Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Depth chart reactions

The preliminary depth chart for the Buccaneers was released this week and there are some surprises mixed in with the established starters.

While training camp has been going on for several weeks now, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have finally released their first depth chart for the 2019-2020 season. Most of the players on the chart have been previous starters on the team while others beat out apparent locks at other positions. The first big surprise of the starting lineup is Carl Nassib starting over Shaquil Barrett.

Barrett was brought in this past offseason as a free agent from Denver specifically to play the outside linebacker role in the Bucs’ new 3-4 defense. While Barrett seemed to have the starting outside linebacker job locked up, Carl Nassib is currently listed as the starter in that position and has been taking first team reps at camp. Barrett appears to be paired up with Anthony Nelson as the second duo who will still provide skilled depth for the pass rush.

As far as surprises go, the only other shock on the defense is Carlton Davis beating out Sean Murphy-Bunting for the second corner back spot. Davis has been all over the field during training camp contrary to the offseason predictions and deserves the spot that he has. Davis has been making massive strides in his game in year two and will look to keep his starting spot for the second straight year.

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In similar corner news, it appears as of the depth chart that Jamel Dean has also edged out SMB for the third spot on the depth chart. This could become a moot point for the time being though because Jamel Dean will not be traveling with the team to Pittsburgh for their Friday night matchup.

After SMB and Barrett, the rest of the depth chart seems to be as expected. After a stellar first few weeks of camp Mike Edwards has played like a lock as the starting safety. It seems as though every practice Edwards has been seen picking off or breaking up passes all over the field and will bring a consistency to the safety position that the Bucs haven’t had in quite some time.

Due to Lavonte David‘s injury this preseason, Deone Bucannon has been moved to the other starting inside linebacker position alongside Devin White. This duo will be interesting to watch but this will make Devin White the de facto leader of the defense with Lavonte David out for the time being. Kevin Minter and Devante Bond are backups at inside linebacker as Todd Bowles seems keen on maintaining the pairings on defense.

The only addition to the offensive starters is Alex Cappa, which should come as a surprise to no one as that was the expectation all offseason. The Buccaneer offensive line was nothing to talk about last season and Cappa will hopefully be a part of a resurgent and efficient line that can protect their quarterback.

Consistency in the depth chart is a good thing for the Buccaneers. Having these units together from the start of training camp allows for the team to develop efficient communication skills and learn where their strengths and weaknesses are. The Bucs will hope though that they can return their injured players to fill the starting spots with the established returners.