Buccaneers: Predicting the linebacker depth chart for 2021
By Rob Leeds
Cuts and practice squad backs for the Buccaneers
As much as we all wanted to pull for the rookie linebackers, it seems extremely unlikely that either will make the active roster at the start of the season. Injuries could bring one or the other up in a depth role, but this was a tough hand to draw for these young players on a team that was already mostly set.
Between the two, K.J. Britt is the much better defensive player and should get the priority from the Bucs on the practice squad. They should try to keep Stuard as well, but Britt has the much higher ceiling as a linebacker.
These two could develop on the practice squad for a year or two if they last that long and then compete for a job down the road, but that may be too much to hope for right now.
As for pass rusher, LaDarius Hamilton has a decent chance of making the practice squad as well, but much like his counterparts on this list, his odds of making the final roster are almost non-existent.
The Buccaneers have one of the best front sevens in the NFL, which is why it makes sense that Tryon could be the only rookie to make the final roster. There are plenty of spots on the practice squad for these guys to grow into a role down the line, but the odds are very long for many of the newcomers to make the team.
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