Adam Slivon’s Bucs Battle Plan For 2024

Current State Of The Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a season in which the team won a third straight NFC South championship in the second year of head coach Todd Bowles. The Bucs beat the Panthers in Week 18 to finish 9-8 and atop the division and won a home playoff game against the Eagles, which kept Bowles employed. Tampa Bay was tied with Detroit heading into the fourth quarter of the Divisional round of the playoffs before losing, but there is optimism that the Bucs can stay atop the NFC South if the team can retain its core free agents.

Pro Bowl wide receiver Mike Evans was re-signed for two more years, and the team used the franchise tag on All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Next up is trying to get Pro Bowl quarterback Baker Mayfield under contract before the start of free agency, then re-signing linebacker Lavonte David and kicker Chase McLaughlin.

The Bucs currently have around $21 million in salary cap space after retaining Evans and Winfield, but assistant general manager Mike Greenberg can do some restructures to create more room as needed. Tampa Bay is saddled with close to $22 million in dead cap money, but that’s a far cry from last year when that figure was close to $80 million.

The Bucs have already announced that they’ll release 31-year-old outside linebacker Shaq Barrett, and center Ryan Jensen, who suffered a career-ending knee injury two years ago, has announced his retirement. Tampa Bay is also expected to release oft-injured receiver Russell Gage to clear some cap room and could do the same with cornerback Carlton Davis III if the team does not trade him.

Tampa Bay has 18 unrestricted free agents, but Mayfield, David, McLaughlin and long snapper Zach Triner are the only starters. As Pewter Report reported at midseason, the Bucs will not be re-signing inside linebacker Devin White, a former first-round pick, nor will Tampa Bay bring back safety Ryan Neal, who signed a one-year deal last offseason.

Bowles has had to make some changes on the coaching staff this offseason with offensive coordinator Dave Canales leaving to become the head coach of the Carolina Panthers. Offensive line coaches Harold Goodwin and Joe Gilbert joined Canales in Carolina, as did receivers coach Brad Idzik. Bucs special teams coach Keith Armstrong also retired and offensive assistant David Raih left for Washington.

Bowles hired Liam Coen to replace Canales and added Thomas McGaughey as the new special teams coordinator. Kevin Carberry is the Bucs’ new offensive line coach with Brian Picucci as his assistant. Bryan McClendon is Tampa Bay’s new wide receivers coach, and Josh Grizzard has been hired to be the team’s passing game coordinator.

Explaining The Bucs Battle Plans For 2024

PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Matt Matera, Josh Queipo, Bailey Adams and Adam Slivon have devised their own Bucs Plans For the 2024 offseason. These come complete with their individualized free agent signings, trades, roster moves and draft picks to hopefully help Tampa Bay earn a playoff spot for the fifth straight year.

Remember, these Bucs Battle Plans are how the PewterReport.com staff members would reshape the team this offseason – not necessarily what we think Tampa Bay will do in free agency and the draft, although there could be some overlap with certain players the team may be targeting.

Slivon’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2024 Offseason

How quickly the outlook of a team can change within a year. After many pegged the Bucs to be one of the worst teams in the league and picking high in the 2024 NFL Draft, they instead find themselves in the driver’s seat within the NFC South. They were able to put a solid product on the field in 2023, a season that saw them improve from 2022 and get a playoff win against the Eagles.

Now, the Bucs will be looking to build off that success by adding to the young talent on the roster and remaining competitive. This offseason will be one of the most critical in team history as Tampa Bay looks to continue trending in a positive direction for the next era of Bucs football. That means locking up the faces of the franchise and supplementing them with a blend of affordable young talent and productive veterans.

It’s not a walk in the park by any stretch, and as I lay out my battle plan I had a couple of goals in mind:

• Prioritize contract extensions, re-sign top free agents, and then throw a boat parade afterward.
• Target free agents with youth and potential on their side.
• Through the draft, add as much talent to each position room as possible.

Bucs Restructures

NT Vita Vea – Vita Vea is not only a big presence along the defensive line, but he is a big part of the success of Tampa Bay’s defense. The 29-year-old nose tackle is not going anywhere anytime soon, and in this case, a contract restructure opens up some much-needed cap space to make further roster moves. Restructuring Vea saves $10,781,250 in cap space.

