Story by
One Buccaneers sleeper to watch in each defensive position group
- Story by
- One Buccaneers sleeper to watch in each defensive position group
Training camp is where roster long shots become real conversations.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have established defensive pieces, but every summer creates opportunities for under-the-radar players to force their way into the depth chart. Some are trying to become trusted reserves. Others are fighting for special-teams roles, practice-squad consideration, or enough preseason momentum to complicate roster decisions.
Advertisement
For Tampa Bay , the sleeper list on defense features rookies at every level. That gives Todd Bowles and the coaching staff plenty to evaluate as the Buccaneers look for young depth behind their projected starters.
Here is one sleeper to watch in each defensive position group.
Cornerback: Ayden Garnes
Garnes enters camp as an intriguing rookie cornerback from Arizona . Listed at 6-foot and 181 pounds, he has enough size to compete on the outside, but his path will depend on how quickly he adjusts to NFL route tempo, physicality, and defensive communication.
Young corners can help themselves quickly in camp by competing at the catch point, tackling with consistency, and avoiding repeated assignment mistakes. Garnes does not need to become a starter immediately, but he can strengthen his roster case by showing he can handle preseason coverage snaps and contribute on special teams.
Advertisement
Defensive line: Josiah Green
Green is the defensive line sleeper to monitor. Listed at 6-foot and 284 pounds, the rookie from Duke gives Tampa Bay another interior defender to evaluate during camp.
His challenge will be playing with consistent leverage, holding his ground against stronger offensive linemen and creating enough disruption to stand out in a crowded defensive front. Interior defensive linemen can be difficult to evaluate without pads, so Green's most important work may come once the physical portion of camp begins and preseason games arrive.
If he can show toughness against the run and enough quickness to affect the pocket, he could earn a longer look.
Advertisement
Linebacker: Caden Fordham
Fordham gives the Buccaneers another young linebacker option with a clear path to special teams. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 223 pounds, the rookie from North Carolina State will need to prove he can process quickly, tackle cleanly and hold up in coverage.
Backup linebackers must earn trust in multiple phases. They need to fit the run correctly, communicate well enough to handle emergency defensive snaps, and become reliable on kick coverage units. Fordham's best chance to make noise is by playing fast without being reckless.
If he becomes one of Tampa Bay's more dependable young special teams players, he can push deeper into the roster conversation.
Advertisement
Outside linebacker: Yasir Holmes
Holmes is the outside linebacker sleeper because edge players can flash quickly in training camp. Listed at 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, the rookie from Tarleton State brings size and developmental intrigue to the position.
The Buccaneers will want to see whether Holmes can do more than rush the passer. Setting the edge, playing with discipline, and understanding rush-lane integrity will be just as important as creating pressure. In Bowles' defense, outside linebackers must be able to function within pressure packages without losing their run responsibilities.
If Holmes shows burst, length, and enough physicality, he could become one of the more interesting developmental defenders on the roster.
Advertisement
Safety: Ja'Qurious Conley
Conley gives Tampa Bay a safety sleeper with size and physicality. Listed at 6-foot and 214 pounds, the rookie from Charlotte has the frame to help near the box while also competing for special teams work.
His camp will be about trust. Safeties must communicate, tackle in space, and avoid coverage busts, especially in a defense that asks defensive backs to handle multiple responsibilities. Conley can help himself by showing he can play with control, cover kicks, and handle preseason snaps without mental errors.
The Buccaneers do not need every rookie defender to make the initial 53-man roster, but players like Conley can force difficult decisions by becoming useful in multiple roles.
Advertisement
Tampa Bay's defensive stars will draw most of the attention entering camp, but the back end of the roster is where depth is built. Garnes, Green, Fordham, Holmes, and Conley each have a different path to relevance.
If one or two emerge, the Buccaneers could leave training camp with a stronger, younger defensive foundation than expected.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: One Buccaneers sleeper to watch in each defensive position group
