Football season is here. Training camp practices begin today, and the Bucs have a good chance to make the playoffs for the first time since 2007. But a lot has to go right for improvement over the 2016 season when the Bucs won 9 games. Here are my (5) key players to watch during the 2017 regular season:
5) Justin Evans
Justin is a rookie 2nd round draft choice who may wind up starting at safety with J.J. Wilcox, bringing a new look to the Bucs’ secondary. Keith Tandy and Chris Conte return to a position that wasn’t exactly a strength last season. Speed is everywhere in the NFL, and if the safeties can’t hang with the league’s fastest receivers, that’s trouble.
4) J.R. Sweezy
The Bucs got nothing from Sweezy last season because of injury. They were expecting a lot. He needs to stay healthy, and show some of that mean streak he supposedly has. If he can’t go, then Ali Marpet might have to return to right guard and Joe Hawley back to starting center. Not that bad, but not what the Bucs are planning for the O-Line.
3) DeSean Jackson
For a small guy, DeSean has been remarkably healthy and consistent in his career. The Bucs are counting on him to flash that famous speed and spread the field for Winston and the offense. Speed was the number-1 priority for the Bucs in the off-season, as Dirk Koetter said immediately after last year. He’s 30 now, but can still run. 1,000 yards and 8-12 touchdowns would make the offense so much better.
2) Noah Spence
Noah is the big unknown on the D-Line, the player with the most upside, and the best chance to be the first Buc with double-digit sacks since Simeon Rice in 2005. The defense has struggled without a strong edge-rusher the past several years, and the entire unit, especially the secondary, improves when there’s pressure off the edge.
1) Doug Martin
Doug is like a lot of NFL players. When he’s healthy, he’s great.. great like 1,400 yards. When he’s hurt, he’s not great.. like 400 yards. He’s the only proven every-down back on the roster. And he’s suspended for the first three games, so we won’t see him until the Giants’ game in October. If he can’t be the 1,400-yard Doug Martin, then the Bucs will be forced to go with Jacquizz Rodgers and Charles Sims. That kind of running game won’t help Jameis Winston.
Kicker Roberto Aguayo was next on the list at #6. But if he doesn’t beat out veteran Nick Folk, I still think the Bucs will be okay with Folk kicking. It will just look like another Bucs’ 2nd round failure if Aguayo doesn’t improve this season.
Watch for Dave Wirth's post from training camp today on our Sports in Tampa Page.