CB Jamel Dean – After last season the Bucs rewarded Jamel Dean with a four-year, $52 million deal to solidify his status as a No. 2 starting cornerback. Dean will be looking to get on track after a down year, and he still offers the team a great option for the position. Instead of a full restructure, half of his base salary ($5,437,500) is converted to a prorated signing bonus to create $4,335,478 in cap room.

Bucs Extensions

T Tristan Wirfs – 5 years, $135 million – Since being selected 13th overall in the 2020 NFL Draft, Wirfs has been one of the best tackles in the NFL – at left and right tackle. Wirfs seamlessly made the transition to the blindside last season, and he is properly rewarded with a new contract that makes him one of the highest-paid offensive linemen.

Still only 25, he will continue to be an anchor along the offensive line for a long time, so why not anchor him down in Tampa Bay for at least another five years? With the way this deal is structured, Wirfs would hold a $13,362,582 cap hit in 2024.

S Antoine Winfield Jr. – 5 years, $105 million – Now it’s time for the other star of the team’s 2020 draft class to get his money. Talk about a well-deserved payday. Winfield had the definition of a contract year in 2023, being a stat-sheet stuffer and doing all of the little things right. He had a truly elite season and is one of – if not the best – safety in all of football.

Expectedly, that comes with a top-of-the-line price tag at a time when safeties are being let go by teams left and right. This market-resetting deal sees Winfield become the first safety to make over $20 million a year ($21 million contract AAV) while also becoming just the second safety to currently have a five-year contract (Marcus Williams on the Ravens is the other). If there was anyone to receive this contract and expect the same production though, it’s Winfield. When the pen hits the paper on this one, he would have a $9.5 million cap hit in 2024.

Bucs Cuts

OLB Shaq Barrett – This transaction has already been announced by the team. This roster cut will be a post-June 1 designation that will require the Bucs to carry his $14,190,882 salary cap hit through that date before they receive $4,923,882 in cap savings for 2024. That money will be used for in-season roster moves, such as filling out the practice squad.

C Ryan Jensen – With Jensen already announcing his NFL retirement earlier this offseason, this is just a procedural move. Cutting him will be the other Bucs’ post-June 1 designation, and by doing so they will spread out his 2024 and 2025 cap hits while saving $1.2 million in the process.

WR Russell Gage – Back when he signed his three-year, $30 million deal with Tampa Bay before the 2022 season, the hope was that Gage would be able to replace Antonio Brown and fill in as a solid third wide receiver behind Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

That didn’t happen.

Gage toughed through a hamstring injury throughout 2022, recording 51 catches for 426 yards (8.4 yards per reception) and five touchdowns. He was slowed by that injury, and he unfortunately suffered another with a torn patellar tendon costing him last season. Cutting him saves just under $6.5 million, and that route makes the most sense to give the other young wideouts a further chance to shine.

OLB Anthony Nelson – Nelson has been a solid role player for the Bucs since being taken in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. While not a starter, he has been a valuable piece to the team’s pass rush, notching between three and 5.5 sacks over each of the last three seasons. At this point in his career though, it is clear that Nelson’s ceiling is that of a third or fourth option at outside linebacker. Cutting him further ushers in a new wave of young edge rushers and saves about $1.85 million in cap room.

Bucs Trades

After conversing with player agents and making some signings, it’s time to dial my fellow general managers to gauge the interest in a couple of players.

CB Carlton Davis III – Davis still offers value as a starting-caliber cornerback, but with the recent wave of recognizable names on the free agent market it lessens his value somewhat on the final year of his deal. After discussing trades with various teams, new Chargers general manager Jim Hortiz thinks that he would bring some much-needed physicality and toughness to the secondary room. He decides to give up his fourth-round selection, 106th overall, for Davis’ services. That nets the Bucs a key Day 3 pick and $6.3 million in cap relief.

C Robert Hainsey – With Hainsey set to receive a pay bump and in the final year of his contract, it does not make sense for the Bucs to keep him in town with better options in free agency. The Jaguars could use some help on their offensive line, and they send a fourth-round pick, 117th overall, in return. Trading Hainsey also clears $3.116 million in cap space.

QB Kyle Trask – With my attention focused on re-signing Baker Mayfield, Trask becomes a lot more expendable when Mayfield’s deal is complete. On the final year of his rookie contract, it’s unlikely that Trask would see the field, especially after further moves are made.

