JC Allen’s Bucs Battle Plan For 2023

The Current State Of The Bucs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a season full of accomplishment and disappointment under the first year of head coach Todd Bowles. The Bucs swept the Saints, beat the Rams and won the NFC South for a second straight year. But Bowles’ team finished the season with an 8-9 record – even with Tom Brady at quarterback – and lost a home playoff game to Dallas.

Now, Brady has retired at age 45 after three seasons in Tampa Bay, and the Bucs are at a turning point. The team isn’t doing a fire sale rebuild. Instead, it’s attempting to reload while remaining competitive in a wide-open NFC South division.

General manager Jason Licht has decided to pay off the Super Bowl credit card, which consists of absorbing all $35 million of Brady’s dead cap money this year. The Bucs were $56 million over the salary cap just days before the start of free agency and have begun to make some cap cuts.

Left tackle Donovan Smith was released and saves the team just under $10 million. Running back Leonard Fournette was also cut and saves the team nearly $3.5 million. Tight end Cam Brate was also released and saved Tampa Bay just over $2 million. Up next will be some contract restructures or extensions by vice president of football administration Mike Greenberg, who is the team’s capologist.

Tampa Bay has 22 unrestricted free agents, including several starters like linebacker Lavonte David, cornerbacks Jamel Dean and Sean Murphy-Bunting, safeties Mike Edwards, Logan Ryan and Keanu Neal, in addition to defensive linemen like Akiem Hicks, Will Gholston and others. Tampa Bay can’t afford to bring them all back.

The biggest question will be at quarterback, where the team is resigned to the fact that it can’t land a big name via trade or in free agency. Unproven third-year QB Kyle Trask is the only one under contract, but the Bucs will sign at least one veteran to provide competition.

Bowles made some changes on the coaching staff this offseason, firing offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and several offensive assistants. Dave Canales, Seattle’s former QBs coach and passing game coordinator, takes over for Leftwich as the play-caller. Brad Idzik is the new receivers coach and Skip Peete is the new running backs coach. Thad Lewis was promoted to QBs coach, while George Edwards joins the staff to coach outside linebackers.

Explaining The Bucs Battle Plans For 2023

PewterReport.com writers Scott Reynolds, Matt Matera, Josh Queipo, Bailey Adams, JC Allen and Adam Slivon have devised their own Bucs Plans For the 2023 offseason. These come complete with free agent signings, trades, roster moves and draft picks to hopefully help Tampa Bay three-peat as NFC South champions and make another playoff run.

Bucs VP of player personnel John Spytek and VP of football administration Mike Greenberg – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

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.

The Bucs have until Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET to get into cap compliance and trim millions through cuts, restructures or extensions from the current salary cap overage.

Licht and Greenberg can create plenty of salary cap space by restructuring the contracts of several players and lowering their 2023 cap values. Wide receiver Chris Godwin ($23,750,000 cap value in 2023), wide receiver Mike Evans ($23,698,500), outside linebacker Shaquil Barrett ($21,252,941), cornerback Carlton Davis III ($18,215,686), nose tackle Vita Vea ($15,651,652) and center Ryan Jensen ($15,000,000) are the prime candidates.

The free agents that Tampa Bay signs and re-signs will all have one or two years worth of guaranteed money. That’s a Greenberg staple when it comes to contracts. But the first-year salaries will also be lower than the average yearly cap value of the contract to help the Bucs’ cap in 2023. The cap is expected to rise in 2024 and Tampa Bay can defer some money into later years.

Allen’s Bucs Battle Plan For The 2023 Offseason

Is the Super Bowl window still open? No. However, the Bucs are still flush with talent on both sides of the ball and are in a winnable NFC South division. So, a full-on tank mode isn’t a realistic option. Instead, Tampa Bay will retool the roster. Saying goodbye to long-tenured players and contributors who helped them hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 2020 will be difficult, but it’s what’s best for the team long term.

The Bucs have put an emphasis on getting faster, stronger and smarter this offseason, while also getting younger. The moves I lay out help them to do just that, while also remaining competitive in a weakened NFC South and a questionable NFC in general. All while still leaving the team some cap flexibility in 2024.

