Bucs Defense Will Have Multiple Packages

It has been one of the themes for the Bucs defense this off-season in that it will display multiple looks and coverages for the upcoming season. DC Mike Smith wants the scheme to be simple for his players but complex enough to confuse the opposing offenses. It's all about playing fast on defense and one thing is for sure the Bucs have plenty of speed on defense. Now what will be different for this defense will be the use of multiple sub packages. Mike Smith will have about 15 to 16 guys that he will consider starters that will all be used differently according to what defensive package they want to run given the situation.

This explains why the Bucs added so much to the secondary given that the NFL is a passing game now and defenses play in sub packages 65% of the time. Meaning that the defense is playing five defensive backs or even sometimes 6 most of the game now which could mean more 3-3-5, 4-2-5, or even 5-2-4 looks on defense which opens up more room to be creative. Now lets not get confused here as the Bucs are 4-3 defense and they will show that as their base defense but will be more flexible than in previous years.

Look for the Bucs to mix personnel a lot this season to take advantage of their speed and versatility that they have on this roster. Don't expect to see the same look often on defense this year, its going to be different in 2016.

Player Profile: Travis Britz

One of the more surprising moves by the Bucs during the draft was their decision to pass on a defensive tackle which was one of the deeper positions in the draft. The Bucs did sign some undrafted defensive tackles after the draft, and one has caught my eye that has potential to make this team. That would be former Kansas State defensive tackle Travis Britz who brings physicality and toughness you look for in a DT. Britz is coming off his best season as he had 41 tackles to go with 4 sacks. Britz at 6'4 293 has the size and really brings that power game and can be a force against the run game.

Britz is not a great athlete but brings a non-stop motor and plays with tons of passion. Britz is that no nonsense type as he is all business in his approach and has opportunity to make this team as the 4th defensive tackle. Britz is not a great pass rusher but can push the pocket and can make plays with his non stop motor getting sacks with hustle. I think Britz can be guy that can be developed under Jay Hayes and be molded into a very good nose tackle down the road.

Britz will become a fan favorite quickly by the way he works and how hard he plays on the field. He will be someone I will be cheering for and hopefully he can make the transition to the NFL a successful one. Hopefully he can make plays like this in the NFL, watch below as he does a great job splitting the double team to get the tackle for loss.

Player Profile: Elijah Shumate

Every year there are undrafted players that make the final 53 man roster and some go on to become really good players. I think the Bucs could have a sleeper in undrafted safety Elijah Shumate out of Notre Dame. Bucs signed Shumate shortly after the draft had concluded and they hope he can bring competition to the position. Shumate has the measurables you look for in a player with great size and good speed. Shumate is 6'0 216lbs and ran a 4.58 40 which is impressive for his size. Shumate is known for being a big hitter and is good against the run.

However, he needs work on his technique and footwork in pass coverage if he wants to become a more complete player. Inconsistency with his tackling has been an issue as well but with proper NFL coaching all of this can be corrected. Good news for Shumate is he is excellent on special teams and can make plays on kick coverage. The bad news is the competition at his position where the Bucs have returning starters in Chris Conte, Bradley Mcdougald along with reserves in Keith Tandy, and Major Wright. Plus the Bucs added Ryan Smith in the 4th round who will play the safety position so that gives the Bucs five solid safetys.

So it wont be easy for Shumate to make the squad as he will likely have to play really good to beat out one of the other five safetys. At the very least I expect Shumate to make the practice squad and could be a contributor for the 2017 season.

Bucs Sign 3 Tryout Players

Fresh off of a 3 day rookie mini-camp the bucs announced that they have signed 3 lucky prospects to stay on a little while longer. Texas Tech linebacker Micah Awe, Louisville offensive lineman Kelby Johnson and Kansas State defensive tackle Travis Britz. All 3 will be long shots to make the roster but all did enough to grab Lichts attention.

Micah Awe is a smaller linebacker at 6 foot 221 pounds but fits the mold of the bucs smaller and fast linebacker that flies to the ball. Awe recorded 126 tackles in his senior year which shows he knows how to be around the ball. Travis Britz seems to be another nice find as his final 3 years he recorded at least 3 sacks and 4 in his final year to go along with 11 tackles for loss. Britz seems like he can make an impact on special teams as well as he managed a whopping 5 blocked kicks at Kansas State.

If any of these try out players are going to make the roster they better have some sort of niche because the Bucs seem to have finally gotten talent across the board on their roster and there are not many holes still to be filled.

More Moves Still on the Horizon

Yes the Bucs could use another receiver, defensive tackle, or a safety but there is still time to add to the roster. Gm Jason Licht never sleeps on the roster as he and his staff are always looking for ways to improve the team. Licht did this last year when he added guys like Godser Cherlius, Joe Hawley, and Howard Jones whom all played a big part on last years team. He will look to do the same this season, as good veterans will be let go along with some promising young players whom are just bad fits with their current team.

It will be interesting how the rest of the off-season plays out, but one thing is for certain the Bucs are much better than they were at this time last year. Tons of competition at most positions, and lots of young talent that are just going to get better as they mature into their own. I expect Bucs Gm Jason Licht to add a few more Howard Jones types before the season starts which if he can then this team will be that much more dangerous.

Bucs Finally Have 8-man Rotation at D-Line

The Bucs need more production from the defensive line if they want to improve on defense in 2016. Well so far this off-season the Bucs have added one of the best d-line coaches in Jay Hayes along with adding veteran Robert Ayers and elite prospect in Noah Spence. With these additions, the Bucs will look to have a true 8 man rotation which has been a staple for the d-lines that Jay Hayes has coached in his career.

Projected starters are Robert Ayers, Clinton Mcdonald, Gerald McCoy, and Jacquies Smith which is a solid front four for the Bucs. Then the next four would be Noah Spence, Akem Spence, William Gholston, and Howard Jones which is an impressive reserve group that will bring athleticism to the table. That is pretty good depth for a defensive line that a few years back didn't have anyone worthy coming off the bench or starting outside of McCoy.

All I know is I'm excited to see what these guys can do under Jay Hayes and Mike Smith, both will allow the lineman to play to their strengths which will be fun to see. Also good to know that if someone gets hurt the team has capable depth to step in and pick up the slack. The Bucs have been missing that depth up front for some time now, and to have it on both sides of the trenches is a really good sign. Look out for the defensive line this year, it could be the most improved unit this season.

Bucs Offense Needs to Start Fast in 2016

If the Bucs want to compete for a playoff spot their offense is going to have to start fast at the start and throughout the season. Easily the Bucs strength is the offense which had its best season in franchise history. With Jameis going into year 2 with the same scheme offensively, the offense should be that much better especially if it can stay healthy throughout the season. Usually this team doesn't have fast starts on offense to begin the season which has cost the teams in past seasons due to an inept defense.

Well this year could be different as the Bucs offense could carry the team this year as I feel the defense will get better as the season goes on. This offense has all the necessary pieces in place to be the most explosive unit ever in Bucs history. I expect this team to be more balanced as a whole, but the offense will have to be the leading unit this time around if it wants playoff games soon. Not saying the defense wont be good this year, they will be but that first month will be a struggle due to a new scheme that will take time to get used to. 2016 could be the start of the Bucs being known as a offensive juggernaut.