That being said, I contacted the Broncos, Raiders, and Vikings as they look to add some competition. After negotiating with the Raiders, they decide to give their 147th overall selection to see if Trask can unseat Aidan O’Connell as the starter.

Unrestricted Free Agents Re-Signed

QB Baker Mayfield – 3 years, $96 million – Mayfield navigated through some troubled waters to reach a happy destination with the Bucs last season. After showcasing that he is a capable starting quarterback with a career year, Mayfield proved that he can effectively lead a team and get them some key wins. Pairing him with Liam Coen offers a lot of familiarity and room to build off his success, and it comes at an affordable price tag.

At $32 million a year, this number falls between Geno Smith and Daniel Jones, which is a fair market value. Since joining the team last March, the Bucs-Mayfield pairing has been a best-case scenario, and the hope is that the good times continue to roll in Tampa Bay. His cap hit in 2024 would be $16 million.

WR Mike Evans – 2 years, $41 million – It has already been revealed that Evans will be re-signed to a two-year extension. He is still well worth the money and getting him back to pair with Mayfield keeps the key players on offense locked in for the next two seasons. Evans’ 2024 cap charge will be $5.568 million.

ILB Lavonte David – 1 year, $7.5 million – After having a throwback season, David showed why he is still one of the game’s best inside linebackers at age 33. As long as he wants to continue suiting up, he will have a one-year deal waiting for him to return to Tampa Bay.

David remains a menace all over the field, whether that’s getting into the backfield to disrupt plays, shutting down his matchup in coverage, to all of the little things in between. Re-signing him keeps him a Buc for life and would bring a 2024 cap hit of $5.250 million.

K Chase McLaughlin – 2 years, $9.25 million – With McLaughlin, Chase Bank is always open. He was as automatic as they come in 2023, drilling 29 of his 31 field goal attempts (93.5%) while showing off his elite range (7-8 from 50+ yards). It hasn’t been easy for Tampa Bay to find a kicker, and they have one of the best. This one is a no-brainer. His 2024 cap hit would be $4.375 million.

DL Greg Gaines – 1 year, $2 million – Gaines reunited with Vea last season after playing together at Washington. While not flashy, he does his job and is a valuable backup piece in the trenches, especially at this price point. His 2024 cap hit would be $2 million.

QB John Wolford – 1 year, $1.125 million – Wolford also played under Liam Coen with the Rams and it makes sense to bring him back into the fold. Known by coaches for having a high football IQ, he would help the acclimation process to Coen’s new system at a great value. His 2024 cap hit would be $1.125 million.

RB Chase Edmonds – 1 year, $1.125 million – Edmonds provided solid depth behind Rachaad White last season, serving as a mentor while also being productive when White needed a breather. At the veteran league minimum, he provides experience and will look to compete for a backup role. His 2024 cap hit would be $1.125 million.

WR David Moore – 1 year, $1.125 million – In a relatively young and inexperienced wide receiver room outside of Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, Moore rounded out the depth chart nicely. Even though Dave Canales, his old coach from their Seahawks days, left for the Panthers, he is worth bringing back as a mentor and someone who can fill in when his number is called. His 2024 cap hit would be $1.125 million.

OT Justin Skule – 1 year, $1.125 million – Skule is a valuable reserve swing tackle behind Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke and is still young (27) and has starting experience going back to his time with the 49ers. His 2024 cap hit would be $1.125 million.

DT Pat O’Connor – 1 year, $1.125 million – While he does not play much on defense, O’Connor still offers value as a reserve and special teams player. His 2024 cap hit would be $1.125 million.

Unrestricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed

ILB Devin White – No surprises with this one. The hope was that White would ball out in a contract year, but he fell flat and found himself being benched in favor of K.J. Britt toward the end of the year. He had a nice run from 2019-2021, but his last two seasons were mired with inconsistent play which sees him looking for a new team.

OG Matt Feiler – Feiler was brought in to hold down the left guard spot after moving Luke Goedeke full-time to right tackle, but he was ineffective and Aaron Stinnie finished the year as the starter. Instead of bringing back a below-average offensive guard in his early thirties, this is a position that can be upgraded with young talent.

