Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Final 2020 53-man roster predictions
By Rob Leeds
Inside linebackers
Lavonte David, Devin White, Kevin Minter, Chapelle Russell
The starting linebackers for the Bucs in 2020 are the best linebacker duo in the NFL currently. Lavonte David has continuously been an underrated force in the league and could get some Defensive Player of the Year votes this season, and Devin White is looking to build on a promising rookie season.
Regardless of any question marks on the rest of the defense, these two are as reliable as they come.
Coming in at the third spot and as a monster on special teams, Kevin Minter has carved out a crucial role for himself on the roster. Tampa Bay needs the special teams help, and Minter has been consistent in that area throughout his career.
The final inside linebacker spot should fall to Chapelle Russell. Jack Cichy may have looked like a strong candidate for this role before Russell was drafted, but Russell could be the player with the higher upside down the road, assuming injuries aren’t a problem with him as they are with Cichy.
Outside linebackers
Shaquil Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, Anthony Nelson, Quinton Bell
Much like the inside backers, the top three for the Bucs on the outside are set, with a dominant duo starting. Barrett and JPP are coming into the 2020 season as a force to be reckoned with, and the Buccaneer pass rush could reach new heights this year.
Anthony Nelson has emerged as a more-than-capable third edge rusher over the summer, and he will also be able to provide some solid reps in relief of Barrett and Pierre-Paul.
The final spot will come down to the wire, and there is a good chance that even the staff doesn’t know who will win the job yet. Even though there is some uncertainty, Quinton Bell makes a compelling choice for the fourth role as he has a high upside with his insane athleticism.