Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Final 2020 53-man roster predictions
By Rob Leeds
Offensive line
Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet, Ryan Jensen, Alex Cappa, Tristan Wirfs, Josh Wells, Joe Haeg, AQ Shipley, John Molchon
The Bucs need depth, and seasoned depth at that, for the offensive line, especially if any player is forced to take an extended leave of absence due to COVID-19.
The starting offensive line could reach levels that haven’t been seen in years. Smith is trending up, the interior of the line should be as reliable as ever, and Tristan Wirfs still has all of the upside in the world.
Outside of the starters, the Bucs will keep some proven depth options like Haeg, Wells, and Shipley to serve as an insurance policy for Tom Brady’s protection, while also leaving space to keep promising rookie Molchon.
Defensive line
Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, William Gholston, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Khalil Davis, Patrick O’Connor, Jeremiah Ledbetter
The starting three defensive linemen for the Buccaneers all return from last season and the expectations have grown for the 2020 season. Suh, Vea, and Gholston were one of the best defensive lines in football last year, and there is no reason why that should not continue this season.
Outside of the starting three, Nunez-Roches has been a huge improver for the Buccaneers over the summer and should see an expanded role in 2020, and Khalil Davis has also shown promise as an uber-athletic depth piece.
Five good defensive linemen is not enough, and the Bucs should round out their depth with O’Connor and Ledbetter to provide depth in the worst-case scenario, but don’t count on them to have a massive role in this defense.