Bucs Rookie DB Snags Starting Job

“Yes, he has,” Bowles said definitively.

The undrafted rookie out of Rutgers,who has been compared to the likes of Antoine Winfield Jr., will be given every chance to succeed at the position. Although if he falters the Bucs know they have a reliable option in Delaney to step in.

With Delaney’s position flexibility, and the Bucs lacking depth in the secondary, starting Izien early made the most sense. It will be beneficial for Izien to get the early reps in the season. If an injury does occur to one of the starters, Delaney can fill in and the doesn’t have to thrust Izien into a starting nickelback role cold off the bench in that scenario.

Expect A High Number Of Rookies On Bucs’ Final Roster

There was no secret the Bucs wanted to get younger this offseason. When the final 53-man roster comes out it will likely reflect that objective. In April, the team made eight draft selections and there is a real chance most of them make the roster. In addition to the draft picks, 19 undrafted free agents were signed. Heading into final roster cuts as many as seven could make the team – the most Todd Bowles has ever seen as a coach.

“Yes it will be,” Bowles said. “It will be by far. You know the draft picks have a good chance of sticking, but there’s quite a few free agents that will make this team.”

Christian Izien will make the Bucs as the team’s starting nickel, but fellow rookie defensive backs Kaevon Merriweather and Keenan Isaac have both impressed as well. Merriweather is likely the third safety for the team and came up with eight tackles, a pass break up and a fumble recovery throughout the preseason. Isaac has impressed as well with 11 tackles, three pass breakups and a forced fumble, and could make the team over Hayes.

Outside linebacker Markees Watts also really came on throughout training camp and under the lights. He racked up three tackles, a sack and a forced fumble and was constantly harassing quarterbacks in the backfield. Watts also had a sack against the Jets nullified due to a penalty on another Bucs defender.

On the offensive side of the ball, the buzz around undrafted free agent running back Sean Tucker is real. After being sidelined most of the offseason, Tucker came on strong in camp and preseason to likely secure the running back two spot on the Bucs roster.

Through three preseason games Tucker ran for 81 yards on 23 carries, adding 22 yards on five receptions. He also had a 12-yard touchdown called back against Pittsburgh and displayed great vision and burst.

Rakim Jarrett also likely makes the club as the Bucs fifth or sixth receiver. After missing the first preseason game with a groin injury, Jarrett exploded onto the scene against the Jets. The rookie wideout led the team in receiving yards with 132 yards on seven receptions. There is also the possibility undrafted free agent tackle Raiqwon O’Neil makes the team as well.