Buccaneers Minicamp: Tristan Wirfs' contract drama tops the list of five storylines to watch this week
We are officially here: Tampa Bay Buccaneers mandatory minicamp has arrived.This is the last step before the Bucs, and all the other 31 NFL teams, head into the true dead period before training camp. The next time we see the guys in pewter and red will be late July, when the real stuff starts.So, while […]
We are officially here: Tampa Bay Buccaneers mandatory minicamp has arrived.
This is the last step before the Bucs, and all the other 31 NFL teams, head into the true dead period before training camp. The next time we see the guys in pewter and red will be late July, when the real stuff starts.
So, while we wait on that to come down the pipe, let's turn our focus to mandatory camp. The Bucs are in good shape as they attempt to bring in their third-straight division title and if the ensuing developments turn in their favor, they'll be able to do just that in 2024.
1. Will All-Pro LT Tristan Wirfs show up?
Wirfs logically held out of voluntary OTAs because of contractual reasons and while it's very, very unlikely he misses mandatory minicamp, it's still something worth noting as we await the start of camp.
Mainly because he's arguably the best player on the team. Any time a player of his status is involved in something like this, it's going to be paid attention to. Even if most of us can rightfully assume what the outcome will be.
If Wirfs doesn't show for all three days, it will cost him more than $100k in fines, which isn't substantial for a guy who's made more than $16 million over the course of his career. Still, the message will be loud and clear if he doesn't show: pay me.
I'd be shocked if he doesn't show. Wirfs is a great teammate and will do all the right things to ensure the Bucs keep winning. Never say never, but this is one storyline that should end as soon as camp starts on Tuesday.
2. A deep battle at EDGE
EDGE, along with the trenches in general, are hard to evaluate at this time of the year, but there is still a lot we can glean when it comes to who's getting what snaps with which team, who's getting off the ball fast/slow, and whose technique/moves will help them ascend the ranks, so to speak.
The main contenders for the job opposite YaYa Diaby are veterans Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Anthony Nelson, and Randy Gregory. Then, Jose Ramirez and Markeese Watts are the youngsters trying to make a name for themselves.
JTS is a former first-rounder. Nelson has played all five career seasons in Tampa Bay. Gregory once signed a five-year, $70 million deal. Lastly, injuries are basically what kept Ramirez off the final 53, last year, and the staff likes Watts.
In other words: All of these guys have the ability to provide quality snaps. It'll be interesting to see who rises to the top, when it's all said and done.
3. Reps along the interior offensive line
Just like OLB/EDGE, this group won't be fully evaluated until the pads come in during training cap, but at the same time, there will be plenty to glean over the coming days.
Two of the three interior spots are open for competition: center and left guard. The main contenders for the former are rookie Graham Barton and two-year starter Robert Hainsey and the contenders for the latter are Ben Bredeson, Sua Opeta, and rookie Elijah Klein.
Bowles said a week ago that the offensive line was further along than he expected, so it'll be interesting to see what they have in store, this week. Especially since Wirfs should be back in the fold.
4. What're the Bucs doing at nickel (and even on the outside)?
Of all the jobs in the cornerback room, Jamel Dean's is the only one that is a known quantity, so to speak.
Bryce Hall and Zyon McCollum are expected to duke it out (figuratively, of course) for the starting job opposite Dean and then it's going to be Christian Izien and Tavierre Thomas going battling for the nickel job. Rookie Tykee Smith figures to mix in there, as well.
Overall, it's a pretty solid group and things should translate onto the field once Bowles and co. get things sorted out.
5. Who steps up post-Deven Thompkins?
The top-4 receivers are set in Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Trey Palmer, and rookie Jalen McMillan. After them, it's pretty much wide open in terms of jobs, especially after Thompson's May 30 release.
Tampa Bay signed veteran Sterling Shepard, a former college teammate of Baker Mayfield's, and Cody Thompson. Those two, and Rakim Jarrett, are likely at the top of the list in terms of starting point, but Bowles said last week that the receiver group is going to "surprise" people, at the end of the day.
“We’ve got a lot of competition come training camp," said Bowles. "We’ve got some guys that [are] going to surprise some people. I’m looking forward to seeing them in pads. We’re excited to see where it goes.”
