Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Day-one defensive recap of training camp

Is this finally the year of Noah Spence?

With Jason Pierre-Paul’s return still uncertain, it seems as though the starting right outside linebacker role has fallen to Noah Spence. Spence was definitely the most physically impressive player on day one. His size, speed, and hands lead one to believe that he will be a big contributor for this season.

Spence will have a tough year ahead of him. So far his career has been relatively lack-luster. His stats have never caught up with his talent and many expect more from the athletic freak. The general belief is that a move to outside linebacker will better fit Spence’s skillset. Spence is fast and has the ability to drop into shallow coverage if necessary, and linebacker will give Spence the opportunity to step into the limelight for the team and contribute in a different way than he was called upon to do so at defensive end.

Spence looked quick on his feet, violent, and helped lead the pass rushers in their drills alongside his counterpart Carl Nassib. This duo, with starting reps, could finally evolve into more efficient players, especially Nassib who started to come onto the scene for the Buccaneers last season with the second most sacks on the team. Spence will be hard pressed to mitigate the loss of JPP, but he clearly has the tangibles to find success as a starter.