Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart features a lot of youth, but this group is on the verge of turning things around.

Thanks to strong draft choices and smart free agency decisions this version of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Depth Chart looks like a group that could challenge for a playoff spot. Obviously, the key to the team’s success is the development of Jameis Winston.

Quarterback

Starter: Jameis Winston
Backups: Mike Glennon and Ryan Griffin

Jameis Winston showed more than enough promise as a rookie to believe he’ll turn into a top-level NFL quarterback. It’s nice to have a capable backup like Mike Glennon on the roster who can step in and win a game if needed.

Running Back

Starter: Doug Martin
Backups: Charles Sims, Mike James and Storm Johnson

Doug Martin is the lead back and will get the majority of the work. However, both Charles Sims and Mike James will get touches. This is an overall strong group of running backs.

Fullback

Starter: Dan Vitale

Wide Receiver

Starters: Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson
No 3: Russell Shepard
Backups: Kenny Bell, Louis Murphy and Donteea Dye

The biggest thing to watch here is the competition for the No. 3 receiver spot where Russell Shepard, Kenny Bell and Louis Murphy could all win the job. Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson are a strong starting duo providing Winston reliable targets.

Tight End

Starter: Cameron Brate
Backups: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Luke Stocker and Brandon Myers

Austin Seferian-Jenkins isn’t off to a strong start this offseason having been kick off the field by head coach Dirk Koetter. This combined with his inconsistent performance has giving Cameron Brate the opportunity to grab the starting job.

The fact is that Brate is a real talent and will be tough to keep off the field.

Left Tackle

More from With the First Pick

Starter: Donovan Smith
Backups: Kevin Pamphile

Donovan Smith had his share of ups and downs as a rookie but the Buccaneers are hoping he finds more consistency in his second season. This is an area of weakness as Smith is better suited for right tackle.

Left Guard

Starter: JR Sweezy
Backups: Garrett Gilkey and Caleb Benenoch

The Seattle Seahawks let JR Sweezy leave via free agency because they understood his limitations. Tampa Bay is hoping to clean up some of his problem areas and turn him into an above-average starter.

Center

Starter: Joe Hawley
Backups: Evan Smith and Caleb Benenoch

Joe Hawley and Evan Smith are solid players who are both capable of starting.

Right Guard

Starter: Ali Marpet
Backups: Garrett Gilkey and Caleb Benenoch

Ali Marpet had a strong rookie season and is looking to take the next step in his development. He’s arguably the top offensive lineman on the roster.

Right Tackle

Starter: Demar Dotson
Backups: Gosder Cherilus and Kevin Pamphile

The right tackle position features experienced veterans who are reliable. However, both Dotson and Cherilus will struggle against top-notch speed rushers.

Defensive End

Starters: Robert Ayers and Noah Spence
Backups: William Gholston, George Johnson and Jacquies Smith

Robert Ayers was a solid free agent signing who should provide steady production. However, the Buccaneers are hoping that rookie Noah Spence can provide a spark. He has the talent to be a high-level edge rusher.

Defensive Tackle

Starters: Gerald McCoy and Akeem Spence
Backups: Clinton McDonald, Davonte Lambert and AJ Francis

McCoy and Spence are a strong starting duo, but the depth at the position is a concern. Tampa Bay need their top three defensive tackles to remain healthy.

SAM Linebacker

Starter: Daryl Smith
Backups: Josh Keyes and Devante Bond

Despite his age, Daryl Smith is still a productive player who will also provide some veteran leadership.

Middle Linebacker

Starter: Kwon Alexander
Backups: Jeremiah George and Cassanova McKinzy

Kwon Alexander had a great rookie year and is hoping to build on that success.

WILL Linebacker

Starter: Lavonte David
Backups: Jeremiah George and Devante Bond

Lavonte David an explosive athlete who is always around the football. He’s the defense’s top player maker outside of Gerald McCoy.

Cornerback

Starters: Vernon Hargreaves III and Brent Grimes
Nickelback: Johnthan Banks
Backups: Ryan Smith, Joel Ross and Alterraun Verner

Vernon Hargreaves III will be thrown right into the fire and be expected to perform at a high level. There will be some growing pains, but he has the talent and awareness to make adjustments.

This group could be better than it looks if veterans Brent Grimes, Alterraun Verner and Johnthan Banks have rebound years.

Safety

Starters: Chris Conte and Brad McDougald
Backups: Keith Tandy, Major Wright and Isaiah Johnson

This is a spot where training camp will determine who opens the season as the starters. McDougald appears to have a leg up on the competition, but all five of these players have a solid chance to start.