1. WR Mike Evans
After recording 1,000 yards in back-to-back seasons, Evans looks primed to continue his success in 2016. Head coach Dirk Koetter has spoken about Evans' intent to improve his chemistry with Jameis Winston and it appears to be going well. The two connected on several passes during team drills at practice, including a handful deep down the field. Evans was also able to successfully limit any drops during the three practices open to the media.
2. CB Alterraun Verner
The Buccaneers made a few marquee moves in the offseason at the cornerback position, but Verner came out of it a starter – at least for now. During each open practice, Verner worked as a starter alongside Brent Grimes. Whether or not he will outlast rookie Vernon Hargreaves has yet to be seen, though. Coaches usually start rookies off slow, so although Hargreaves had been working with the second-team during OTAs, that doesn't mean he will remain there throughout training camp.
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Pictures of the Buccaneers' first-round draft pick during Rookie Mini-Camp and OTAs.
- CB Vernon Hargreaves**
As mentioned above, Hargreaves spent all of OTAs working with the twos. When he got an opportunity, though, he made the most of it. Hargreaves intercepted at least three passes in as many open practices, including two during the team's final practice on Thursday. Coach Koetter said that the team will work him in the slot and on the outside, but he played most of his snaps on the inside on Thursday.
4. DE Noah Spence
There are no pads on, so it's difficult to measure a defensive lineman during OTAs. To add onto that, Spence has been working with the second-team defense and against the second and third-team offenses. From what we've seen so far, though, he looks as good as advertised. There was a series of plays on Thursday where, had pads been on, Spence would have gotten to the quarterback, or close to him, on four consecutive plays.
5. OL Kevin Pamphile
Pamphile might not start, but his role on the Buccaneers' offensive line could be just as important as a starter. He lined up as the starting left guard during OTAs – a spot that J.R. Sweezy will presumably take over when he returns from injury. Pamphile will be the next man up at several positions and worked with each of the first, second and third-team offenses.
