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Notes
- After cutting left tackle Anthony Collins following a disappointing first season in Tampa Bay, the Buccaneers are now set to start two rookies on that offensive line. Left tackle Donovan Smith, and right guard Ali Marpet form the final two-fifths of an offensive line with three players we have rated as average or above in Evan Dietrich-Smith, Logan Mankins and Demar Dotson. How the two rookies perform will be key, particularly Smith at tackle.
- While Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson are both good, or high quality starters, the team really needs a third option to step up. Louis Murphy hasn't shown much outside of the occasional flash, but hopes will be high that rookie Kenny Bell has something to offer on the field.
- The defensive backfield remains a mixed bag, with new signing Sterling Moore joining Alterraun Verner as the only two players we have rated as anything above average. At safety Bradley McDougald had a solid enough season, but both Major Wright and Chris Conte graded negatively a year ago.
- Despite some questions about how Bruce Carter will perform in the middle, the Buccaneers' linebackers are arguably the strongest unit on their defense. Lavonte David remains one of the best 4-3 linebackers in the game but the surprise package is Danny Lansanah. Our 16th-highest graded player at the position in 2014, he was solid both against the run and in coverage.
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