Bucs Restructures

The Bucs have already made several moves as they try to get cap complaint, but there are a few more they can make to free up cap space.

Bucs OLB Shaquil Barrett and Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes – Photo by: USA Today

OLB Shaq Barrett – Restructuring his contract gives the Bucs another $9,813,750 to work with in cap space.

WR Russell Gage – Restructuring his three-year, $30 million deal nets over $7 million in cap room as opposed to saving roughly $3 million by cutting him.

OG Shaq Mason –  Restructuring the right guard’s final year of his deal frees up an additional $4,751,250.

Bucs Cuts

K Ryan Succop –  For all the consistency that Succop brings, he just cant hit the longer field goals, leaving potential points on the board. He has been as steady as they come, winning a Super Bowl with the team in 2020, but Tampa Bay needs a well-rounded kicker who can hit the ones outside of 47 yards. His release gives the Bucs another $3.25 million in cap space.

Bucs Trade Down And Up Finding Value Moving Around The Board

The Bucs come into the draft with nine total picks, including fifth- and seventh-rounders they received as compensatory selections. Though they are currently without a fourth round selection from the Zyon McCollum trade last year, they have an extra sixth (Grant Stuard) from Indy and a seventh (Steve McLendon) from the Jets.

Bucs head coach Todd Bowles and GM Jason Licht – Photo courtesy of the Buccaneers

The draft is deep at several positions the Bucs have needs at, and the team will most likely strongly consider moving down and around the board to fill out its roster. They start in the first round, moving back four spots from 19 to 23 with the Chargers while picking up a fourth (125) and fifth (156) in the process.

With multiple targets on the board they like, the Bucs move down yet again in the second round. This time, it’s with the Eagles, who are hungry to get impact players after their Super Bowl loss. Tampa Bay acquires Philadelphia’s second (62) and third (94) round picks while also sending their seventh (153) in the 12-spot slide down.

General manager Jason Licht said at the combine the strength of this draft can be found in the middle rounds. Flush with late round picks, he capitalizes on a trade up. With two prospects the Bucs have high on their board, Licht reaches out to the Browns in pursuit of a deal. He executes a trade up, giving up fifth (156) and sixth (196) round selections for a fourth rounder (126). This gives the team back-to-back picks in the fourth to secure their targets.

Round 1 – No. 23 (From L.A. Chargers
Round 2 – No. 62 (From Philadelphia
Round 3 – No. 82
Round 3 – No. 94 (From Philadelphia)
Round 4 – No. 125 (From L.A. Chargers)
Round 4 – No. 126 (From Cleveland)
Round 5 – No. 153
Round 5 – No. 175 (Compensatory Pick)
Round 6 – No. 181
Round 7 – No. 230 (From NY Jets

Unrestricted Free Agents Re-Signed

S Logan Ryan – 1 year, $1.16 million

Bucs S Logan Ryan – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Todd Bowles raved about Ryan’s smarts and leadership abilities. He’s lost a step, but can still be a versatile rotational piece in the secondary and provide veteran leadership. 

DL Pat O’Connor – 1 year, $1.080 million

A special teams maven, O’Connor has developed into a nice sub rusher over the years and is brought back for another season.

DL Rakeem Nunes-Roches – 1 year, $2.5 million

Nunes-Roches provides energy as a solid roational backup and notched his first two sacks with the Bucs last season. He also is Vita Vea’s top backup at nose tackle. 

OLB Carl Nassib – 1 year, $2 million

Nassib provided a boost to the team’s depth last season and came up with a few game-changing plays. After finding out the hard way the grass isn’t always greener, he re-ups with the Bucs for another year.

OLB Cam Gill – 1 year, $1.010 Million

The right of first refusal RFA tender at $2.6 million is a bit rich for Gill, who has shown flashes as a situational pass rusher and has been a solid special teamer. But he missed all of last year and has been banged up during his tenure with the team. He’ll need to settle for a minimum contact to return and compete for a job.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents Re-Signed

LG Nick Leverett — 1 year, $940,000

Bucs LG Nick Leverett – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Leverett stepped at left guard against the Panthers last year and never looked back. After a rough start at the position to start the season, he brought a steadiness to it. Bringing him back to compete for the job is an easy decision.

