TAMPA, Fla. – While the Bucs have quite a bit of talent, including two players being paid at the top of their positions in the NFL, depth on this team could be a problem. Todd Bowles went further when asked if he thought this was the most depth he has had since becoming the Bucs head coach.
“I think it’s deep at maybe two or three spots, but it’s not very deep otherwise, ” Bowles said. “We’re trying to find those guys.”
Time is running out to find good players. The Bucs open their NFL season on September 8, hosting the Washington Commanders. It’s not that Bowles doesn’t think some of the new or younger players aren’t good. In fact, Bowles feels certain positions are stocked with ascending young talent that will make cuts difficult come Tuesday.
“There’s a couple of wide receiver spots at the end; how many running backs do we keep? How many tight ends do we keep? The offensive line is still moving and shaking at the end. We’ll see what happens and who comes out healthy.”
Tampa Bay has left tackle Tristan Wirfs and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. back as the highest-paid player at those positions.
Not to mention quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans resigning, and linebacker Lavonte David giving it another go. Stud nose tackle Vita Vea has lost weight but remains as strong as ever, playing alongside second-year defensive tackle Calijah Kancey. I haven’t even mentioned last season’s sack leader, outside linebacker YaYa Diaby, who is hoping to take a big step forward in his second season.
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It looks great on paper, but injuries are most likely to happen, and that’s the big question mark for the Bucs right now.
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