Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Defensive backs trending up?

TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Vernon III Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown after intercepting Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 08: Vernon III Hargreaves #28 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers scores a touchdown after intercepting Jimmy Garoppolo #10 of the San Francisco 49ers in the second quarter of a football game at Raymond James Stadium on September 08, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
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TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Demetrius Harris #88 of the Cleveland Browns has a pass broken up by Jordan Whitehead #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Demetrius Harris #88 of the Cleveland Browns has a pass broken up by Jordan Whitehead #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during a preseason game at Raymond James Stadium on August 23, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)

Whitehead emerging as a star

Moving to the safeties, Jordan Whitehead has had a heck of a start to the season. Whitehead seems to be wherever the ball is whether the play is a pass or a run.

Whitehead has played confidently deep of the ball and has even gotten pressure on the quarterback from time to time. The second year safety has a very bright future ahead of him and could become a key piece of the top 10 Buccaneer defense.

The final player starting in the secondary is rookie Mike Edwards. Of all the rookies taken in this draft, Edwards was one of two who earned a starting spot. Edwards had one of the best preseasons of any of the Buccaneer rookies and rightfully earned his spot as a starter and looks to be in a prime situation to maintain his spot.

Regardless of the allure of a new defensive back like Jalen Ramsey or Minkah Fitzpatrick, the Buccaneers can pass up on these costly options in favor of sticking with the developing talent that they have at home. While Minkah or Jalen would be immediate starters from day one on the Buccaneer defense, the Bucs would be wise to continue growing their defensive backs and hold on to their valuable draft picks that may be used on positions of greater need in the future.

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