DL Will Gholston – Gholston has been a fixture with the Bucs since being a fourth-round pick in 2013. He has long been a glue guy, but the production just isn’t there to keep him in the fold and age is not on his side.

S Ryan Neal – Neal was supposed to be a value signing, but he largely disappointed in his one year in Tampa Bay. He let up plenty of big plays by missing tackles and lapsing in coverage. He joins a crowded safety free agent market.

OG Aaron Stinnie – Stinnie got the most playing time of his career in 2023, starting 11 games at left guard. He was more of a stopgap starter than a long-term option, and he may be looking for another chance to start elsewhere. He does not fit with the team’s plans.

LS Zach Triner – Triner has filled his role as the team’s long snapper for the past five seasons, but he is now 33 years old and this is another chance to get younger and cheaper.

OLB Cam Gill – At this point, Gill is a bubble player whose development has plateaued. Letting him go frees up more chances for other guys to see the field.

Restricted Free Agents Re-Signed

OL Nick Leverett – 1 year, $1.125 million – Leverett has been a solid backup offensive lineman who can play both center and guard. He is also great in the locker room and is worth bringing back for the league minimum.

Restricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed

DB Dee Delaney – Delaney had two interceptions last year and filled in as both a corner and safety when injuries arose. At 29, his spot can be given to someone younger with more upside.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents Re-Signed

WR Deven Thompkins – 1 year, $980,000 – The Bucs re-signed Thompkins for another season, and he is back to be a gadget player and possibly the primary return man.

OT Brandon Walton – 1 year, $980,000 – The team re-signed Walton as well and he has a chance to stick around as someone who can fill in as a tackle and guard.

New Unrestricted Free Agents Signed

S Xavier McKinney – 4 years, $52 million – This is our biggest offseason free-agent signing. Bringing in McKinney solves a few issues that were apparent at the safety position opposite Antoine Winfield Jr.

The 24-year-old is a playmaker, with nine interceptions through his first four seasons, including three last year. He is an apt tackler (116 total tackles in 2023) who is also elite in coverage, grading out first in that category by Pro Football Focus last season. He has a sudden burst off the snap and takes proper pursuit angles to affect routes and break up passes.

There is also a Bucs connection to consider.

New special teams coordinator Thomas McGaughey has spent the past six seasons with the Giants and would have intel about what kind of player and person he is. Signing him gives Winfield more free rein to roam and remain a versatile defensive chess piece. Both he and Todd Bowles would not have to worry about having McKinney back there as a deep safety where he lines up the most. This checks off a lot of boxes and gives the defense a lethal safety duo for years to come.

C Tyler Biadasz – 3 years, $24 million – After parting ways with Robert Hainsey, the starting center spot is first filled by bringing in Biasdasz. He has a lot of starting experience, having played in 61 games with 53 starts in his four NFL seasons. That included a Pro Bowl nod in 2022, and there is something to be said about him having some intriguing upside.

At 6-foot-3, 316 pounds, he is a nice fit in Liam Coen’s zone run scheme, as this film breakdown demonstrates. The big guy does a lot of things right up front, and he would gel well with the likes of Tristan Wirfs, Luke Goedeke, and Cody Mauch. Like Goedeke, Biadasz was born and raised in Wisconsin and he would be another Midwestern mauler.

OLB Andrew Van Ginkel – 2 years, $14 million – This is a sneaky value signing that could be just as impactful as the previous two. After largely serving as a rotational player with the Dolphins, Van Ginkel would have the chance to be a starter, and there is a lot there to like. He gets off the line in a hurry and is just as quick to react to the play and read the quarterback.

That shows up when watching him drop in coverage and knowing when to attack signal-callers and ballcarriers alike. As the Bucs look to replace Shaq Barrett, it is a bit ironic that Pro Football Focus’ Brad Spielberger compared Van Ginkel’s free agency to Barrett’s back in 2019. After not being a full-time starter in Miami, he would have every chance to show up and ball out in Tampa Bay.

DL Denico Autry – 1 year, $7 million – It is no secret that the Bucs need to generate more pressure from four-man fronts next season. For $7 million a year, it would be hard to do much better than Autry. The 33-year-old veteran did his best Lavonte David impression in fighting Father Time and had his best year with the Titans last year, setting career highs with 50 total tackles and 11.5 sacks.

