-point conversion attempt by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 17-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) TAMPA, FL - JANUARY 01: Noah Spence #57 and Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrate after a failed two-point conversion attempt by the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter of the game at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 17-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/ba4dd5516c117110e43953b86f8fe3637a3d5233173ff6adc9ae97d288a582b0.jpg)
Carlton Davis starting at cornerback
After much conjecture this offseason as to what the secondary would look like after a DB-heavy draft, Carlton Davis now seems to be in command of the starting spot as of the first day over Jamel Dean. This is absolutely subject to change as nothing is written in stone as of now, but it seems as though Todd Bowles has more confidence in Davis than was initially expected. This goes against almost all of the reports from this offseason and is one of the bigger surprises of the day.
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It seems fair to give Davis a second chance at maintaining the spot as he was thrown into the fire last season. While his stats were not impressive, he has shown flashes of talent to be a consistent and contributing member of the defense. Davis has proven himself as a hard worker, but it remains to be seen if he will fit Todd Bowles’ scheme.
Assuming Davis can evolve his game to one that is more conductive to press coverage, the Buccaneers could have four competent corners, which would be a dramatic shift from last season. Regardless of where he ends up week one, it is reassuring that there is confidence in Davis to start the season from a depth standpoint. It seems as though the job is Davis’ to lose and we will see if he can maintain his edge over Jamel Dean.