CB Dee Delaney — 1 year, $940,000

Picking up Delaney’s tender is an easy choice, as he won’t count much against the top 51. The young corner has shown steady development after making the team in 2021 and has been a versatile piece in the secondary for Bowles.

Bucs Extensions

WR Mike Evans — 2 years, $40 million ($35 million guaranteed)

Bucs WR Mike Evans – Photo by: USA Today

Evans has been the model of consistency, posting at least 1,000 yards receiving in each of his nine NFL seasons. While his week-to-week volume is unpredictable, he should be in the Bucs’ current and future plans. He is always willing to restructure his deal to help the team out and takes a bit of a discount in his extension to remain in Tampa Bay. The move saves more than $10.5 million in cap room.

LB Devin White — 5 years, $105 million ($50 million guaranteed)

Like it or not, an extension for White is coming. Why not get it over with this season to help the team create cap space to add to the roster? The move saves more than $7.5 million in 2023 cap space.

Unrestricted Free Agents Not Re-Signed

QB Blaine Gabbert

Bucs QB Blaine Gabbert – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

That about wraps it up for the Blaine Train. Gabbert was always more of a Bruce Arians guy. While he’s respected in the locker room and a solid veteran presence, not to mention a real life hero, the Bucs move in another direction.

S Keanu Neal

Neal made some key plays for the Bucs in 2022, but he also allowed some as well. The veteran safety will be thanked for his service, but with the Bucs looking to get younger and faster, so he’ll need to find a new home next season.

CB Sean Murphy-Bunting

Murphy-Bunting never matched his breakout in the 2020 postseason. Inconsistent play and injuries saw him lose the starting job to Jamel Dean this season. He likely looks for a fresh start with a new team.

DL Will Gholston

The longtime Buc isn’t brought back after a down year and the Bucs longing to get younger and faster. 

CB Jamel Dean

Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Dean was just starting to come into his own, and I don’t think he’s reached his ceiling as a player. But the Bucs won’t be able to afford to bring him back once he hits the open market. 

DL Akiem Hicks

The Hicks experiment didn’t go as the Bucs planned. On paper, it looked great and the few times he and Vea were on the field together, it was tough for opposing teams to run against the team. Yet, the pass rush ability wasn’t there and he missed multiple games due to injury,

OT Josh Wells

Wells’ knee was severely injured in Week 16 and he is expected to miss part of the 2023 season. The Bucs move on from the vet and look to upgrade.

OL Aaron Stinnie

Stinnie’s season ended before it began after he suffered a torn ACL in the preseason. He was solid in the Bucs’ Super Bowl-winning playoff run, but would’ve been the odd man out last year and finds a new home in free agency.

RB Giovani Bernard

Bernard was sparingly used the last two seasons while also being banged up as well. After this past season, it’s time all parties move on.

WR Scotty Miller

Bucs WR Scotty Miller – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

The much-maligned Miller never really could recapture the glory of his 2020 season. Suffering injuries and falling in and out of the line up, a change of scenery seems likely.

TE Kyle Rudolph

Rudolph was never meant to be anything more than a one-year signing. 

OLB Genard Avery

Avery served his purpose during the 2022 season, but the Bucs will look to upgrade the position in the offseason.

DL Deadrin Senat

Senat was a steady surprise rotational piece for the Bucs last season when Hicks and Vea went down with injuries, but he’s not in the long-term plans of the team. 

OLB Anthony Nelson

The Bucs would like to have Nelson back, but he probably prices himself out of the Bucs’ range after a season in which he played in over 50% of the snaps, logging 5.5 sacks and three fumbles.

S Mike Edwards

Edwards battled through injuries and had an up-and-down year as a first-time starter, but he likely lands a contract the Bucs aren’t willing to match.

LB Lavonte David

Bucs LB Lavonte David – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

This one hurts, as David is not only the longest-tenured Buc, but a locker room leader on and off the field. Still playing at a high level, his presence will be sorely missed.

WR Julio Jones

Jones, like Rudolph, was a one-year signing and won’t return to the Bucs in 2023.

