After a big overhaul of the defensive line this off-season, it is easy to miss a key young pass rusher in Tampa Bay, Noah Spence. He is not only back 100%, but he has bulked up as well. Weighing in at a solid 257lbs, which is up considerably from his playing weight of 227lbs in 2017.
Spence through his first two seasons had collected 6.5 sacks and 4 forced fumbles, but has been limited by injuries both years with a dislocated shoulder. In 2017, he only played 6 games before he went on IR to have the shoulder surgically repaired via a Latarjet procedure. VIDEO OF PROCEDURE HERE
When asked how he feels now after a long offseason Spence replied, “One hundred percent,” said Spence, running his thumb down a scar that runs across the front of his shoulder. “You see this big scar here, so it isn’t like nothing happened. It’s all healed up. It feels great, feels back to normal. Full range of motion and everything.”
With new additions to the defensive line, like JPP, Vea, and Curry, this should allow Spence the opportunity to hone in on his pass rush skills on a healthy d-line rotation. And hopefully keep him healthier/fresher too. If he makes the most of his pass rush opportunities, mark him as one more reason Tampa Bay’s defensive line could be very very good.
