Bucs’ Bubble: Who’s In, Who’s Out?

Wide Receiver

Of the receivers vying for the final spots, Bobo Wilson made the most of last night’s game. Though he only had 12 receiving yards on 2 targets, he proved useful on special teams, which Bucs’ coach Bruce Arians stressed earlier this week. Other wideouts Justin Watson did not see meaningful action and Scotty Miller had 9 yards on 3 targets.

Verdict: If there’s a clear favorite to make the 53-man roster, it’s Bobo Wilson. He has the most overall utility between his abilities on offense and special teams. Watson is on the bubble and Miller is on the outside looking in.

Linebacker

After tearing his ACL last season, 2018 sixth-round pick Jack Cichy has looked strong this preseason in his fight for one of the Buccaneers’ inside linebacker slots. He finished the final game with a fumble recovery and four tackles including a sack and one tackle for a loss. The game didn’t come without mistakes, however, as Cichy also had a few missed tackles, one allowing the Cowboys to gain a much-needed first down on their way to a go-ahead field goal before the half.

Verdict: Cichy should earn one of the final spots on Tampa’s roster, especially with the injury of Lavonte David.

Kicker

After spending a fifth-round pick on Utah kicker Matt Gay, it looks like the Buccaneers’ kicking woes might finally be over. Both Gay and Cairo Santos have looked good this preseason, but in addition to the Bucs having invested a draft pick on him, Gay has hit two game-winners from 21 and 48 yards out. It would be difficult (though not impossible) to justify keeping Santos.

Verdict: Both of these guys will be kicking in the league this year, but only Matt Gay will be doing so in a Bucs uniform.

Tight End

Tanner Hudson became the breakout star of Tampa’s preseason. Will it be enough in a deep corps of tight ends? The Buccaneers have two near-locks at TE in OJ Howard and Cameron Brate along with a strong candidate in blocking TE Anthony Auclair. With 19 yards on 5 targets, it wasn’t Hudson’s best night, but he did catch his third touchdown of the preseason. If the Bucs want another receiving tight end, Hudson is an excellent option. There is also the off chance that Tampa trades Brate and replaces him with the similar but cheaper Hudson. Either way, in an already crowded position he’ll need a little luck.

Verdict: Hudson has a shot at the initial roster but he will likely either end up on the practice squad or with another team this season.

Running Back

There’s a tight three-way fight for the final spot in the Tampa backfield. Dare Ogunbowale, Andre Ellington, and Bruce Anderson all have reason to be hopeful going into the final cuts. Ogunbowale got the start, but his run game disappointed tonight. He netted only nine yards on eight attempts, but also posted two receptions for 17 yards. Ellington also only rushed for nine yards on three attempts, but he too caught a pair of balls for 34 yards. Bruce Anderson played the majority of the second half, posting 70 rush yards on 20 attempts with an additional reception for seven yards.

Verdict: If Tampa decides to stick with three backs, Ogunbowale’s age will win out over Ellington’s experience with Arians in Arizona. Anderson’s impressive night will hopefully boost his résumé but his days in a Bucs uniform are numbered.

Quarterback

Ryan Griffin looked good this preseason, but this game was not his best. Griffin went a neat 9/11 for 92 yards and one TD, but he also threw two interceptions including a pick-six.

Verdict: The Bucs will only keep two QBs and Ryan Griffin’s time at One Buc Place comes to an end without a single regular-season snap under his belt.