There have been plenty of developments throughout Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp that created a wave of optimism surrounding the defense.

But when you take a step back and examine the full picture, there are legitimate questions at every level.

It starts up front with Vita Vea. Yes, Adam Schefter’s latest comments about the situation flipping into a positive are notable, but Vea’s not on the practice field just yet.

So, until he has to be included in the conversation until that changes. If it doesn’t, the Buccaneers will eventually start fining him for skipping practicing. Also, he has to get ramped up for game action. You can’t have a player his size sitting out the entire offseason and expect him to pick right back up in Week 1.

That’s a recipe for injury, and both sides know it. He’ll be back eventually, and once he is, it sets the tone for the entire defense. But the longer he sits, the more pressure falls on a secondary riddled with questions.

Zyon McCollum is dealing with a groin injury. Benjamin Morrison’s practice participation remains spotty after more than a year of inconsistency. Jacob Parrish might be the Buccaneers’ best cornerback simply because he’s the healthiest heading into Week 1, and that’s a lot to put on his plate. Next up is Keionte Scott, but it’s malpractice to put a bevy of high expectations on him in Year 1.

Behind those three, Ayden Garnes has stood out in camp, but he’s an undrafted free agent rookie. Damarion “Pepe” Williams has also stood out, but he’s been a depth player for most of his career. When the lights come on and real football is being played, we just don’t know what we’re going to get from those guys.

At safety, Bowles himself admitted he’s worried about the depth. JJ Roberts just returned to practice but sat out again today. “Iffy” Melifonwou has looked all right but profiles as a journeyman depth option. Rashad Wisdom has been more of a practice squad player throughout his career. Miles Killebrew’s primary contributions will come on special teams.

If Antoine Winfield Jr. or Tykee Smith miss time, the safety position becomes a massive concern.

At inside linebacker, Josiah Trotter has been great, but he’s also a rookie and we don’t know exactly what we’ll get. Christian Rozeboom is hurt and hasn’t practiced this week. Can SirVocea Dennis finally take that next step? Alex Anzalone is the only non-question in the group.

Behind them, the depth consists of young, undrafted players like John Bullock and Caden Fordham who have flashed but aren’t the horses Tampa Bay wants to ride into battle.

Even the edge position carries uncertainty beyond Rueben Bain Jr. Will Yaya Diaby take the big step everyone’s been waiting for? Can Anthony Nelson remain a steady contributor? How does Al-Quadin Muhammad fit? Can David Walker continue his ascension, particularly as a run defender, which Bowles identified as the No. 1 key to his development?

Gauging the Buccaneers defense’s floor and ceiling

There are too many variables at play for the Buccaneers defense to be a top-5 unit in 2026. Injuries will happen, and the depth simply isn’t there at certain positions, especially in the secondary. I think the ultimate ceiling is a top-7 defense, finishing around 6th or 7th. The floor, on the other hand, sits around 20th.

Where I think they actually land is right around 12th or 13th in the NFL. That’s a massive upgrade from last year, even though it’s a low bar to clear. The defense probably won’t find its stride until mid-season, and the early performances will skew the numbers in a way that doesn’t reflect how the unit should truly be evaluated. But by season’s end, this should be an above-average defense, and pieces like Rueben Bain Jr. figures to be a huge reason why.