With training camp less than two months away, the Bucs are looking to take that next step that will propel them into the playoffs for the first time since the 2007 season.
With the new collective bargaining agreement signed in March, the 53 man roster will be allowed to expand to a 54 or 55 man roster on game- day depending on certain conditions being met.
There will not be a lot of rosters spots available this season as most of the key players from offense and defense will be returning in 2020.
So here is our not too early look at how the Buccaneers 55 man roster may look in September.
QB-Tom Brady, Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Griffin.
It looks this might be another season with Ryan Griffin not taking a regular-season snap. Brady will get the majority of the snaps and barring an injury, or mop-up duty, the rest of the snaps will go to Blaine Gabbert.
RB-Ronald Jones, Keshawn Vaughan, Dare Ogunbowale, Raymond Calais.
Jones will go into camp as the starter and I don’t see anyone on the roster being able to move Jones out of that spot. Vaughan and Calais will contribute on third downs and also as pass receivers out of the backfield.
WR-Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Scotty Miller, Tyler Johnson, Justin Watson
The Bucs on paper have the best group of receivers in the NFL one through five. Evans is an All-Pro, Godwin is about to be named to his first All-Pro team.
Johnson and Miller will battle for the number three spot, with Johnson having the inside track right now.
TE-Rob Gronkowski, OJ Howard, Cameron Brate, Antony Auclair, Tanner Hudson
Gronkowski if 100 percent healthy, and Howard will form one of the best tight end duos in the league. Add Cameron Brate to the mix, and this will be the best set of weapons that Brady has had to work with.
OL-Ryan Jensen, Tristan Wirfs, Ali Marpet, Alex Cappa, Donavan Smith, Brad Season, Zack Bailey, Joe Haeg, Josh Wells, Aaron Stinnie.
This will be the best OL that the Bucs have gone have had in some time. Donavan Smith is the only real weak spot on the OL. Jensen should get Pro Bowl Consideration, and Tristan Wirfs has a chance at being named to the All-Rookie Team.
Depth could be an issue if there are a ton of injuries.
DL-Vita Vea, Ndamokung Suh, William Gohlston, Khalil Davis, Raheem Nunez-Roches, Patrick O’Conner
It is time for Vita Vea to take that next step in his career. This will be his third year, and with Suh possibly out after this year, Vea is going to have to be the leader on that DL.
LB-Jason Pierre-Paul, Shaq Barrett, Devin White, Lavonte David, Kevin Minter, Kalzhin Daniels, Jack Cichy, Anthony Nelson, Chapelle Russell
Jason Pierre-Paul is back for one more year, and the tag on Shaq Barrett were moves that the Bucs had to make.
Cichy should get a chance to showcase his ability providing he can stay healthy. Chapelle Russell makes this team as an extra linebacker.
I don’t have Kendall Beckwith on the roster, because I think his injuries from the auto accident have ruined his career.
DB-Carlton Davis, Sean Murphy Bunting, Antoine Winfield, Justin Evans, Jamel Dean, MJ Stewart, Ryan Smith, Andrew Adams, Mike Edwards, Jordan Whitehead.
The competition will be intense for the last few spots in the secondary. The Bucs second-round draft pick Antoine Winfield, Jr will not only make the team but also be in the running for a starting position.
Justin Evans could be a guy that won’t make the team due to his constant injuries.
I have Andrew Adams making this team as the final player in the secondary.
ST-Bradley Pinion, Matt Gay, Zack Trinor.
Although Gay struggled at times last season, he will be back for a second season as kicker.
