Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Final 2020 53-man roster predictions
By Rob Leeds
Wide receivers
Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller, Justin Watson, Tyler Johnson, Jaydon Mickens
The wide receivers for the Buccaneers should come as little surprise. The first four are extremely clear, although the third and fourth spots are a bit murky. Miller and Watson have both impressed during camp and should split the third role well for Tom Brady.
Outside of the top four, the Bucs do have some questions to answer before making their cuts. Tyler Johnson, who was once toted as one of the best draft picks for Tampa Bay in 2020, is now likely on the hot seat to play a minimal role for the Bucs this season.
The general belief was that Johnson would be a stellar WR3 for the Bucs and for Brady, and now he would be lucky to start the year as the WR5.
Mickens will round out the receiver depth and help as a returner on special teams. The Bucs won’t have space to roster a player for the sole purpose of kick returns, and Mickens brings enough as a multi-purpose player to warrant the spot.
Tight ends
O.J. Howard, Rob Gronkowski, Cameron Brate, Antony Auclair
O.J. Howard is entering his fourth year in Tampa Bay and should make a splash early on that will surprise many people. There is an excellent chance that Howard will remain the TE1 for Tampa Bay despite Gronk’s addition, but that duo with Brate gives the Bucs one of the deepest tight end rooms in the league.
Antony Auclair should get the final nod at tight end based on his improvements in the passing game and his exceptional blocking ability.