WR Breshad Perriman

Perriman didn’t do much and was oft injured. He did secure a game winning touchdown in 2021, but was nothing more than a break-glass-in-case-of-emergency guy. 

New Unrestricted Free Agents Signed

OT Cameron Fleming – 1 year, $1.3 million

Fleming started 15 games for the Broncos last season, with nine coming at right tackle and six on the left side. He finished the season with a 72.6 overall blocking grade from Pro Football Focus and has 61 career starts. He brings plenty of experience at the swing tackle position and could step in if Luke Goedeke falters at right tackle, as he has over 600 snaps at the position.

IOL Kyle Fuller – 1 year, $1.080 million

Keep the Canales connections coming. The Bucs currently have an open battle for left guard, so why not bring in someone familiar with the system the new coordinator runs? Gabe Jackson is probably the sexier pick, although he had a down year, but Fuller will be much cheaper. He has played mostly center in the NFL, but has position flexibility and can help speed up the rest of the line to the new scheme.

WR Marquise Goodwin – 1 year,  $1.165 million

Speaking of scheme, Goodwin played under Canales last season and can still be an effective deep threat even at age 32. The former track star ran a 4.27 40 coming out of college, so even if he lost .2 seconds, he’d still be the fastest wide receiver on the team.

RB Travis Homer – 1 year, $1.080 million

Not the Seattle running back many expect with Rashaad Penny a free agent, Homer gives the Bucs good depth behind new starter Rachaad White. Homer has over 50 career receptions and over 900 yards from scrimmage, plus he  can also return kickoffs. He’s also a strong special teams player with seven tackles in 2022.

TE Mitchell Wilcox – 2 years, $3 million 

This one is sure to put a smile on Josh Quiepo’s face. The USF alum makes his way back to Tampa Bay after two years with the Bengals. He finished the 2022 season with 17 receptions for 131 yards and a score while adding a respectable 64.8 blocking grade from PFF. Canales is sure to run a ton of 12 personnel, and having a young veteran with familiarity in a similar system could be beneficial.

CB Kyle Fuller – 1 year, $1.165 million

Fuller is the clear definition of a value signing. Banged up the past few seasons, he was once a rising young corner in the league. After a stint with the Ravens ended early with injury last season, he’s on the open market looking for an opportunity to get his career back on track. With an open spot at cornerback, the Bucs could be just the right fit.

S Jabril Peppers – 1 year, $2 million

Peppers comes in and fills the role Keanu Neal played last season with a player a bit younger and determined to get his career back on track. The former first-round pick started five games for the Patriots last season, turning in 60 total tackles lining up from various positions in the secondary. He finished with an overall defensive grade of 75 by PFF, with an 84.6 in run defense.

DT Taven Bryan – 1 year, $4 million 

The Jaguars’ former first-round pick had a career-high four sacks and 23 pressures last season with the Browns. While not an every-down lineman, he provides a solid rotational piece to push Logan Hall and can contribute on pass rushing downs. He’ll step into the role vacated by Will Gholston, with much higher upside. 

LB Alex Singleton – 2 years, $10 million

Singleton had a breakout year with the Broncos in 2022. He had 118 tackles and is a strong run defender. He’s not Lavonte David in coverage, but he finished with a respectable 73 grade in coverage from PFF last season. He provides a young veteran stopgap at the position at a reasonable price.

EDGE Charles Omenihu – 3 years, $13 million  

Omenihu had a whopping 54 pressures for the 49ers last season while playing in a part time role. He notched a career-high five sacks playing in 53.5% of the snaps and has the versatility to kick inside on passing downs. Only 25, he achieves the goal of getting younger and faster and provides the Bucs with the pass rush boost they need. 

K Greg Zuerlein – 1 year, $2 million

The Bucs were solid inside 47 yards, but Succop just didn’t have the range to knock them in from over 50. Zuerlien made 30 of 37 attempts, including 6-of-11 from 50 or longer, including a 60-yarder. He missed just one extra point all season and was a steady presence for the Jets in 2022.

QB Drew Lock – 1 year, $2 million

New offensive coordinator Dave Canales has firsthand experience working with Lock and could potentially like to continue working with him. In what appears to be an open quarterback competition, a reunion seems likely. Especially with Geno Smith entrenched as the starter in Seattle.

