Tampa has been center stage in the sports world for the past week or so. Yet, dozens of Bucs players and future hopefuls are going about their business on the football field. They still have a roster to make and a playbook to digest. And so we dive into Day 6 of Buccaneers OTAs to find out how players have been holding up and who has stood out to date.
Bruce Anderson
– Undrafted rookie Bruce Anderson was seen receiving praise from quarterbacks during RB pass catching drills. As one of my camp sleepers coming into OTAs, watch out for Anderson. He’s going to give the #3 running back spot a good run for its money. Very smooth football player.
Ronald Jones
– Ronald Jones has re-gained some much needed confidence this offseason. He looks fast and is making notable strides with elusiveness after the catch. Can’t wait to see the second year player come preseason.
Devin White
– 5th overall pick Devin White looks as if he’s making highlight plays every practice. That should come with his draft status. White is also taking a commander type role as far as effectively communicating assignments with the defense. Great signs so far.
Vernon Hargreaves
– Vernon Hargreaves came through today with an interception off a deflected pass. Ran it back for what would have been a touchdown.
Bobo Wilson
– Matured, second year wideout Bobo Wilson has had a very productive camp. The former Seminole snagged a touchdown in an full extension display of body control and focus. Likely to split snaps with other second year WR, Justin Watson.
Jameis Winston
– One thing is certain, Jameis Winston has absolute full command of Head Coach Bruce Arians’ new offense. Winston was seen in practice calmly progressing through his reads and making check downs when necessary. This is his year.
Since all of OTAs is essentially non-contact, and so it makes it really difficult to fully evaluate the guys who play in the trenches. The defensive and offensive line are crucial to a winning season in Tampa next year. The Glazer family spent very little loot on free agency this year (no surprise there), and the players they have now have all been impactful to say the least.
The Bucs still have some ground to cover this offseason, but as a whole, they’ve made huge progress since the days of rookie minicamp.
