3 Buccaneers who need to stand out vs. Jets

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will kick off their preseason slate tonight on the road against the New York Jets.

The Bucs starters aren’t expected to play, but there are plenty of players with something to prove as they compete for limited spots on the roster.

A standout performance in the preseason opener would go a long way for these players on the bubble.

3 Tampa Bay Buccaneers who need to perform against the New York Jets 

OLB Chris Braswell

Despite being drafted in the second round just two years ago, Braswell is on the hot seat. He’s recorded just 2.5 sacks through two seasons, and has failed to live up to expectations. 

The team’s top four outside linebackers are set in stone with Yaya Diaby, Rueben Bain Jr., Al-Quadin Muhammad, and David Walker.

Braswell can compete for what would likely be the fifth and final spot, but he’s battling with Anthony Nelson who currently holds the edge. 

Braswell should get significant playing time against the Jets, and he needs to make some plays and stand out, because his time is running out to secure a roster spot.

OLB Anthony Nelson

While Nelson currently holds the upper hand over Braswell, that could change in an instant. The team would likely prefer Braswell to ball out so they don’t have to move on from a second-round pick after just two seasons. 

Nelson has been a consistent role player in Tampa Bay, notching at least three sacks in five consecutive seasons. His ceiling is low, but his floor is at least steady as a rotational pass rusher.

He can’t allow himself to be outshined by Braswell, or he could become expendable. The team is unlikely to keep six outside linebackers — they kept just five a year ago on the initial 53-man roster. Nelson needs to put the nail in the coffin of this competition and secure the last spot on the depth chart. 

TE Devin Culp

The tight end room is simultaneously crowded, yet really thin. Behind Cade Otton, there’s no clear separation between Culp, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft, and rookie Bauer Sharp.

But it sure feels like Culp is on the outside looking in. Durham and Kieft are both far superior blockers, and while Culp is the best athlete in the group, that hasn’t led to any type of receiving production. He recorded just one catch last season. 

Culp needs to make some plays on Friday night and carve out a role for himself, or he could be one of the first candidates when roster cuts come around.

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