QB Taylor Heinicke – 1 year, $4 million 

Bucs OLBs Jason Pierre-Paul and Shaquil Barrett and WFT QB Taylor Heinicke – Photo by: USA Today

I really went back and forth here between Jacoby Brissett and Heinicke. In the end, I just feel like if the Bucs brass truly wants to see what they have in Trask, Brissett’s presence on the roster would impede that. He would most likely win the starting job in camp and if he doesn’t, as soon as Trask struggles, fans and potentially players would be calling for Brissett to start.

Meanwhile, Heinicke gives you the luxury to see what you have in Trask, knowing you have someone with 25 starts in his career. And while he’s had varying results, he’s always given the Bucs a hard time. The addition gives the team three young quarterbacks to work with.

Allen’s 2023 Bucs Draft Picks

Round 1. 23 (from LAC) – Maryland CB Deonte Banks • 6’1, 200 • Junior

With the departure of Dean, the Bucs need a cornerback who can come in and challenge for a starting spot right away. Banks put on a show at the NFL Combine, showing off his speed and athleticism with a 9.99 RAS score.  The physical press man corner has the all the tools to be a excellent starter in the league. He possesses quick hips and great route recognition, allowing him to quick click and close to the ball. He’s a strong tackler, excellent in run support and tracks the ball well downfield.

Banks is not a ballhawk though, and will need to be a bit more polished in zone coverage. But he could be a day one starter for the Bucs across from Carlton Davis. Banks closed out his time with the Terps totaling 78 tackles including one for a loss, while bringing down two interceptions to go with 11 passes defended. The Bucs didn’t meet with Banks at the Combine, but likely met with him at the Shrine Bowl and could host him on a top 30 visit.

Round 2.62 (from PHI) – Auburn EDGE Derick Hall • 6’2, 254 • Senior

With the signing of Omenihu and the re-signing of Nassib, the Bucs are in a pretty good place at edge rusher, though you can never have enough quality pass rushers. Hall’s draft stock has cooled off a bit, but he would be a perfect fit for Bowles’ defense, and getting him at 62 after a trade back is excellent value. Hall’s biggest strength is setting the edge as he continues to build up his pass rushing repertoire. He displays impressive speed-to-power, creating movement and push off the line. Hall isn’t lost in coverage, is a violet tackler and is a leader on and off the field.

However, Hall needs to show more patience as a rusher and learn how to set up moves during the course of a game. He finished his college career with 143 total tackles, including 35 for a loss and five forced fumbles. He racked up 19.5 sacks and 113 pressures in his four years a with the Tigers, including 16 his over the last two seasons. He tested well in Indy and had a formal interview with the Bucs at the Combine.

Round 3.82 – Florida State S Jammie Robinson • 5’11, 191 • Senior

The Bucs have a clear need at safety with Edwards and Neal departing. Though they re-sign Ryan and bring in Peppers, Robinson is a guy who could challenge for the starting spot at strong safety right away. He plays with his hit stick always on and is a sound tackler. Robinson has a nose for the ball and is quick to diagnose and react. He’s lined up all over the defensive backfield and has strong hands that allow him to disengage blockers.

However, Robinson is a bit undersized, can bite on double moves and can be grabby when he gets beat. But two of his three biggest negatives are coachable. He ended his career with the Seminoles racking up 316 tackles, including 17 for a loss, four sacks, 21 pass break ups, and seven interceptions. Robinson had a formal interview with the Bucs at the Combine.

Round 3.94 (from PHI) – Auburn LB Owen Pappoe • 6′ 0, 225 • Senior

The Bucs brought in Singleton to fill the immediate void left by David’s departure, but still need to bring in talent at the position. The Bucs have been adamant in getting younger and faster, and Pappoe brings 4.39 speed to the defense. He’s got legitimate sideline-to-sideline range and has great feel in coverage. A natural leader, Pappoe has excellent twitch and an excellent football IQ to read and diagnose plays.