Getting that type of sack production and impact from a defensive lineman is hard to come by, and Autry provided Tennessee plenty of surplus value from the 3-year, $21 million deal he signed back in 2021. Now a little older but showing no signs of slowing down, he finds his next home in Tampa Bay at the same price point. If Autry is anything like he was last year, he would be a great fit next to Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea.

S Jeremy Chinn – 1 year, $3 million – Chinn has been a versatile player for the Panthers throughout his career, playing as a hybrid safety who also has done well in the box and at nickel. This is a great buy-low opportunity on a guy who was the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year runner-up in 2020. He is a great tackler and while he was not the best fit in Carolina’s defensive scheme last season, a division rival’s loss is Tampa Bay’s gain.

C Brian Allen – 1 year, $3 million – This is an underrated signing that really boosts the offensive line depth. Allen has spent five seasons with the Rams, including starting all 16 games on the 2021 team that won the Super Bowl. He has played under Liam Coen and much like the quarterbacks, he would help the offensive line get on the same page.

Although he has played just 12 games over the past two seasons due to injury, when Allen is on the field he remains highly productive. He slots in behind Biadasz and his salary comes in slightly cheaper than Hainsey’s while having more upside if he gets on the field.

Slivon’s 2024 Bucs Draft Picks

As Scott Reynolds and Josh Queipo did in their Bucs’ Battle Plan, I used the Pro Football Focus mock draft simulator to build out my draft, and I did more simulations than I care to admit (okay, there were a lot). After parting ways with Carlton Davis III, Robert Hainsey, and Kyle Trask to acquire some extra draft capital, I utilized these picks to fill out the roster with a balanced approach between taking the best player available and drafting for need.

When looking over my draft class in its entirety, it is mostly filled with players who were at the Senior Bowl and others who impressed at the NFL Combine. The only draft pick I chose to trade away was packaging No. 127 and No. 244 to the Steelers in exchange for No. 120 to secure a player on my draft board.

Early on, I looked to improve the offense in numerous ways, from the offensive line to some of the skill positions. An NFL offense can never have enough weapons, and I prioritized physical traits and potential in each of my picks. To give Tampa Bay the best chance to win games this year and beyond this draft haul needs to be a big hit – and I feel it is. It answers all of the team’s needs in a big way while bolstering the roster with some serious talent across the board.

Note: My mock draft also reflects the Bucs acquiring a surprise compensatory pick in the sixth round at No. 220.

Round 1 – Duke G Graham Barton • 6-5, 313 • Senior

Nearing my first pick at No. 26, there are two big names on my big board – Oregon center Jackson Powers-Johnson and Duke left tackle Graham Barton. The decision is made a lot easier when the Steelers take Powers-Johnson at No. 20, and with Barton still there with the Bucs on the clock, he is the first selection.

At the next level, Barton profiles more as a guard than a tackle, and he will slide right in as a Day 1 starter at left guard. Watching him, one can see the level of toughness and consistency that he plays with on a snap-by-snap basis. He would immediately set himself apart as a mauler in the run game, and during his time in college as a left tackle, he also showed that he could hang with some top edge rushers such as Florida State’s Jared Verse.

Barton has plenty of positional versatility and showcases his athleticism on tape as he can quickly get out into space with agile feet and strong hands that displace defenders. It is in this way that he reminds me of a more polished Cody Mauch coming into the NFL, and he has the same fiery, play-until-the-whistle mentality. He has a lot of upside as a guard and fits in nicely.

Round 2 – South Carolina WR Xavier Legette • 6-1, 221 • Senior

Although Mike Evans is back on a two-year deal, Chris Godwin is under contract for just one more season. With that in mind, the Bucs should look at getting another big-play receiver with high potential who could move up the depth chart should the need eventually arise. That is why taking Legette makes a lot of sense. While Legette was a one-year breakout player for the Gamecocks last season, he is relatively new to the position and just started coming into his own as a player. When he finally got his shot paired with quarterback Spencer Rattler last season, he balled out with 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns.

Legette’s ability to make contested catches really stands out, and he uses every bit of his frame to box out and create separation. He has exceptional body control when he jumps up to make the catch, timing and extending to make a lot of tough grabs. But it isn’t just his size and strength that makes him such a dangerous weapon – he also lit it up with a 4.39 40-yard time at the NFL Combine. Legette still needs to refine his route-running and become more nuanced, but he is a threat with the ball in his hands and always has the chance to turn a small play into a big gain. Playing alongside Evans and Godwin for at least one season would allow him to develop behind two top receivers while also taking some pressure off each of them as the WR3 on offense.

