Buccaneers: Key takeaways from 2021 preseason opener
By Rob Leeds
The good performances for the Buccaneers
Javon Hagan
The Bucs have an open spot to be their fourth safety, and after last night, that player looks like Javon Hagan. Ignore the fumble; that interception by Hagan was one of the most athletic and impressive by a Buccaneer DB in a long time.
Add to that play remarkable energy and a nose for the ball, and you have a decent depth safety for the regular season in Hagan if he keeps this pace up.
Joe Jones
A timely pick-6 is always something to celebrate. Jones showed confidence in coverage and also looked good in special teams, which should be enough to push him firmly into completion with K.J. Britt for that fourth inside linebacker spot.
K.J. Britt
Another new face at linebacker. The Bucs are stacked at ILB, but Britt played very sound defense for the entire game. He may have a few kinks in his game to work out, but he has an extremely high ceiling as a Kevin Minter-type replacement if he makes the final roster.
Antonio Hamilton
The Buccaneers will keep five or six corners, and Hamilton looks like a lock as the fifth. Hamilton led the team in tackles last night and is fitting into Todd Bowles’ defense well. With plenty of special teams experience to boot, Hamilton can replace Ryan Smith with the potential to be slightly better on defense.
Khalil Davis
Davis has put together a great camp and was able to translate that to the game well. There were several plays where Davis shed his blocker immediately and put pressure on the quarterback from the snap, and plays like that will up his role in the rotation sooner than later.
Ross Cockrell
Cockrell is turning into a pure DB. Whether he lines up at corner or safety, Cockrell brings a high level of play to any position and should serve an important role on the defense this season.