Pappoe is undersized for the position and will struggle to get off blocks, but a year in an NFL strength and conditioning program could see that improve. He’ll also need to be more disciplined on play-action fakes and and as a tackler. A teammate of Bucs second-round pick Derick Hall, Pappoe ended his four-year tenure with the Tigers amassing 251 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and three forced fumbles, while adding eight sacks on 38 pressures. He had an informal interview at the Combine and met with the Bucs at the Senior Bowl.

Round 4.123 (from LAC) – Texas RB Roschon Johnson • 6’0, 219 • Senior

The Bucs are set with White as their lead back, but could stand to find him a complement in the draft and Johnson fits the bill perfectly. His style is completely different as more of a physical downhill runner. Stuck behind Bijan Robinson, he displayed excellent vision and patience and averaged 5.6 yards per carry over his collegiate career at Texas. Johnson has surprising agility to make defender miss and breaks tackles at an insane clip. He’s also a plus pass blocker as well.

However, Johnson isn’t the strongest of receiving threats out of the backfield and is just an adequate route runner. He doesn’t show the ability to gain consistent separation, and his speed, other than straight line, leaves a lot to be desired. The bruising back finished his four years with the Longhorns rushing for 2,190 yards and 23 touchdowns. He added 56 receptions for 420 yards and three scores. Johnson had an informal interview at the Combine and met with the Bucs at the Senior Bowl.

Round 4.125 (from CLE) – Old Dominion TE Zack Kuntz • 6’7, 255 • Junior

The Bucs drafted Cade Otton and Ko Kieft last season and the pair turned in solid rookie campaigns. Even after adding Wilcox in free agency, the Bucs should still add to the position in a very deep draft. Seeing value, Tampa Bay trades up to secure the athletic freak who blew away the Combine testing with a perfect RAS score. Kuntz provides a different type of weapon at the position for the Bucs. Whereas Kieft is primarily a blocker and Otton does a bit of both, the explosive tight end is a polished route runner and his size and speed are a red zone matchup nightmare.

Kuntz will need to drastically improve as a blocker, though he does have room for more mass. He will struggle to work through pressure and isn’t as consistent gaining separation in short yardage situations as you’d like. He doesn’t offer much after the catch making defenders miss, but will put his body on the line to gain extra yards. He finished his career with the Monarchs totaling 85 receptions, 836 yards and seven touchdowns, while averaging over 10 yards per catch. Kuntz had an informal interview with the Bucs at the Combine.

Round 5. 153 – North Carolina State G Chandler Zavala • 6’4, 325 • Senior

You didn’t think the Bucs would make it through the draft without taking an offensive linemen, did you? There’s a lot to like about Zavala, starting with his size, including an 80.5-inch wingspan. Bowles said he’d like to get beefier along the interior at the Combine, and Zavala fits the bill.

Once he’s got you in his grasp, it’s over. One of the things I like the most about him is how cerebral he is on the field. He possesses a strong anchor and has the agility to flip his hips quickly to put himself in an advantageous position. Combined with his strength, punch and ability to sustain blocks, he makes a great fit for the Bucs offense.

However, speed-to-power edge rushers could provide problems early in his career and he doesn’t have a real mean streak to his persona. Zavala can struggle with consistency engaging blockers at the second level and can be too early to attack opponents. He didn’t attend the combine, but likely spoke with a Bucs representative at the Shrine Bowl.

Round 5.175 (comp) – Louisville CB Kei’Trel Clark, • 5’10, 181 • Junior

Classic Licht move as he doubles dips in his sixth straight draft and at corner for the third time. In today’s NFL, you can never have too many cornerbacks and Clark brings something different than his draft mate Banks. More suited for the slot, Clark will try to fill a position that has been a rotating mess before Antoine Winfield Jr. stepped into the role last season.

Clark displays good awareness for the position and his ability to quickly react to the play in front of him allows him to close quickly. He provides solid support in the run game and possesses fluid hips that allow him to run downfield with ease. He also has great ball skills despite his lack of interceptions.

Clark’s small frame will put him at a disadvantage against bigger receivers and he tends to make contact too early in contested situations. He can sometimes struggle to get his head turned around quick enough and gave up his share of big plays in college. Over three years with the Cardinals, he racked up 127 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, a sack, five interceptions (including a pick-six) and 23 pass deflections. It’s unknown if he had a meeting with the Combine, where he had an up-and-down performance, but he likely met with Bucs representatives at the Shrine Bowl.

