Buccaneers Look For Depth in The Undrafted Free Agency

A quick look at the Undrafted Free Agents that the Bucs have brought in. Keep in mind these players have been brought in for mostly depth, especially on the Defensive Line, where the Bucs are thin.

OFFENSE:

1. Quarterback: Nick Fitzgerald, Mississippi State- A recruit, and product of current Gator Coach, Dan Mullen. He struggled with accuracy at State, and cannot throw the deep ball very well. On the plus side, he is a gifted runner out of the position. Throwing for 6,207 yards, 55 touchdowns, and 30 INTs. While rushing for 3,607 yards, and 46 touchdowns. He’s going to have to use his running ability as a change of pace Wildcat QB, or some variation of it to land a spot on the Active, or Practice Squad roster. Good luck.

2. Running Back: Bruce Anderson, North Dakota State- He comes from one of the strongest programs in the Nation, and easily could have been drafted late, but as it sometimes works out, he was not. He has many positives in his skills bag. As a two year starter, he rushed for 2,140 yards, and 21 touchdowns, toss in another 500 yards, and 6 TD’s receiving. On the downside, he struggles in decision making at times. If he can do anything on special teams, he stands a fair chance of joining the stable.

3. Wide Receiver: DaMarkus Lodge, Ole Miss- This is a player that could pay off big for the Bucs. The most polished receiver of the three-headed receiving monster at Ole Miss, that included D.K. Metcalf, and A.J. Brown. His full potential probably isn’t as good as his star teammates, but he’s no slouch at the position. He could have easily been drafted late day two. If he can be consistent in catching balls, he stands a good chance of catching on in Tampa.

4. Wide Receiver: Anthony Johnson, Buffalo- Another player that was expected to be drafted. He has an athletic 6’02”, 207 LB frame, but lacks a bit of the athleticism you would hope would come with it. He does have good hands and will make the catch in traffic, so all is not lost.

5. Wide Receiver: Contrelle Simpson, Richmond- A smaller sized player at 5’10” 185 lbs. Coming from a small school that was a sub .500 team. Simpson had already graduated and bolted school early. Chances are slim that he makes the team in any fashion.

6. Tight End: Isaiah Searight, Fordham- More of a Blocker than a receiver, He doesn’t make the tough catches that a Pro is expected to make. If he makes the roster, It will be for depth or special teams.

7. Center: Nathan Trewyn, Wisconsin Whitewater- Another small college player, but with a big upside. Could end up being a good player, if the Bucs can make room for him. He was ignored by most teams, but could be a find.

DEFENSE

8. Defensive End: Kahzin Daniels, Charleston- A player who is partially blind. Daniels overcame his disability at a smaller school. Recording 33 1/2 sacks in his 4-year college career, 8 1/2 this past year. A feel good player that just might catch on with the Bucs. 6’2″ 1/2, 244 LB’s, running a 4.81 in the 40 at the combine. He may just have what it takes to catch on to an NFL roster.

9. Safety: Lukas Denis, Boston College- A starter the last two seasons at BC, his 40 time of 4.64 at the combine, disappointed. He did make 7 INT’s his Senior year, 9 total for his career, so he is a gamer, and has a good chance of making the roster. It’s a crowded DB area for the Bucs, so this should be fun to watch.

10. Linebacker: Judah Davis, Clemson- The son of former Bucs player Jeff Davis. A rotational, and situational player at Clemson. Davis numbers are not eye-catching by any means. He was a member of two Championship teams, so I guess the Bucs saw him as worth a look. His chances are not that great of making the team, but it is a chance nonetheless.

11. Cornerback: Jalen Allison, North Dakota State- This guy is going to have a hard time just finding room to stand in this overcrowded rookie class of DB’s, don’t hold your breath. He has some skills, speed is one of them, he also has 8 INTs plus 1 forced fumble, during his 4-year college career, but as I already mentioned, the competition is going to be fierce.

12. Defensive Line: Dare Odeyingbo, Vanderbilt- Adding weight, and switching from Linebacker to Line, Dare impressed at Vandy and has a good chance of making the Bucs roster. Needing depth at the D-Line doesn’t hurt, but the Vandy player had great play on the SEC team. Registering 13 1/2 tackles for a loss and 6 1/2 sacks his Junior year, the Bucs hope he can have the same success here. Look for a strong camp from this Lineman. What he lacks in size, he makes up for in Heart and should add valuable depth.

13. Defensive Line: Anthony Johnson, Florida International- Another player that could add needed depth to the Line. This past Season, Anthony was named All CUSA Honorable Mention. Over the last two seasons, he tallied, 15 tackles for a loss, and 10 sacks while batting down 5 balls. Obviously not a player that is going to unseat a starter this year, but certainly a player that can give a breather to a starter, look for Johnson to catch on and add important depth.

SUMMARY

While these Undrafted Free Agents won’t be putting fear into the Starters, A few of them, particularly the DL players should have a good chance of making the cut, and or the practice squad. IMO the Bucs have brought in a few diamonds from the rough. Time will tell if these gems will shine.