Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Defense Faces Tough Decisions for Roster Cuts
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ deep edge rusher unit is currently facing some tough decisions regarding roster cuts. With an impressive collection of talented players, the Bucs have one of the deepest edge rusher groups they have ever had. This has created a challenge for the team as they determine which players will make the final roster.
Shaquil Barrett, the Bucs’ pass-rushing standout, still holds the club record for sacks with 19.5 in the 2019 season. Despite tearing his Achilles midway through the 2022 season, Barrett remains a key figure when healthy. The Bucs also have high hopes for Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, who has shown promise with 4.5 sacks in each of his first two NFL seasons. Anthony Nelson has been a consistent backup player for the team.
However, it’s the emergence of rookies YaYa Diaby and Jose Ramirez that has added to the team’s options. Both players have impressed during their time in camp, making it even more difficult for the coaching staff to make their final decisions. Cam Gill, who contributed with a half-sack in Super Bowl 55, is also healthy and vying for a spot on the roster.
Speaking about the competition among the edge rushers, Barrett expressed his excitement, stating that tough decisions will have to be made. Making these hard decisions is what shapes teams and helps them build a strong core of players. Barrett believes that the group has tremendous potential and is eager to see how they perform in camp.
One player who has consistently shown his value is Anthony Nelson. Despite being a backup, Nelson has recorded 10.5 sacks over the past two seasons. In a recent practice against the New York Jets, Nelson intercepted quarterback Zach Wilson and returned it for a touchdown. Coach Todd Bowles described Nelson as Steady Eddie and commended his ability to be in the right place at the right time.
Bowles has acknowledged that the toughest decisions during roster cuts will come at the outside linebacker position. Having an abundance of talent is a positive challenge for the coaching staff. The depth and talent among the edge rushers provide the team with multiple options, making the final choices even more difficult.
In other news, coach Bowles has recently declared Rutgers rookie Chris Izien as the frontrunner for the starting nickel defensive back position. This decision has surprised some, given the experience of Dee Delaney and the potential competition from second-year player Zyon McCollum. Izien primarily played safety at Rutgers but also had experience at nickel cornerback.
Izien expressed his excitement about transitioning to the league and learning the nuances of the nickel cornerback position. He credited Coach Bowles for his guidance and teaching, emphasizing that he is still adapting and growing as a player.
The Bucs recently had a joint practice with the New York Jets. While the Jets only requested one day for the joint practice, the Buccaneers had made arrangements and preparations for a longer duration. Despite the change of plans, the Bucs made the most of the practice and focused on team bonding, appreciating the opportunity to come together amidst the adversity.
As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers approach roster cuts, the deep edge rusher unit presents a difficult challenge for the coaching staff. With an impressive collection of talent, the team must make tough decisions to shape the final roster. The competition among the edge rushers and the emergence of rookies have added to the complexity, making the decisions even harder. The coaching staff acknowledges that this is a positive problem to have, as it reflects the depth and potential of the team. Coach Bowles has also made surprising decisions, such as declaring rookie Chris Izien as the frontrunner for the starting nickel defensive back position. The Bucs remain focused on making the right choices while also emphasizing team bonding and resilience.
