Backup outside backers for the Buccaneers
3. Joe Tryon
This is where the list starts to get trickier. The Bucs drafted Joe Tryon with the hopes that he could be a starter very soon. Tryon is in great shape, has great tape, and is playing well in training camp, but Bruce Arians and his staff will want to make sure that he is ready to play the 20%-30% of the reps required of an OLB3 before they hand him the reins.
Tryon absolutely should be the third guy for the majority of the season, but don’t be surprised if Anthony Nelson gets a few extra reps at the start of the season for some unspoken Bruce Arians reason.
4. Anthony Nelson
Tryon is a much better athlete and has a substantially higher ceiling, but Nelson does have experience on his side.
After a few seasons in Todd Bowles’ system and a decent understanding of the NFL pace and requirements, this year could be Nelson’s best chance so far to earn a more significant role on the team.
The coaching staff has already shown its hand regarding their views on Nelson down the road after drafting Tryon, but there is still plenty that Nelson can accomplish as a depth player if he continues to improve.
5. Cam Gill
Five pass-rushers may feel like a lot, but Todd Bowles did plenty to rotate his outside backers last season, and there is no reason to believe that will change this year.
Cam Gill is unlikely to see many defensive reps, but he is an excellent piece to have for special teams and worst-case scenario defensive situations.