In each of Todd Bowles' first two seasons as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive coordinator (2019-20), the team started the regular season with five outside linebackers on the depth chart. In his third year in that post, and then also in 2022 after he took over as the Buccaneers' head coach, the team headed into the regular season with four outside linebackers on the 53-man roster.
Last summer, things looked a little different. Bowles mentioned repeatedly during training camp that the Bucs felt like they had more edge rush talent than usual – in terms of sheer quantity – and that it was a position where you never wanted to let legitimate skill out of the building. That wasn't just talk. When the dust settled after the final round of roster cuts before the season, the Bucs had held onto a whopping six outside linebackers, and that didn't even count 2023 sixth-round draft pick Jose Ramirez, who also stuck around on the practice squad.
The Buccaneers think they may have some tough decisions again this year when the cuts roll around. Shaquil Barrett, the team's most prolific pass rusher during Bowles' first five years in town, was released in a cap move in March and recently announced his retirement, but the Bucs used a premium pick to land Alabama's Chris Braswell. Other young players, such as Ramirez and 2023 camp surprise Markees Watts, are improving steadily and the Bucs may have to go deep at that position. That is, of course, the proverbial "good problem to have."
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arriving for the start of 2024 Training Camp on Tuesday, July 23rd, 2024.
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 and Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 and Wide Receivers Coach Bryan McClendon of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Palm trees during arrivals for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Palm trees during arrivals for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Kaevon Merriweather #26 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Palm trees during arrivals for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Rakim Jarrett #18 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Marcus Banks #39 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Keenan Isaac #16 of the Tampa Bay Bucaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Ben Bredeson #68 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tackle Justin Skule #77 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Shaun Peterson Jr. #49 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Linebacker Vi Jones #53 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End Tanner Taula #84 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Punter Jake Camarda #5 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Lwal Uguak #75 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Quarterback John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End David Wells #89 and Tight End Ko Kieft #41 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tackle Brandon Walton #73 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Anthony Nelson #98 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Sua Opeta #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Back Josh Hayes #32 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Logan Hall #90 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Cody Thompson #83 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Tanner Knue #80 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Kicker Chase McLaughlin #4 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Chase Edmonds #22 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker J.J. Russell #51 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Trey Palmer #10 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tackle Luke Haggard #72 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Earnest Brown #74 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Daniel Grzesiak #57 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Elijah Klein #79 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Raleigh Webb #17 and Cornerback Tavierre Thomas #37 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Judge Culpepper #59 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tackle Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Rashad Wisdom #38 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Mike Greene #91 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Chris McDonald #36 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Long Snapper Zach Triner #97 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Long Snapper Zach Triner #97 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End Cade Otton #88 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Guard Avery Jones #66 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Greg Gaines #96 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 and Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #46 and Linebacker Antonio Grier Jr. #48 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrive for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Linebacker Kalen DeLoach #46 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Cornerback Tyrek Funderburk #24 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Running Back Ramon Jefferson #45 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - July 23, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Xavier Delgado #60 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers arrives for 2024 Training Camp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
"I think we've got good depth, I think we've got good competition," said George Edwards, who, as the team's outside linebackers coach, will have a lot to do with how that group shapes up in training camp. "I tell you what, this training camp process, like Coach Bowles said, we're out here to get better every day. You just see that will continue to get better through the process. Having a vision with our scouting department, with the skillsets of a lot of these guys, we're in a unique situation to have that number and that depth at the position. We've just got to get out here and get better every day, and have the young guys realize the situation and get experience."
Bowles talked about both Ramirez and Watts during the offseason. Ramirez, as noted, spent his rookie campaign on the practice squad but is looking to graduate to the active roster this year. Watts, who arrived as a tryout player in rookie minicamp last offseason, made the active roster and saw limited action but flashed when he did. In just 26 snaps in pass coverage, he recorded a sack and eight quarterback pressures.
Edwards has definitely seen progress from both young players.
"No doubt about it," he said. "To see where we started out last year, we laugh about it some in our meetings. It's calmed down. The game has slowed down for them so now they can just really concentrate and focus on the situations and use their God-given talents and their athlecism to be able to take advantage of them."
The Buccaneers have a starting spot to figure out in the absence of Barrett, and the competitors include Braswell, former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson. On the other side is Yaya Diaby, who finished fourth in the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year balloting last year after recording a team-leading 7.5 sacks. If Watts and Ramirez won't be denied in their quest to make the active roster, the Bucs may have to go deep at outside linebacker again.
