Five Players Who Need to Step Up

Tonight we will get a good look at most of the starters as they will play into the third quarter against the Browns. The Bucs also return to Raymond James Stadium for the first time since last season so hopefully we can start the home slate with a win even though its preseason. With roster cuts around the corner, I wanted to take a look at 5 players whom I feel need a good performance tonight.

1.) WR-Kenny Bell- There were big expectations going in for this season for Mr.Bell but for some reason he has having trouble producing on the field. I see the ability there but he has to find a way to be productive when he is out there and so far that hasn't been the case. Hopefully tonight he can show some flashes of that potential that is in him.

2.) RB-Peyton Barber-  Tonight will be big for Barber as he is trying to impress the coaches enough to gain  the 3rd Rb spot. I think Barber will bring the intensity tonight and hopefully can show what he can do in the run and pass game.

3.) S-Major Wright- Yes he is in trouble of being cut I believe due to the emergence of Ryan Smith and Keith Tandy whom both continue to make plays. Wright is a solid veteran but he might be in trouble if he doesn't make any plays tonight.

4.) CB- Johnthan Banks- I was really high on Banks going into training camp as I thought for sure he was going to bounce back in a big way. Unfortunately it hasn't happen as Banks has fallen to the bottom of the depth chart and is struggling to gain any ground. I hope he can get some time with the ones and twos tonight to show something but it's not looking good for him.

5.) DT/DE- Cliff Mathews- Matthews is someone who has come on strong as of late and was a starter last week with McCoy out. If he can have a solid game tonight, he could make this team as the fourth DT if the team decides to keep 4. Matthews has good agility and strength along with some decent pass rush moves. Keep an eye on him tonight.

Big Year Ahead for the 2013 Draft Class

Training camp is almost here, and it's a big one for the 2013 draft class whom are all pending free agents next off-season. The 2013 draft class for the Bucs has been decent so far producing some starters and quality depth for the team. The majority of the class is on the defensive side of the ball which includes CB Johnthan Banks, DT Akeem Spence, and DE William Gholston. Not going to discuss Qb Mike Glennon or Rb Mike James because frankly, if they are playing the Bucs will not be in good shape. So who will the Bucs bring back out of this group, lets take a look at each one on the defensive side of the ball.

Johnthan Banks- CB 6'2 185 4th year

Banks has been somewhat forgotten by fans, and needs to have a bounce back year in 2016 to show he is more of the player we saw in 2013 and 2014. Banks has the physical tools to be really good, and unfortunately in 2015, he and the previous coaching staff had a falling out leading him to be bench for most of the year. Now heading into 2016, Banks is looking for redemption, but it wont be easy as he has stiff competition for playing time with Alterraun Verner and Brent Grimes looking to start as well. Banks is a playmaker with 7 ints in 3 years, and is going to need to make more plays over the next couple of months.

William Gholston- DE/DT 6'6 281 4th year

Gholston had a breakout season in 2015 in which he started in 11 games collecting over 60 tackles and 3 sacks. Gholston was a consistent player for the defense and is just continuing to get better overall as a player each year. If Bucs d-line coach Jay Hayes can unleash Gholston's pass rush ability then the Bucs could have something dangerous along the defensive line. Look for Gholston to be better in 2016.

Akeem Spence- DT 6'1 307 4th year

Spence has had moments of greatness and then at other times has had lackluster play. Spence is strong at the point of attack and is very capable defending the run. He shows some things as a pass rusher but still needs ton of growth there. Last season was cut in half due to a back injury, but showed some improvement in his technique and overall ability to get off the line quick which helped him make some plays in the backfield.  2016 will be big for him as he will compete with Clinton Mcdonald for the starting nose tackle position and will look to finally put it all together as a player.

It's a big year for these three from the 2013 class and they will have to play well if they want Jason Licht and crew to bring them back for 2017. Who is going to step up out of these 3 players, let me know what you think Bucs nation.

Starting Jobs Must be Earned

In the past, Bucs coaching staffs have had tendency to start lesser talents instead of the best players regardless of status. For example, Mike Jenkins with Lovie Smith, or Daniel Te'o nesheim with Greg Schiano whom both were not worthy of starting at any point. Listening to the current coaching staff I get the sense that won't be the case, and best player will play. Bucs Gm Jason Licht and coach Dirk Koetter has done a good job of putting together a competitive roster so there will be plenty of battles for starting positions.

