DL Rakeem Nunez-Roches
It is not a secret to anyone that the Buccaneers lack depth in the defensive trenches with the injury to Vita Vea. Outside of Ndamukong Suh, the Buccaneers will be forced to field William Gholston and Beau Allen in significant roles. Luckily for the Buccaneers, an interior defensive lineman is stepping up when they need it the most.
Rakeem Nunez-Roches is putting together some strong practices and showings in the preseason. Against the Browns on Friday night, Nunez-Roches had his best showing yet, tallying two sacks, two tackles for loss, and two hits on the quarterback.
Entering his fifth year in the league and second in Tampa Bay, it is now or never for Nunez-Roches. He has 16 career starts under his belt and appeared in three games for the Buccaneers a year ago; Nunez-Roches recorded just two tackles in limited action.
Due to the lack of depth, Nunez-Roches could see himself playing a significant role until Vea returns from his injury. The Buccaneers will need a jump out of the fifth year defensive tackle if they hope to get a pass rush or stuff the run this year.