The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookies surely look exciting. The ones who stand out the most, in terms of making an immediate impact, are defensive tackle Vita Vea and running back Ronald Jones. Both players have impressed their coaches so far in OTAs and both players are expected to fill a major hole in their respective position, which is also why they are likely to start by Week 1 of the Regular Season.
Vita Vea was drafted 12th overall and was the first defensive tackle to be selected in the draft. The big 6’4” Washington product will line up alongside Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy. The combination of these two dangerous players should cause havoc among our opponents’ offensive line, especially with newly acquired defensive end Jason Pierre-Paul, now wearing pewter and red, as well. The transformation of the defensive line this offseason was much-needed considering the team only combined for an underwhelming 22 sacks last year and could not get any pressure on the opposing quarterback. Needless to say, the run defense did not fare any better.
Ronald Jones could be even more valuable to Tampa Bay’s success now that our quarterback and team leader Jameis Winston will most likely be suspended for the first games of the season. The electrifying 5’11” Running Back out of USC should leave Peyton Barber and Jacquizz Rodgers behind on the depth chart quickly. Jones possesses incredible speed and elusiveness. He has shown multiple times that he can run between the tackles and break tackles, as well. Hopefully his exceptional skill set, which enabled him to accomplish an astonishing college career, will translate to success at the next level.
