The 5 most important players for the Buccaneers in 2020
By Rob Leeds
Moving down through the keystone positions, after a consistent quarterback and a solid edge rusher, NFL teams need a reliable starting corner to match up against the toughest opposing receivers. In the NFC South, this position is paramount, considering the overall receiver talent.
As it stands, Carlton Davis is the CB1 for the Buccaneers, and rightfully so. In 2019, Davis had 19 passes defended and an interception. Davis was a consistent force as a starter even though he was only in his second NFL season, and all signs point to Davis retaining this role for the future.
Tampa Bay does have a pair of promising young rookies, but Davis has still earned the role through his play. The Bucs didn’t have a stellar secondary in 2019, but Davis was a consistent part of its successes, especially after the departure of Vernon Hargreaves.
One of the best indicators of the fact that Davis will retain this role is his game against DeAndre Hopkins and the Houston Texans.
Hopkins is one of the best receivers in the NFL and was almost a complete non-factor in this matchup. If Davis can hang with Hopkins, he can play against nearly anyone.
Carlton Davis is good, but he does still have some growing to before the start of the 2020 season. The pressure will be as great as it has ever been, but a successful season for Davis will lend itself to winning for the Bucs.