Bucs Mandatory Minicamp: 4 main storylines on defense that can get the unit back to Top-10 status
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense will be the backbone in 2025, but the defense will determine just how far the team goes.We saw last year how the injury-riddled unit held the team back at times, simply because it couldn't stop opposing offenses from scoring. It put even more pressure on the offense, which is a […]
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense will be the backbone in 2025, but the defense will determine just how far the team goes.
We saw last year how the injury-riddled unit held the team back at times, simply because it couldn't stop opposing offenses from scoring. It put even more pressure on the offense, which is a dynamic no NFL team wants to deal with during a season.
The Bucs defense is not only healthy heading into mandatory minicamp, but Todd Bowles and Co. made some significant changes that should help his guys both get back on track and be in a better spot in case the injury bug bites again.
So, without further ado, let's tap into the main storylines to keep an eye on during this week's minicamp.
1. All kinds of movement in the secondary
Tykee Smith is currently spending most of his practice time at safety and expects to be Antoine Winfield Jr.'s main running mate at the position, leaving Christian Izien and rookie third-rounder Jacob Parrish as the top guys battling for the nickel spot. Izien is a smart, feisty player who's shown he can produce inside and Parrish is a fast, athletic corner who has already made some big plays on the practice field.
Then there's Benjamin Morrison, who has also turned some heads during his short time with the Bucs. Pewter Report reported last week that his practice time increased in-between open OTA sessions, which is great news considering it was unknown how much he'd participate in practice ahead of training camp.
He could push Jamel Dean for the starting gig opposite Zyon McCollum if he has a strong camp and Dean struggles or gets hurt. Don't rule out guys like Kaevon Merriweather at safety or Bryce Hall and Kindle Vildor at corner, either. All three are capable players who could challenge for considerable depth roles or even a starting job, in Merriweather's case.
2. A crowded but unestablished EDGE group
Haason Reddick and Yaya Diaby should be the Bucs' primary outside pass rushers in 2025, but that's not set in stone.
They'll have plenty of competition from the likes of Anthony Nelson and Chris Braswell. If David Walker is a healthy participant in camp then he'll give Reddick and Diaby plenty of run, as well.
How the Bucs sort out this group will be key to the defense's overall success. Last year was a major struggle in terms of getting sacks from the EDGE guys and it has to change this year or else we'll see much of the same.
The Bucs have been trying to generate consistent pressure for years with four pass rushers, but it just hasn't come to fruition like they've wanted it to. They certainly have a group of guys who can make that happen this year and this week represents a big first step when it comes to putting everything in motion.
3. Inside linebacker depth is…a strong point?
Todd Bowles said last week that he believes the defense's best depth is currently at the inside linebacker position, which will be considered both a relief and a surprise for many who follow the team.
That's because the position was a complete liability once SirVocea Dennis went down for the year early-on. No one could provide competent snaps next to Lavonte David and opposing offenses absolutely took advantage of the situation.
Dennis is healthy and is already making plays. The Bucs brought in Anthony Walker from Cleveland and re-signed Deion Jones after he provided some solid play in the playoff loss to Washington. Both guys have stood out so far this offseason and they both can cover, which is what the position missed last year.
We'll see if the quartet can build on things this week and keep the ball rolling into training camp.
4. Elijah Roberts and the defensive line depth
The Bucs have their Top-3 guys set in Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Logan Hall. After them, there are solid pieces in place that can help when needed.
Fifth-round rookie Elijah Roberts is one of those pieces and the most intriguing one of the bunch. His size, skillset and versatility will allow him to play up and down the line in Bowles' defense and there's even been talk surrounding the idea of standing him up on the outside, at times.
If he can make some strides, starting this week, he'll give the Bucs defense an effective chess piece that provides the potential to make some impact plays in certain moments. That would be a huge boon for a defensive line already loaded with a ton of promise heading into 2025.
Final Word
The Bucs made solid moves to improve the defense over the offseason and now it's about making it all come together on the football field. Mandatory camp will be the first legit shot at doing so and the Bucs will be onto big things if they can get the defense back up to what we've been accustomed to over the prior five seasons.
Bucs offense still has some key questions to answer ahead of mandatory minicamp despite returning all 11 starters
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense is set when it comes to the starting bunch, but there are some questions to answer past the top guys. That's what mandatory minicamp is for – to being the search for answers to said questions. The Bucs hold their camp from Tuesday-Thursday of this week and there will be […]
