3 players that can step up after the Buccaneers cut M.J. Stewart
By Rob Leeds
Of the three options, former USF cornerback Mazzi Wilkins has the best chance of earning the fifth spot based on his experience with the Buccaneers. As the only player on this list that spent any time on the final roster last season, his familiarity with the defense will be a commodity during training camp.
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
Wilkins was a limited contributor on defensive reps through the final five games with 12 snaps played, but he did get far more chances on special teams, a role that the fifth corner will live in. During these limited opportunities, Wilkins was able to account for six tackles, which shows that his special teams footprint was already more significant than that of Stewart.
As previously mentioned, the Buccaneers have a strong starting three. Even if one of the starters goes down, the most likely scenario is moving one of the safeties into the nickel spot rather than pulling up the CB4, five, or six. The final three players in the unit will have to be sound special teamers.
Wilkins has the knowledge of the defense and special teams and the reps to prove it, and his chances of ending with one of the two remaining spots are the best of the group and he should play a bigger role in 2020