Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Projected Final 53-Man Roster, Pre-Training Camp Edition

With training camp right around the corner, the Buccaneers roster is already taking shape.

Pre-camp roster predictions are always a little premature, but the Bucs' offseason moves have painted a generally clear picture of what they will look like in 2015.

They drafted a potential franchise quarterback in Jameis Winston, as well as number of support players like offensive linemen Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet. Through free agency and trades, they added mostly defensive players like George Johnson, Bruce Carter and Henry Melton.

There's no doubt that some jobs will have to be won in camp, starting and fringe alike. There could be starting jobs up for grabs among the linebackers and offensive linemen. The most likely places for fringe players to make the final cut are at wide receiver, defensive end and cornerback.

The wild card this year is the waiver wire. The Bucs possess the top waiver priority throughout the preseason and will be looking at other teams' cuts to scoop up possible upgrades across the roster.

Here is the projected final 53-man roster for the Bucs heading into training camp.

Quarterback

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Quarterbacks: Jameis Winston and Mike Glennon

The quarterback position is all but set already. Jameis Winston will become the starter, with Mike Glennon as his backup.

The only real question is "when" Winston becomes the starter. During OTAs, he took mostly second-team reps, while Glennon ran the first-team offense.

Winston wasn't drafted first overall in this year's draft to sit on the bench. It's a near-certainty he will start early, if not Week 1.

Glennon is more than adequate as a reserve quarterback. Now in his third year with the Bucs, Glennon can step in to run the offense in a pinch and keep it from spiraling out of control.

The Bucs also have QB Seth Lobato, but there is no reason to keep him on the 53-man roster. He may end up on the practice squad.

Running Back

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Running Backs: Doug Martin, Charles Sims, Bobby Rainey

Fullback: Joey Iosefa

Despite an underwhelming effort last season, the Bucs' running back group remains mostly unchanged. This season, Doug Martin and the other Bucs tailbacks have a chance to redeem Tampa Bay's running game.

Martin is the only Bucs running back who's tasted any real success, but that was three years ago. With the Bucs forgoing his fifth-year option, this is likely his last shot to rekindle his career in Tampa Bay.

Waiting in the wings is Charles Sims, the Bucs third-round draft pick last year. While he has the benefit of being drafted by the current administration, Sims hasn't proven anything in the NFL.

Bobby Rainey has been the Bucs' most productive back over the past two years, but that doesn't make him the best one on the roster. He's an insurance policy, but little more.

The odd man out is 2013 sixth-round pick Mike James. The third-year running back hasn't had much of a chance to prove his worth and may not get another.

The Bucs picked up a new fullback when they drafted Joey Iosefa in the seventh round of this year's draft. His arrival likely spells the end of Jorvorskie Lane's tenure with the Bucs.

Wide Receiver

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Wide Receivers: Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, Louis Murphy, Kenny Bell, Kaelin Clay, Russell Shepard

The Bucs have one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL in Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans.  They might be even better this year with new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and quarterback Jameis Winston.

While their starting duo is top-notch, the Bucs' wide receiver depth does not carry the same pedigree. Louis Murphy is a journeyman receiver with good speed and questionable hands.

The Bucs drafted Kenny Bell and Kaelin Clay to improve depth and provide new options in the return game, Clay in particular. As drafted rookies, they should make the roster, though their actual contribution is more dubious.

Rounding out the group is Russell Shepard, who has the early leg up in filling a sixth wide receiver spot due to his experience and upside. However, a camp standout like Adam Humphries or Donteea Dye could slide in during training camp or the preseason.

Offensive Line

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Offensive Tackle: Demar Dotson, Donovan Smith, Kevin Pamphile, Patrick Omameh

Guard: Logan Mankins, Ali Marpet, Kadeem Edwards, Garrett Gilkey

Center: Evan Smith

Arguably the Bucs' weakest position group in 2014, the offensive line looks to bounce back from its abysmal performance last season.

The line features mostly returning players, including starters Logan Mankins, Evan Smith and Demar Dotson.

The two newcomers figure to play a prominent role on the line over the next few years. Former Penn State OT Donovan Smith is expected to take over the left tackle role, while former Hobart guard Ali Marpet will compete for a spot at right guard.

The two offensive linemen the Bucs drafted last year, Kevin Pamphile and Kadeem Edwards, could compete for starting roles. They will have to fend off veterans Patrick Omameh and Garrett Gilkey.

Omameh and Gilkey are likely to serve as the Bucs' swing players. Omameh switched to tackle from guard this offseason but could play either spot.

Gilkey got some time at center last season, though that was a less-than-ideal situation. The Bucs could look to add a guard/center through the waiver wire.

Tight End

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Tight End: Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Brandon Myers, Luke Stocker, Tim Wright

The tight end group remains mostly unchanged from last year, apart from the unexpected return of Tim Wright. After trading Wright and a fourth-round pick to the Patriots for Logan Mankins, the Bucs picked him up off the waiver wire not long after New England cut him.

Wright should resume his duties as a receiving tight end. His value in the pass game could diminish the value of Brandon Myers, who was given a contract extension this offseason through 2016.

The future at the position remains Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He is likely to start and see an expanded role this season.

Luke Stocker is likely to return as well. The Bucs' sole remaining 2011 draft pick is one of the best blockers on the team, both in-line and as a lead-in for the running backs.

Defensive Line

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Defensive Tackle: Gerald McCoy, Clinton McDonald, Henry Melton, Akeem Spence

Defensive End: George Johnson, Jacquies Smith, Will Gholston, Larry English, T.J. Fatinikun

Change is coming to the Bucs defensive line, mostly at the defensive end positions. After missing badly on the Michael Johnson signing, the Bucs focused on homegrown talent and low-key free-agent signings.

The Bucs traded for former Detroit DE George Johnson to take Michael Johnson's spot on the roster. He will join last year's breakout pass-rusher, Jacquies Smith, as the likely opening day starters.

Johnson is the Bucs' only noteworthy addition to the defensive end group. Behind him and Smith are a group of unproven linemen who cannot be counted to provide much pass rush.

The defensive tackle group remains a strength of the Bucs defense. Led by three-time Pro Bowler Gerald McCoy, the Bucs defensive interior is designed to make a quarterback's life miserable.

The key addition is former Bears and Cowboys DT Henry Melton. A pass-rush specialist, Melton rejoins former Chicago head coach Lovie Smith and is fully healthy, now two years removed from knee surgery. His presence should provide not only more interior pass rush but more rest for McCoy, who won't need to be on the field quite as much.

Linebackers

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Linebackers: Lavonte David, Danny Lansanah, Bruce Carter, Kwon Alexander, