Buccaneers: Post-preseason final 53-man roster projection
Buccaneers Defensive Line (6): Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, William Gholston, Rakeem Nuñez-Roches, Steve McLendon, Pat O’Connor
The defensive front of the Buccaneers is rock-solid, and shouldn’t see too many drastic changes from a season ago. This is mainly due to the fact that not only are the starters proven, but the depth is as well. Even with that said, this is still arguably the most slept on unit on the Bucs roster oddly enough.
Buccaneers Inside Linebackers (5): Lavonte David, Devin White, K.J. Britt, Grant Stuard, Kevin Minter
The linebackers of the Buccaneers are not good. They are not even great. They are ELITE. In fact, Lavonte David and Devin White are the best inside linebacking duo in the NFL, and complement each other to absolute perfection. Rookies K.J. Britt and Grant Stuard have stood out in preseason, the former with tackles and the latter as a special teams demon. Kevin Minter should stick around to give the depth a veteran presence.
Buccaneers Outside Linebackers (4): Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul, Joe Tryon-Troyinka, Anthony Nelson
The outside linebackers can be just as good as the inside, and they’ve only gotten better as first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka looks like he has the potential to be special. Similar to Minter with the inside backers, towering Anthony Nelson will be the veteran backup pass-rusher.
Buccaneers Cornerbacks (5): Carlton Davis, Sean Murphy-Bunting, Ross Cockrell, Jamel Dean, Antonio Hamilton
Make no mistake about it, this group may not have the “big names” but they have big talent. Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting are a solid duo with Jamel Dean providing solid contributions as a nickel corner. Ross Cockrell and Antonio Hamilton will provide veteran presence in the cornerback room and necessary depth, and have both had absolutely outstanding camps and preseasons.
Buccaneers Safeties (4): Antoine Winfield Jr., Jordan Whitehead, Mike Edwards, Javon Hagan
Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead are as solid of a one-two punch in the backend of a defense as they come, and they’re young. Not to be outdone, Mike Edwards is about as good of a third safety you can get in the NFL, and has looked like a legit ballhawk. Javon Hagan has had a great preseason and camp and should be safe as the fourth safety.