The Bucs wrapped up official off season workouts this week as the Bucs held the mandatory mini-camp for rookies and veterans.
It is still underwear football and hard to get a good read on how some of these rookies will do once the pads come on. But if the OTA’s are any indication this team will be improved and the biggest improvement will come from the defensive side of the ball.
Arians said this week that the secondary has been “fixed” I wonder if he will feel the same way in mid October?
Arians went on to say that the secondary has made the biggest improvement of any position group during the OTA’s.
Expect to see a lot of man to man coverage from the Buccaneer defensive backs. That is what the players are most comfortable playing and this new coaching staff is going to coach to the players strength.
Arians said there will also be some zone coverage mixed in with the man to man coverage.
Justin Evans finally had surgery on heel. He may not be ready for football activity when training camp opens in late July.
Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy Bunting, and Mike Edwards all appear to be primed for a lot of playing time as they put in a lot of work with the first team defense.
The day I attended mini-camp, Sean Murphy Bunting had a interception and also dropped one. He also had his hands on numerous balls knocking them away from the receiver.
Arians will also employ a different practice schedule this season based on the time of day they will be playing. He said they will practice at 4PM or later the first two weeks of the season as the first two home games will start at 4PM.
Arians said they will also practice in the evening to get ready for the Carolina game on Thursday night to acclimate the players to the 815 start time.
Nadakomg Suh had his first practices in a Buccaneer uniform and when asked what impressed him the most about the defense Suh said he was most impressed with the linebackers.
Suh likes their overall speed, they way they get after the quarterback and just the overall attitude of that group.
When asked what his strength was and where he preferred to play he said “wherever they need me”. Suh said he just wants to help the team win.
Some of my other observations at mini-camp, Scotty Miller the rookie wide receiver from Bowling Green is the real deal. Miller comes as advertised with his speed and consistently got behind the defensive backs.
Miller also had a nice over the shoulder catch for a touchdown.
Bruce Anderson the free agent running back looked good running the ball as he consistently was able to get through the line and into the secondary on his runs.
Miller and Anderson should both find their way onto the final 53 man roster.
Carl Nassib is working more with the linebackers in this new defense. Look for big things from Nassib and Noah Spence in this new defense.
Arians finals words for the team as practice ended, ‘Come back in shape” and “Don’t be that Guy.”
Training camp will begin in late July.