Round 3 – Wisconsin RB Braelon Allen • 6-1, 235 • Junior

Looking to add a power-back element to the Bucs’ offense, taking Allen in the third round here checks a lot of boxes. It was a toss-up between Allen and Kentucky’s Ray Davis, but Allen just turned 20 while Davis will already be 25 years old next season. Although he is one of the youngest prospects in his draft class, you would not know it by watching him during his time with the Badgers.

One glance at him toting the football, and it is easy to be reminded of Derrick Henry, someone who Allen has modeled his game after. He has an old-school running style about him of running through defenders. Once he gets going, he is nothing short of a tank with a Ferrari engine that can rumble forward and fight for tough yards. That allowed him to rush 181 times for 984 yards and 12 touchdowns last season. There is more to his game than just power, as he caught 28 receptions in 2023 playing in a new offensive system and he remained very productive.

Allen is not the most elusive back in space and cutting through holes, but that did not stop Mike Alstott back in the day from wreaking havoc running up the gut. Allen complements Rachaad White well as a short-yardage back who has the upside to be a starter down the line.

Round 4 – (From Los Angeles) Rutgers CB Max Melton • 5-11, 187 • Senior

Utilizing the pick acquired from trading Carlton Davis III, I use it to draft his replacement by picking Melton. Melton is a versatile cornerback who can play both inside and outside and got better each year playing under former Bucs head coach Greg Schiano. That is not the only connection Melton has to Tampa Bay, as he and defensive back Christian Izien played together for the Scarlet Knights along with Todd Bowles Jr.

Despite all of the Bucs ties, Melton is someone who brings his own unique skillset and much-need playmaking ability, recording three consecutive multi-interception seasons at Rutgers. He shined at the NFL Combine with a 4.39 40-yard time and 40.5-inch vertical. This shows up on tape as he has shown off some “Need For Speed: Hot Pursuit” skills getting after ball carriers in a hurry and being athletic enough to keep pace with any wide receiver.

He loves to get after it at the line of scrimmage as he is pesty and possesses a lot of physicality paired with a high motor. His play style would be a great fit under head coach Todd Bowles, and he would challenge Zyon McCollum for the other starting outside cornerback spot.

Round 4 – (From Jacksonville) Colorado State EDGE Mohamed Kamara • 6-1, 248 • Senior

What better way to potentially replace Shaq Barrett with someone who attended Colorado State, Barrett’s alma mater. Landing Kamara here is a sleeper pick as he had elite production last season, recording 13 sacks and the 10th-best pass rush grade of any defender in college football per Pro Football Focus. Metrics do not tell the whole story, but one watch of Kamara and one can note his powerful hands that allow him to capitalize on an impressive set of pass-rush moves.

He pairs his power with 4.57 speed which allows him to explode off the snap and catch his matchup off-balance as he turns the corner. He regularly finishes plays, and on film his disdain for opposing quarterbacks is on full display. There will be a learning curve for him, especially as he looks to improve setting the edge and becoming more of a factor in stopping the run. Still, Kamara has the high-end production that teams like the Bucs covet and is an intriguing pass-rush specialist with plenty of room to grow.

Round 4 – (From Pittsburgh) Kansas State TE Ben Sinnott • 6-4, 250 • Senior

As the Bucs look at ways to upgrade their production from the tight end position, there is arguably no better option for the Bucs than Sinnott. He is a do-it-all player who can not only be a factor in the passing game, but he also lined up as a fullback at times with the Wildcats and his blocking skills are above average for the position.

Sinnott had 49 catches for 676 yards and six touchdowns last season, showing off a solid route tree, a knack for fighting for extra yards, great contact balance staying on his feet, and surprising quickness with a 4.68 40-yard time. As a Buccaneer, Sinnott would fight to be the team’s No. 1 tight end, bumping Cade Otton to a more suitable high-end No. 2 role.

