3 sleepers who will be key pieces of the Buccaneers success this season

CB/S Tavierre Thomas

After signing a one-year contract with Tampa Bay in free agency, Thomas has impressed all throughout training camp and offseason workouts. In the first nine days of training camp, Thomas recorded three interceptions — of three different quarterbacks — in 7-on-7 or 11-on-11 work, while making several correct reads to defend option runs.

In the Bucs' three preseason games, Thomas showed out once again in hopes of securing a spot on the 53-man roster. In addition to notching 16 tackles this preseason, Thomas has made plays when he's had to, both on defensive and on special teams.

“He’s another kid that just is playing hard and doing the right things — a lot. And when you do that, the ball finds you, especially in this defense. We put a huge emphasis on turnovers and you’re going to get your opportunities," Bowles said. "So if you’re ready for them and you’re doing the right stuff, the ball’s going to come to you, you’re going to find it.”

It looked like it would come down to Smith and second-year cornerback Christian Izien for the starting nickel cornerback, but they both ended up making the roster. Thomas is excellent depth at safety, and his ability to swing over to the nickel corner position only adds further value to him making the 53-man roster.

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