We are well into training camp at this point. We have seen the first preseason game and most players have established their place. There are very few questions as to what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster will look like.
However, there are a few things that still need to be cleared up. The bottom of the roster is still sorting itself out and we don’t know exactly how things will shake out. But that won’t stop me from making my best guess.
Here is my current Buccaneers roster prediction.
Quarterback
Baker Mayfield, Jake Browning, Jalon Daniels
The top two here are pretty cut and dry. The real question is if the Buccaneers will keep a third quarterback and who it would be. Daniels showed well in his first preseason game and if they do keep a third then I believe he will be the guy.
It’s just a question of if they are willing to risk losing him on roster cut down day or want to protect him on the active roster.
Running Back
Bucky Irving, Kenneth Gainwell, Sean Tucker
Not too much thought here. These three running backs will all be on the roster and see snaps game to game. No surprises here, but I will say that Josh Williams has looked good and I’d expect him to make the practice squad.
Wide Receiver
Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, Jalen McMillan, Ted Hurst, Tez Johnson, Kameron Johnson
The top five here are all locked in. The only one I questioned was Kameron Johnson, but ultimately I expect him to make the team. He has good special team value and so far no other wide receiver has done enough to take that job from him.
Tight End
Cade Otton, Bauer Sharp, Ko Kieft, Payne Durham
I really don’t love the depth here at tight end. However, it feels like the offense will utilize this position and want bodies they can put out on the field. I couldn’t bring myself to cut a guy like Payne Durham, even though I think his value is limited.
Offensive Line
Tristan Wirfs, Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch, Luke Goedeke, Benjamin Chukwuma, Billy Schrauth, Justin Skule, Elijah Klein
The depth feels improved on the offensive line after a nice rookie year from Chukwuma and drafting Schrauth in the 5th round. We also know they like Skule, so I expect him to be back on the roster after signing as a free agent. I’m not totally convinced that they won’t add an outside interior linemen as the final guy to round out their depth, but for now I had to choose between Klein and Dan Feeney.
Defensive Lineman
Calijah Kancey, Vita Vea, A’Shawn Robinson, Elijah Roberts, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DeMonte Capehart.
This position is both talented and deep. I feel great about each of these players being on the roster, including Vea who has been part of trade speculation.
Edge
Rueben Bain, Yaya Diaby, David Walker, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Anthony Nelson
The edge room is looking better by the day. With the additions of Bain, Walker and Muhammed the room has a ton of depth. I don’t see them keeping more than five at this position, so 2024 second round pick is the odd man out for me here.
Linebacker
Alex Anzalone, Josiah Trotter, Christian Rozeboom, SirVocea Dennis
Another position that has been revamped with only one returner to this group. Anzalone will start and I believe Trotter will be next to him. Rozeboom has a good deal of special teams experience and that moves Dennis from a starter last year to essentially fourth string.
Cornerback
Zyon McCollum, Jacob Parrish, Benjamin Morrison, Keionte Scott, Ayden Garnes
Garnes has been the big surprise of training camp. At this point it really feels like he is going to play his way onto the roster. And with the other four being no doubters to make it, that completes my room here.
I will note that Josh Hayes was the guy that I had the hardest time leaving off the roster. He has special teams value, which matters for a team that is trying desperately to get better in that area this year. If I am wrong on one player, then it’s probably Hayes.
Safety
Antione Winfield Jr, Tykee Smith, Miles Killebrew, JJ Roberts, Ifeatu Melifonwu
This is the group that I had the hardest time with. The top three were easy with Winfield and Smith as the clear starters and Killebrew as a special teams ace.
I really like the skill set that Roberts brings, despite not practicing in camp yet. His single high coverage ability is hard to find and his speed and physicality make him a perfect prototype for a special teams player.
I’m not sure the team keeps five safeties, but I do like Melifonwu. He has a lot of starting experience under his belt and I like him as a defender more than I like Killebrew.
Specialists
Chase McLaughlin, Evan Deckers, Riley Dixon
Because who else would they pick for these positions? Rhetorical, but seriously, someone bring me a second punter option.
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