Round 5 – (From Las Vegas) North Carolina ILB Cedric Gray • 6-1, 234 • Senior

With Lavonte David returning for another season and locking down one spot, the inside linebacker position remains up for grabs. K.J. Britt played well down the stretch last season and SirVocea Dennis is still on hand as a potential starter down the line. Like Dennis was last year, I decided to invest another fifth-round pick at the position by taking Gray. At North Carolina, his production over the last two seasons was simply off the charts.

In 2022, Gray had 145 total tackles, 12 tackles for a loss, and added three forced fumbles and two interceptions. Last season, he added to his big numbers by recording 121 total tackles, 11 tackles for a loss, five sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. In particular, his ability last year to get after the quarterback is a skill Bowles values when he dials up blitzes. Gray can make his presence felt when he heads downhill and attacks, taking efficient paths to the football.

He is a high-effort player with the leadership traits to back it up, and on the field, he is rangy enough to hold down coverage assignments and close running lanes. There is still room for him to improve as a tackler and hit at a lower pad level, but he would be a great David understudy who could compete for the starting job next to him as soon as this season.

Round 6 – Wisconsin OL Tanor Bortolini • 6-4, 303 • Senior

Although the center position has been addressed by signing Tyler Biadasz and Brian Allen, there is not an offensive lineman in this draft quite like Bortolini. While with the Badgers, he got experience all across the offensive line, although most of it came at center. With elite athleticism, he has the flexibility to line up anywhere when injuries arise and hold his own.

He has a solid base to ward off bigger players and does a nice job utilizing his hands to stay engaged and always finds work to do. His extensive college experience aids him in that regard as he is always well aware of what is going on around him. After taking Allen earlier in this draft, we help him out by taking someone who created plenty of lanes for him throughout his college career.

Round 6 – Tulane CB Jarius Monroe • 6-1, 205 • Senior

Monroe put himself on the NFL map with his play for the Green Wave over the past two seasons. He transferred to Tulane ahead of his junior year and was a model of consistency on the field. In 2022, he had 49 total tackles and three interceptions and nearly identical production with 48 total tackles and another three interceptions in 2023.

Against top competition, Monroe also possesses a knack for being a star. One of his interceptions at Tulane came against none other than USC’s Caleb Williams and against the best of the best in the East-West Shrine Game this year he won Defensive MVP. When one watches him on film, one of the first things that stick out is how he plays lock-tight coverage and uses his size to be physical in deflecting passes. As evidenced by his tackle totals, he is an apt tackler in the open field and he clogs both running and passing lanes alike. He is one of the more underrated cornerback prospects this year and could quickly prove himself to be a steal.

Round 7 – Kentucky QB Devin Leary • 6-1, 215 • Senior

When drafting a quarterback, how he fits within the offense is one of the most important factors to consider. Thankfully for Leary, he is perfect for Liam Coen’s offense because he ran it at Kentucky last season. With the Wildcats, he threw for 2,746 yards and 25 touchdowns and learned a lot playing under Coen. Drafting Leary to be the third-string quarterback behind Mayfield and Wolford makes sense as all three are quarterbacks who have played under the new offensive coordinator at one point or another.

There is a reason that he was on the board this late in this draft though after having a college career filled with injuries and inconsistent play, but there are things to like about him. Leary has a powerful arm but can also put touch on his passes when he needs to. When he has time to throw he can lay it on his receiver accurately, but he also can create something out of nothing and play out of structure. It also helps his cause that he was a team captain at North Carolina State and Kentucky, and he would be on hand to provide the best first-hand knowledge of all the fresh plays Coen has been busy drawing up.

Slivon’s “Way Too Early” Bucs 53-Man Roster Projection

Quarterbacks – 3

Baker Mayfield
John Wolford
Devin Leary

Analysis: Mayfield returns to lead the Bucs’ offense in 2024 and potentially beyond, although he also needs to demonstrate why he was worthy of getting a further investment. Should the need ever present itself, Wolford and Leary are capable backup arms who know the offense well.

Running Backs – 3

Rachaad White
Braelon Allen
Chase Edmonds

Analysis: White leads this running back stable, although Allen will be on hand to handle some of the workload and allow White to do what he does best as an elusive runner and elite receiver. Edmonds returns as the change-of-pace veteran in the room, while Sean Tucker is on the practice squad if injuries present themselves.

