Bucs 2022 training camp preview: Linebacker
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into the 2022 NFL season with sky-high expectations for the third straight year, following back-to-back playoff appearances, their first NFC South title in more than a decade, and their second Super Bowl victory.
As the Bucs prepare for this year’s training camp, we’re taking an in-depth look at each position group.
Here’s how things look at linebacker for Tampa Bay heading into this season:
Depth Chart
(AP Photo/Don Montague)
Outside Linebacker
58 | Shaq Barrett
9 | Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
98 | Anthony Nelson
49 | Cam Gill
44 | Elijah Ponder
46 | Andre Anthony
59 | JoJo Ozougwu
57 | Jordan Young
Inside Linebacker
54 | Lavonte David
45 | Devin White
52 | K.J. Britt
48 | Grant Stuard
53 | Olakunle Fatukasi
51 | J.J. Russell
State of the Position
(AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
The Bucs have one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers in Shaq Barrett, and he’ll once again be relied on to spearhead Tampa Bay’s efforts in getting to the passer. Gone is longtime veteran and respected leader Jason Pierre-Paul, who passes the torch to the promising Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Tampa Bay’s first-round pick in 2021.
There’s some young depth at outside linebacker behind them, with both Anthony Nelson and Cam Gill having shown flashes of pass-rushing ability over the past couple of seasons.
At the second level, Tampa Bay boasts one of the best inside linebacker tandems in the league, with longtime captain Lavonte David pairing with budding star Devin White. Veteran reserve Kevin Minter is gone this year, leaving second-year backers K.J. Britt and Grant Stuard to provide depth.
Position Battles
(AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
The starting spots appear to be set in stone, both inside and outside, though there could still be some rotation among the edge rushers depending on the situation.
The real battles will happen for the final spots on either unit, as special-teams value will play a key role in deciding who makes the final cut.
Stuard was a star on coverage units last year, while Britt makes the most sense as Minter’s defensive replacement, so there might not be another inside spot up for grabs after them. Nelson and Gill are the only proven commodities on the edge in terms of reserves, but a talented rookie like seventh-rounder Andre Anthony could make a push with a strong training camp.
Final Roster Projection
Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports
Outside Linebacker
Shaq Barrett
Joe Tryon-Shoyinka
Anthony Nelson
Cam Gill
Inside Linebacker
Lavonte David
Devin White
K.J. Britt
Grant Stuard
1
1