Round 6.181 – Oklahoma DT Jalen Redmond • 6’2, 291 • Senior

The Bucs drafted Logan Hall in the second round last year, so the need for a high draft pick on the defensive line isn’t as pressing. That’s even more true after the signing of Bryan, but the team still needs to draft a young defensive lineman. Redmond wowed at the Combine with his speed and athleticism.

The versatile lineman has played all across the defensive line and has a motor that’s constantly running. He has a strong anchor to set the edge and combat double teams, with active hands to disengage blockers. As a push rusher, he utilizes an explosive get-off combined with quick twitch and speed to blow up the back field.

However, Redmond can display inconsistent leverage and pad level that will get him taken out of plays. He’ll need to improve his variety of pass rush moves and can be over eager when pass rushing and abandoning the threat of the run. An older prospect, he will also turn 24 before the season starts. He wrapped up his five-year career with the sooners posting 71 tackles, 31.5 tackles for loss, 14 sacks, six pass breakups and a forced fumble. It’s unknown if the Bucs met with him at the Combine, but he likely spoke with the team at the Senior Bowl.

Round 7.232 Fresno State WR/KR Nikko Remigio • 5’10, 185 • Senior

With Gage remaining in the fold and the addition of Goodwin, wide receiver isn’t much of a need for the Bucs. They could still stand to add young talent to the room and do so in the seventh round. Remigio is the type of receiver the Bucs love. He’s smart, tough, gritty and isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty in the blocking game. He can do serious damage with the ball in his hands, as he possesses excellent vision, instincts and elusiveness as a ball carrier. He is a YAC machine who displays great instincts and reliable, strong hands able to reel in difficult passes.

Remigio’s biggest knock is his size and profiles as a slot-only player at the next level, hurting his versatility. However, he makes up for it with dynamic return abilities. He finished with 603 total yards as a punt returner and 1,029 returning kickoffs, with three total touchdowns. Through five years at the collegiate level, he racked up 171 receptions, 1755 yards and 13 touchdowns, while adding two more on the ground. Remigio wasn’t invited to the Combine, but likely spoke to team representatives at the Shrine Bowl.

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

QUARTERBACKS – 3

Bucs QB Kyle Trask – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Kyle Trask
Taylor Heinicke
Drew Lock

Analysis: Trask will get every opportunity to win the job, but has two veterans with over 20 starts apiece competing for the chance to start. This should be an intense training camp battle and will provide the Bucs with quality depth should one falter.

RUNNING BACKS – 4

Rachaad White
Roschon Johnson
Ke’Shawn Vaughn
Travis Homer

Analysis: White gets his shot at the RB1 role with the Bucs moving on from Fournette. He impressed last season and will need to build upon his rookie campaign. Johnson gives the team a change-of-pace back behind White as a tough, heavy runner who can be utilized in short down-and-distance and at the goal line. Vaughn still hasn’t gotten an opportunity to really show what he can do, but provides a capable backup if either back gets injured or needs a breather. Meanwhile, Homer is more of a receiving threat and provides solid special teams ability.

WIDE RECEIVERS – 6

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Photo by: USA Today

Mike Evans
Chris Godwin
Russell Gage
Deven Thompkins
Marquise Goodwin
Nikko Remigio

Analysis: Evans, Godwin and Gage are locked in as the top three wideouts on the team. Gage will look to bounce back from an injury-plagued season while Thompkins aims to build upon a rookie year that saw him close out the season on the active roster handling returns. Goodwin gives the Bucs legitimate speed teams need to respect, as does Remigio, who will work primarily out of the slot.

TIGHT ENDS – 4

Cade Otton
Zack Kuntz
Ko Kieft
Mitchell Wilcox

Analysis: Otton was a pleasant surprise as a rookie. He proved a capable blocker and receiver, and with an offseason to get bigger and stronger, he should improve in both areas. Kieft came as advertised and had some modeling blocks lined up as a fullback. He also showed some receiving ability, catching a touchdown in his rookie year. Wilcox is a better blocker than receiver and offers another option at tight end. Kuntz has great size and speed for the position and is a polished route runner, so he provides a true receiving threat at the position.