Wide Receivers – 6

Mike Evans
Chris Godwin
Xavier Legette
Trey Palmer
David Moore
Deven Thompkins

Analysis: The top two on the depth chart remain the same, although Godwin could be entering his last season in Tampa Bay. Outside of Legette, the receiver room remains the same, and he will compete with Palmer to be the team’s WR3. Palmer has the chance to further breakout in his second year, and he is backed up by two familiar faces in Moore and Thompkins. Rakim Jarrett will be competing with both of them for a spot, but in this scenario, he makes the practice squad.

Tight Ends – 3

Ben Sinnott
Cade Otton
Payne Durham

Analysis: While Sinnott unseats Otton on the top of the depth chart, the two create a promising young duo at the tight end position. Durham sticks around and has the chance to develop further as a red-zone threat and blocker, which would be a bonus to the room. Ko Kieft is bounced to the practice squad.

Offensive Line – 10

LT Tristan Wirfs
LG Graham Barton
C Tyler Biadasz
RG Cody Mauch
RT Luke Goedeke
C Brian Allen
G-C Nick Leverett
C-G Tanor Bortolini
OT Justin Skule
OT Brandon Walton

Analysis: On paper, this group gets some major upgrades with Barton and Biadasz joining the starting lineup. If both play well and Mauch takes a big leap, this could be one of the best offensive lines in football. Both tackle spots are locked down, and Wirfs will look to further cement himself as one of this generation’s best offensive linemen. Allen is an under-the-radar addition who brings valuable experience while drafting Bortolini brings further versatility to the group. Retaining Leverett, Skule, and Walton keeps the incumbent backup offensive linemen core intact.

Defensive Line – 6

Vita Vea
Calijah Kancey
Denico Autry
Logan Hall
Greg Gaines
Patrick O’Connor
Analysis: Outside of swapping the veteran Will Gholston for Autry, the rest of the defensive line remains the same. Autry will start alongside Vea and Kancey, although Hall and Gaines will rotate in and see quite a bit of action.

OUTSIDE LINEBACKERS – 5

YaYa Diaby
Andrew Van Ginkel
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Mohamed Kamara
Markees Watts

Analysis: The outside linebacker room hits the refresh button and sees Van Ginkel and Kamara joining the mix as two players who could establish themselves as starters. Tryon-Shoyinka is bumped down a peg to third on the depth chart, while Watts is given the chance to eat into some of the playing time after impressing briefly in 2023.

Inside Linebackers – 4

Lavonte David
K.J. Britt
SirVocea Dennis
Cedric Gray

Analysis: David remains a lifelong Buccaneer, and Britt leads the way to be the starter alongside him. Dennis and Gray are both young options who could be the next starters at the position, and the pair will provide a great training camp and preseason competition. J.J. Russell makes the practice squad.

Cornerbacks – 6

Jamel Dean
Zyon McCollum
Christian Izien
Max Melton
Josh Hayes
Jarius Monroe

Analysis: Cornerback looks a lot different than last season but is a lot younger. Dean will hold down one starting position, but the other will be between McCollum and Melton. Izien remains on hand to be the nickel corner, while Hayes and Monroe will also be in the fight and likely to be key contributors on special teams.

Safeties – 4

Antoine Winfield Jr.
Xavier McKinney
Jeremy Chinn
Kaevon Merriweather

Analysis: Winfield is locked up on a new deal to keep him in Tampa Bay for the next half decade and half of the safety room sees a change with the additions of McKinney and Chinn. Both add stability and playmaking ability at the position, and it allows Winfield to do what he does best to impact games. Merriweather did well as an undrafted rookie last year and sticks around as solid depth.

SPECIALISTS – 3

K Chase McLaughlin
P Jake Camarda
LS Evan Deckers

Analysis: McLaughlin was money last season, so it’s only right he cashes in to remain the team’s kicker. Paired with Camarda, this is one of the top specialist duos in the league. Deckers takes over for Triner and is a lot younger.

What Did You Think?

  Did you like my Bucs Battle Plan for the 2024 offseason? Does it adequately address Tampa Bay’s needs? Which additions did you like best? Let me know what you think in the article comments section below.

Help support our efforts here at PewterReport.com by becoming a Pewter Report Donor for as little as $10 for a one-time donation or only $3 per month as a regular donor.

We accept all forms of credit card payment in addition to PayPal donations.

Click here to support your favorite Bucs website.