As a die-hard Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, I couldn’t be more thrilled to see what the future holds for our team post-NFL Draft. Looking ahead to the 2023 season, it’s exciting to imagine who will make up our projected depth chart. With Tom Brady’s future uncertain beyond 2022, we’ll need to think carefully about our quarterback situation. But with talented rookies like Joe Tryon and Kyle Trask joining our roster, the future looks bright for the Buccaneers. I can’t wait to see how our team evolves in the years to come.
Introduction
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made history by winning their second Super Bowl in franchise history last season. The team was able to bring back all of their starters for the 2021 season, ensuring that they had the best chance to repeat as champions. But as always, the NFL Draft brought a slew of new talent to Tampa Bay. In this article, we’ll take a look at the Buccaneers’ projected depth chart for the 2023 season, based on the team’s current roster and recent draft picks.
Quarterback
At quarterback, the Buccaneers have one of the best players in the NFL in Tom Brady. However, at some point, the team will have to start thinking about his successor. The Buccaneers used their second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft to select Kyle Trask out of the University of Florida. Trask will likely spend his first few seasons learning from Brady before taking over as the team’s starting quarterback. Blaine Gabbert will eventually be pushed out as the third-string quarterback.
Projected depth chart:
1. Tom Brady
2. Kyle Trask
3. Blaine Gabbert
Running Back
The Buccaneers have a talented backfield, led by Ronald Jones II and Leonard Fournette. Both players are solid, but neither is a true workhorse back. The team could look to add a feature back in a future draft, but for now, they’ll likely keep things as is. Ke’Shawn Vaughn and Giovani Bernard provide depth, with Bernard also bringing a pass-catching threat out of the backfield.
Projected depth chart:
1. Ronald Jones II
2. Leonard Fournette
3. Ke’Shawn Vaughn
4. Giovani Bernard
Wide Receiver
The Buccaneers boast an impressive group of receivers, led by Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Antonio Brown was re-signed for the 2021 season, but he’s unlikely to stick around beyond that. Scotty Miller flashed potential last season and could see more playing time in the future. The team also drafted Jaelon Darden in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he could develop into a solid slot receiver. Tyler Johnson and Justin Watson provide depth.
Projected depth chart:
1. Mike Evans
2. Chris Godwin
3. Scotty Miller
4. Jaelon Darden
5. Tyler Johnson
6. Justin Watson
Tight End
The Buccaneers have arguably the best tight end in the NFL in Rob Gronkowski. However, Gronk isn’t getting any younger and may retire in the next few years. The team doesn’t have any immediate replacements on the roster, so they may have to address the position in a future draft. O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate provide solid depth at the position.
Projected depth chart:
1. Rob Gronkowski
2. O.J. Howard
3. Cameron Brate
Offensive Line
The Buccaneers’ offensive line was a major reason for their success last season. All five starters are returning for the 2021 season, but three of them are over 30 years old. The team will eventually need to look at replacing those players, but for now, they’ll stick with what’s worked. The team drafted Robert Hainsey in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he could develop into a future starter at either tackle or guard.
Projected depth chart:
LT: Donovan Smith, Robert Hainsey
LG: Ali Marpet, Aaron Stinnie
C: Ryan Jensen, Nick Leverett
RG: Alex Cappa, Aaron Stinnie
RT: Tristan Wirfs, Robert Hainsey
Defensive Line
The Buccaneers’ defensive line was dominant last season, and they’ll return almost all of their key players for the 2021 season. Ndamukong Suh is a free agent, but he’s expected to re-sign with the team. The team drafted Joe Tryon in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft, and he could develop into a solid pass rusher. William Gholston and Rakeem Nunez-Roches provide solid depth.
Projected depth chart:
DE: Jason Pierre-Paul, Joe Tryon
DT: Vita Vea, Khalil Davis
DT: Ndamukong Suh, Steve McLendon
DE: William Gholston, Patrick O’Connor
Linebacker
The Buccaneers have one of the best linebacking corps in the NFL, led by Lavonte David and Devin White. Both players are young and have a lot of years left in the league. The team may look to add depth at the position in a future draft, but for now, they’re set.
Projected depth chart:
LB: Lavonte David, K.J. Britt
LB: Devin White, Kevin Minter
LB: Joe Jones, Grant Stuard
Cornerback
The Buccaneers have a talented group of cornerbacks, led by Carlton Davis and Sean Murphy-Bunting. The team drafted Jamel Dean in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and he’s developed into a solid starter. The team also signed Ross Cockrell in free agency, providing solid depth at the position.
Projected depth chart:
CB: Carlton Davis, Ross Cockrell
CB: Sean Murphy-Bunting, Jamel Dean
CB: Parnell Motley, Cameron Kinley
Safety
The Buccaneers’ safety group is led by Antoine Winfield Jr., who had an excellent rookie season in 2020. Jordan Whitehead is a solid starter at strong safety, and the team also has depth with Mike Edwards and Javon Hagan. The team could look to add a future starter at the position in a future draft.
Projected depth chart:
FS: Antoine Winfield Jr., Mike Edwards
SS: Jordan Whitehead, Javon Hagan
Conclusion
The Buccaneers are built to win now, but they also have a foundation for success in the future. The team has a talented young core, led by Devin White, Tristan Wirfs, and Antoine Winfield Jr. The team will eventually need to address some key positions, such as quarterback and tight end, but they have a solid plan in place. If the team can continue to draft well and retain their key players, they could be a force in the NFC for years to come.