OFFENSIVE LINEMEN – 9

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Tristan Wirfs
Nick Leverett
Ryan Jensen
Shaq Mason
Luke Goedeke
Chandler Zavala
Brandon Walton
Robert Hainsey
Cameron Fleming

Analysis: With Smith’s release, Wirfs moves over to the left side of the line. Goedeke gets the first crack at right tackle after doing a solid job at the position in the Bucs’ final game of the 2022 regular season. The Bucs need to see what they have in the former second-round pick before deciding if additional resources will be needed at the position in the future. If he should he falter early, Fleming has 61 career starts between the two tackle positions. Mason and Jensen provide solid veteran play along the interior, while the battle for the left guard spot will again be the focal point of training camp. Tampa Bay has solid, versatile depth along the line and youth.

DEFENSIVE LINEMEN – 6

Vita Vea
Logan Hall
Rakeem Nunez-Roches
Taven Bryan
Pat O’Connor
Jalen Redmond

Analysis: Vea is the unquestioned leader in the room and will need to take a more hands-on and vocal role in helping his teammates improve. Tampa Bay has high hopes for Logan Hall in year two and he will need to live up to those as a second-round draft pick. Bryan gives the team a young, veteran talent with upside and good pass rush ability. Nacho has been a solid rotational piece and O’Connor has been a special teams staple. Redmond gives the Bucs a young prospect with pass rush upside.

EDGE RUSHERS – 5

Bucs OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Shaq Barrett
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Charles Omenihu
Derick Hall
Carl Nassib

Analysis: Barrett is coming off serious injury and JTS didn’t make the jump the Bucs hoped he would last season. While the pressures were there, he struggled with finishing plays. Nassib provides a solid rotational player with knowledge of the scheme. Newcomer Omenihu consistently put pressure on opposing quarterbacks last season and fits the bill of younger and faster. Hall gives them another rotational piece as he navigates his rookie season and improves his pass rush repertoire.

INSIDE LINEBACKERS – 4

Devin White
Alex Singleton
Owen Pappoe
K.J. Britt

Analysis: White gets his extension, but the hole David leaves is a big one to fill. The Bucs won’t just take one shot at it, first signing Singleton in free agency. They then invest resources in the draft, grabbing the speedy Pappoe to develop into an eventual starter. He’ll make his biggest mark on special teams with Britt.

CORNERBACKS – 5

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Carlton Davis
Deonte Banks
Kyle Fuller
Zyon McCollum
Kei’ Trel Clark

Analysis: Losing Dean is a tough pill to swallow. But luckily for the Bucs, this year’s draft is flush with talent at cornerback. They don’t hesitate, grabbing one in the first round. Banks will get every opportunity to start, but will have competition for the job. Fuller is looking to resurrect his career and will also get a crack at the job opposite Davis. McCollum showed flashes last season, but still has some developing to do. Clark gives Tampa Bay a potential starter at slot corner, allowing Bowles to be more creative with Antoine Winfield Jr.

SAFETIES – 4

Antoine Winfield Jr. 
Jammie Robinson
Logan Ryan
Jabrill Peppers

Analysis: Winfield is in line for a big raise next season if he continues his high level of play. Robinson is a versatile piece Bowles can utilize, as well as an excellent run defender in the back end. Ryan was solid when he was healthy and looked great until he got injured early in the season. He gives the team another versatile piece to use in the secondary. Peppers is a hard-hitting and downhill safety who replaces Neal’s role on the defense.

SPECIALISTS – 3

Greg Zuerlein 
Jake Camarda 
Zach Triner 

Analysis:  Zuerlein is brought in for his consistency and ability to knock down the big/long field goals. Camarda had a booming rookie season and will try to build upon it. Meanwhile, Triner is as steady as they come at long snapper.

What Did You Think?

  Did you like my Bucs Battle Plan for the 2023 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.

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The post JC Allen’s Bucs Battle Plan For 2023 appeared first on Pewter Report.