Buccaneers: Pre-training camp 53-man roster predictions

Quarterbacks (3)

Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Griffin

The quarterbacks in this group should come as a surprise to no one. Bruce Arians has made it clear that he likes Blaine Gabbert behind Brady, given his familiarity with the offensive system. Ryan Griffin has shown moments of success in dire situations and is passable as the third option.

The Bucs may choose to upgrade either of the backups before the season starts based on their health and ability. No team ever wants to be in a situation where a substitute takes over the reins for an extended portion of the season, but the Bucs should give this some thought based on Brady’s age and the need to stay competitive regardless.

If this starts to scare Tampa Bay, they may try to find a more proven entity, but expect there to still be three quarterbacks on the roster by the start of the season.

Running backs (3)

Ronald Jones, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Dare Ogunbowale

The Buccaneers are going to struggle to make ends meet with their limited roster space, given how many tight ends and receivers they will likely keep on their roster. The best bet for the Bucs is to keep three running backs rostered and hope that the weighted passing attack will minimize any potential problems.

Ronald Jones is the bonafide starter, but past him is where the murkiness begins. The word has been that Vaughn will be the new third-down back, but taking into account the unique offseason, the better odds are on him playing Peyton Barber’s old role, and Dare Ogunbowale will keep his third-down position.