Buccaneers' 53-man depth chart projection after the 2023 NFL Draft
We've already done a way-too-early 53-man roster prediction for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the draft. So now, it's time to pinpoint who comes out as starters and depth players. This isn't going to be like the past few offseasons where the Bucs' roster is filled out and there's only one, maybe two, starting jobbs […]
We've already done a way-too-early 53-man roster prediction for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers after the draft. So now, it's time to pinpoint who comes out as starters and depth players.
This isn't going to be like the past few offseasons where the Bucs' roster is filled out and there's only one, maybe two, starting jobbs open and available. There will be competition almost all over the roster, for both starting jobs and backup jobs, which makes for a very interesting next few months.
With that being said, let's go ahead and dive in. Note: Players with one asterisk (*) represent 2023 draft picks and players with double asterisks (**) represent 2023 undrafted free agents.
| Position | Starter(s) | Backups |
|---|---|---|
Quarterback | Baker Mayfield | Kyle Trask |
Running back | Rachaad White | Chase Edmonds, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Sean Tucker** |
Wide receiver | Mike Evans | Russell Gage Jr.,Trey Palmer*, Deven Thompkins, Rakim Jarrett** |
Tight end | Cade Otton | Ko Kieft, Dominique Dafney |
Offensive line | Tristan Wirfs | Aaron Stinnie, Robert Hainsey, Brandon Walton, Cody Mauch* |
Defensive line | Calijah Kancey* | Logan Hall, Deadrin Senat, Pat O’Connor |
Outside linebacker | Joe Tryon-Shoyinka | Shaquil Barrett, YaYa Diaby*, Jose Ramirez* |
Inside linebacker | Devin White | K.J. Britt, Jeremy Banks** |
Cornerback | Jamel Dean | Dee Delaney (NB), Zyon McCollum, Joshua Hayes* |
Safety | Antoine Winfield Jr. | Nolan Turner, Chris Izien**, Kaevon Merriweather** |
Kicker | Chase McLaughlin | N/A |
Punter | Jake Camarda | N/A |
Long snapper | Zach Triner | N/A |
Kick returner | Trey Palmer* | Deven Thompkins |
Punt returner | Trey Palmer* | Deven Thompkins |
As you can see, there are quite a few changes when comparing last year's depth chart to this year's. For starters, the Buccaneers' first 2022 depth chart listed three starting wideouts, what's also known as 11 personnel. This is notable because the Bucs will likely switch their base offense to 12 personnel under Dave Canales. Especially if Durham develops like he's expected to. But even then, Kieft could fill in, as he's shown the ability to provide quality snaps.
Mauch won't beat out Leverett, but he'll eventually take the job, whether it's this year or next. He just needs to add strength to his game, much like Alex Cappa had to when he was drafted in 2018. Granted, the Bucs could give him the benefit of the doubt like they did Goedeke last year, but, we saw how that played out. If it's a close call between Mauch and Leverett, then giving Leverett the starting job is the best call because he proved his worth in 2022. Feiler should win the other starting guard job.
Kancey should beat out Hall. That doesn't mean it's time to close the door on Hall, by any means, though. Gaines should win the other starting DE spot in Todd Bowles' 3-4. Banks should also beat out Dennis for the ILB4 job, mostly because of his special teams abilities. And the Bucs will likely ease Barrett back into action, leaving JTS and Nelson as de-facto starters. Because of that, Ramirez should also make the roster, but not just because he's an extra body – he should have a good camp that earns him a spot.
And then, lastly, Delaney should get the nod at nickel – there are doubts about Hayes on my end, but it's obviously the staff's decision when it comes to his evaluation. Regardless, he gets a roster spot, but he won't win the NB job. For safety, Winfield Jr. and Neal are obviously the starters and will handle the majority of snaps. However, the Bucs simply need bodies and they seem to like both Izien and Merriweather, so, the two UDFAs should make the final cut.
