Here we go, less than six weeks until the start of Bucs’ training camp, as the Bucs reload with DeSean Jackson, it’s the scariest time of the year. What, the anticipation of finally breaking the string of 9 straight seasons of missing the playoffs? No, it’s six weeks where the players are on their own, with no supervision at One Buc Place.  

The NFL keeps a count of how many players will be arrested in the next 6 weeks.

Honestly, the Bucs are always concerned but at this stage not worried.  The coaches like the character of this assembled group and don’t think this team will do anything stupid. Mini-camp was uneventful... no pads, players can’t hit each other, so the only real gauges you can notice are;  how healthy are they, how are their hands, arm strength for the quarterbacks, accuracy for the kickers, and how fast are they.

Now, the Bucs may have the fastest player in the NFL, and he could be the key to the 2017 season. That’s DeSean Jackson, who takes over for Vincent Jackson at WR.  He’s a completely different receiver than VJ, who was all about size.  DeSean Jackson is all about speed, about 4.3 for the 40.

And that’s exactly what HC Dirk Koetter said the Bucs needed most, at the end of last season.. Speed.. and that’s what they got in DeSean Jackson.

He’s entering his 10th season in the NFL, and during that time no receiver has met his average of 17 yards per reception.  He’s averaged just under 1,000 yards per season.  He’s a proven receiver who can spread the defense, a perfect complement to Mike Evans.”He’s been in this league a long time,” said Bucs’ second-year cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, who was working against D-Jax in mini-camp.  “He’s getting me better. He’s really fast, so it’s something different to cover to him. We’ve got a big guy in Mike [Evans], we’ve got a speedy guy in ‘D-Jax,’ so it’s good for me to get to see both looks.”

Third-year quarterback Jameis Winston said during the OTA’s that Jackson has had a calming effect on the team. “I just really like to come in and just be myself, whatever that comes with,” said Jackson. “Sparking the offense on big plays and speed, whatever it is that is needed, that is what I’m here for. Obviously, they brought me in for a reason and I’m here for a reason.” And that reason is speed.  The Bucs are paying DeSean Jackson a guaranteed $20 million over the next three seasons, to be a game-breaker.  Jackson continued, “There’s still a lot of work we need to put in, but with everybody at the top of their level, top of their game, I think definitely it should be a scary sight for defenses.” 

Read more like Bucs Reload With Another Jackson by Dave Wirth and follow our Sports page for local events and things to do in Tampa. (Cover photo Wikimedia Commons).