There also seems to be consistent communication between the coaching staff and players to make sure everyone is on the same page which wasn't always the case with previous staffs. So look for this season to have the best 11 on offense, defense, and special teams which is how it should be. Guys like Johnthan Banks and Demar Dotson wont be stuck on the bench like they were for no reason last year. Finally starting jobs just won't be given as they must be earned and that the right player starts is most important for the team. So far Koetter has shown this is how it's going to be and that should just make the players work harder which is what you want. Training camp and pre-season can't get here soon enough, its going to be filled with great position battles.

Bucs Secondary Has Quality Depth Now

With the selection of CB Vernon Hargreaves at 11th overall, the Bucs have quality depth at the cornerback position for 2016 and beyond. The Bucs added free agent corners in Brent Grimes and Josh Robinson whom both bring athleticism, playmaking ability, and toughness to the position. Don't forget about last year's group in Alterraun Verner, and Johnthan Banks whom both should be way better in Mike Smith's aggressive defensive scheme.

Now with Hargreaves on board, the Bucs can be very flexiable in their schemes and can be more creative with their corners. Grimes, Verner, and Hargreaves all have the ability to play outside or inside which allows the Bucs to play more dime and nickel packages which means 5 dbs or more. With the corners that have been added, it looks like Mike Smith is looking to bring a mix of press man coverage along with some off zone which plays to the strengths of the corners mentioned. 

Bucs are definitely more athletic and quicker in the secondary than they have been in past years which should lead to more interceptions. The Bucs only had 2 interceptions last year from their corners which is unacceptable, expect a higher total in 2016. The Bucs secondary now has solid depth, better coaching, and could be a strength for the team this season.

Prospect Watch: Xavien Howard

The Buccaneers secondary last year was a disaster as it allowed 31 passing tds and 70% completion percentage for opposing Qbs. Poor scheme and coaching played a factor in that as well as the constant shuffling among the corners and safeties. Well so far the Bucs have improved that area this offseason with new coaches in defensive coordinator Mike Smith, secondary coach Jon Hoke, and defensive backs coach Brett Maxie. The Bucs also signed pro bowl corner Brent Grimes, former Vikings third round pick Josh Robinson along with bringing back safeties Chris Conte, Keith Tandy, and Bradley Mcdougald. In addition to having Johnthan Banks and Alterraun Verner return back to form, the secondary looks much stronger on paper then it did a few months ago. This current group should be much better in this aggressive scheme and it should allow the secondary to make more plays on the ball.

With that being said lets take a look at Baylor cornerback Xavien Howard who is expected to have a private visit with the Bucs per walterfootball.com. Howard has prototypical size for a corner at 6'0 201lbs which allows him to use his length to get his hands on the football often. In his two seasons as a starter at Baylor, he had 23 pass breakups and 9 interceptions along with 93 tackles. Howard plays very aggressive and loves to play press man coverage. He has "see ball, get ball" playing style and brings a physical playing style that NFL teams will covet. Sometimes his aggressiveness can be his weakness as he does get handsy at times if he thinks he is getting beat which led to 14 pass interferences calls over the past two years. He needs to work on his technique and run support as his play was uneven during his two seasons as starter.

I think he would be a great fit for the Bucs defense, and would bring more depth to the corner position. Howard has everything teams want in a corner with size, 4.4 speed, and an ballhawk mentality. Howard would be solid late day 2, early day 3 pick and in time could be a really good starting corner in this league.

Could Johnthan Banks Be Moved To Safety?

The Buccaneers have added some speed to the secondary with the recent signings of Brent Grimes and Josh Robinson today, as it looks like the team wants to get faster, and aggressive play from the cornerback position. With now having Grimes, Verner, and Robinson whom all are under 6 ft tall, provide speed and ability to make plays on the ball. So what does this mean for Johnthan Banks who is 6'2 and relies on his length and physicality at the corner position, but also has shown the ability to be a ballhawk with 7 interceptions in his first three years.

Is it possible that Banks could be worked out at the safety position this off-season as he has shown capability to make plays when playing off man coverage. He had success at the safety position during his college years when with Mississippi State, and could have more impact plays at that position. This is all hypothetical as I'm just basing this on the recent moves made, and that an possible position change could be on the way for Banks. Ideally, I see Banks staying at corner as his length can be an asset against bigger receivers and when he is allowed to play his style he can be an shutdown corner type player. The good thing is the Bucs have flexibility with the recent signings, so that is a positive for this team.