Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 Training Camp Preview
The NFC South is wide open. Especially because every team has major questions marks and variables regarding the quarterback position. How will Bryce Young perform in his rookie season as the new leader of the Panthers? How will Desmond Ridder fare in his first full season as the Falcons’ starter? Can Derek Carr revitalize his career down south with the Saints? But perhaps the team with the biggest question mark at the quarterback position is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Going from Tom Brady to the likes of Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask is certainly a massive downgrade. And choosing between the two sounds just as difficult as replacing the greatest quarterback of all time. However, quarterback isn’t the only position up for grabs in Tampa Bay. Let’s get into the biggest position battles and storylines for the Buccaneers this training camp!
Three Position Battles to Watch
Starting Quarterback: Baker Mayfield vs. Kyle Trask
It’s difficult replacing the greatest player in the history of football. It’s even more difficult when the only viable option to replace him is Kyle Trask.
That’s why this offseason Tampa Bay opted to sign former No. 1 overall pick Baker Mayfield. In one of the NFL’s saddest QB races, the Buccaneers will be forced to make a tough decision on who to start Week 1. The first option is to take a chance on the unproven commodity that is Trask–he’s backed up Tom Brady for two seasons but has yet to see actual in-game action.
The other option is to trot out Mayfield and hope he can produce at a pre-shoulder injury level. Some think Mayfield is overrated as a quarterback and as an arm talent, but I still think he’s a dog. I think if his shoulder is fully healed and if he can restore his confidence, he’s due for a bounce-back season.
Starting Right Guard: Cody Mauch vs. Nick Leverett
The Buccaneers traded up to draft Cody Mauch in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. He played tackle at North Dakota State and allowed one sack and just nine total pressures in 304 pass-blocking snaps last season. The Buccaneers could opt to shift Mauch over to right guard and start him as a rookie.
The alternative to Mauch at right guard is undrafted 3rd-year guard Nick Leverett, who started at left guard for 10 games last season, replacing 2022 second-round pick Luke Goedeke. He has more experience on the interior than Mauch but was underwhelming at best last season.
Starting Tight End: Cade Otton vs. Payne Durham
Cade Otton quietly balled in his rookie season, catching 42 passes for 391 yards and two touchdowns across 11 starts. He led all rookie tight ends in receptions and had the second-most first-down receptions. Otton missed all of training camp and OTAs last season and still produced on the field after missing crucial reps before the season officially started.
However, despite having a solid rookie season, the Buccaneers went back to the well as they drafted Purdue tight end Payne Durham in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Durham is a good route runner and receiver, catching 56 passes last season and totaled 21 touchdowns across 45 career collegiate games.
Both Otton and Durham will likely get reps in 12 personnel, but it’s still unknown who will earn the starting nod for the upcoming season.
Breakout Player: Rachaad White
Rachaad White was one of the most explosive players I’ve ever seen in college football at Arizona State. In his rookie campaign, he didn’t disappoint either. White was a dual-threat running back, amassing 771 total yards and three touchdowns in just eight starts while splitting touches with veteran running back Leonard Fournette.
With a heavier workload next season, I expect the dynamic and explosive White to pop for a massive season through the air and on the ground.
Rookie to Watch: Calijah Kancey
I loved the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 Draft Class. Cody Mauch, YaYa Diaby, Payne Durham, and Trey Palmer all could have pronounced impacts as rookies. However, Calijah Kancey will immediately impose his will on opposing offensive lines.
Alongside Vita Vea, Kancey and Vea could be one of the best defensive line duos in all of football next season. While he’s a bit undersized at 6-foot-1 and just 281 pounds, Kancey makes up for it with great hands, superb quickness, and relentless effort.
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