On Wednesday, the Buccaneers held a press conference and talked mainly about the defense. So what’s better than having a guy that can play one position, well? How about having someone that can play two positions? I’m talking about Justin Evans, Mike Smith thinks he the type of person that can play free and strong safety. He would call him a “Hybrid” player. Evans has range, speed, and can line up in the box.
Vernon Hargreaves was a good rookie last year, and started very early in the season, as expected. Vernon had a total of 76 tackles, one forced fumble, and one interception in his rookie season. The Buccaneers look for Hargreaves to be more understanding of the situations of each game. Vernon’s potential is sky high if he has the desire for it.
As we know, Daryl Smith is not going to return as our starter in the “SAM” spot so that spot is currently open right now. Devante Bond and our third round pick Kendell Beckwith are the current contenders for that spot. Bond missed the whole 2016 season because of a hamstring injury, and Beckwith tore his ACL last season near the end.
Beckwith didn’t participate in the rookie minicamp, but is expected to be ready for the start of training camp. In the press conference today, DC Smith believes Beckwith can play SAM or Mike if needed to.
Robert Ayers see’s big potential in Noah Spence. Last season, Spence played in all 16 games, but was dealing with a shoulder injury for most of the season. Even with the shoulder injury, he finished the season third on the team with 5.5 sacks. Spence is still healing from that shoulder injury but should have no problem participating in training camp this July.
Last season, Ayers believed Spence would have 10 sacks and who knows what would have happened if he was fully healthy? Again this season, Ayers believe Spence will have 15 sacks. That would be the most by a Buc since 2013, which was 9.5. I truly believe if Spence is fully healthy, he can be that dominant force that we need on the outside.
The Buccaneers are going to have a great offense, but do not overlook our defense. If they play up to their potential, it could be the best since our Super Bowl winning defense in 2003! GO BUCS!
