DLine Keeps Showing Improvement

I have been saying the Bucs finally have depth up front on the defensive line and it was evident today. Especially at the defensive end position as guys who were starters on this team are being push down to the 2nd and 3rd team reps. The additions of Robert Ayers and Noah Spence are already showing dividends as they are displaying the ability to get to the Qb, which this team desperately needs. Spence has been consistently in the backfield each day of practice, while Ayers brings a veteran presence plus versatility as he has played both DE and DT.

Then after those two, the Bucs still have Jacquies Smith, Will Gholston, Howard Jones, and George Johnson. That is solid depth and it allows the Bucs to have a solid rotation and not suffer a noticeable drop in play when the starters come out. This is good for the defense and hopefully guys will be fresher as the season goes on. This front four is just getting better each day under D-line coach Jay Hayes, and new guys are making plays. Watching practice today, I thought Howard Jones and Will Gholston really stood out and made their fair share of plays.

Jones coming off a 5 sack season as reserve, showed off his athleticism today as he beat his man off the edge a couple times and would have had two sacks. Then in one on ones, he displayed a beautiful inside swim move on back up tackle Leonard Wester who was no match for the speed of Jones. For the Bucs to have a guy like Jones is a luxury and allows the defense to take advantage of certain matchups. Then there is William Gholston who is coming off a career season, looks like he has already improved from last year and is ready to put up bigger numbers as its a contract year for him.

Gholston is a force against the run and is making progress as a pass rusher, and is looking to become a full time starter this season. Gholston's versatility is huge as he can play inside or outside like Ayers can, making Gholston very valuable to the D-line. This defensive line group continues to make progress and it should lead to hopefully a big year for the group.