With training camp and the preseason wrapping up, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will have some tough roster decisions to make in the coming days.
There are some positions that look to be in great shape, while others, not so much. Starting at the wide receiver position, the Buccaneers are in a tough spot. But, how will that affect the roster decisions about to be made?
One recent draft pick who might not end up making the final cut? 2023 sixth-round pick Trey Palmer, the wide receiver who was briefly famous for "waking up mad" and scoring touchdowns. Palmer could very well be on the bubble alongside the likes of veteran Sterling Shepard and rookie seventh-round pick Tez Johnson.
Trey Palmer is among a few recent draft picks who might not make the final Bucs roster
A lot will depend on what happens with injured receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan. If either one of them (or even both) start the season on injured reserve, then Palmer should have no problem making the team.
But, let's say it's just Godwin. Then, the Bucs will likely keep Mike Evans, Emeka Egbuka, McMillan, Ryan Miller, and the other rookie, Johnson. That's five. Will they keep six? If they do, then Palmer is in. If not, he's going to get scooped up by another team, with ease.
Other than Palmer, there's tight end Ko Kieft who is on the bubble. This also depends on how many the Bucs keep at the position. The 2022 sixth-round pick is behind Cade Otton, Payne Durham and 2024 seventh-round pick Devin Culp at the moment. If the Bucs decide to keep four, then Kieft sticks around another year.
Finally, Jose Ramirez is another guy who could find himself close to the chopping block. Between he and Markees Watts, it's likely only one of them gets a roster spot. Watts has flashed in the past, playing in 12 career games, while Ramirez has only played in four.
We might very well end up seeing both cut, too, if the Bucs find another pass rusher via waivers. But, Ramirez is certainly in danger, and that's nothing new for the 2023 sixth rounder.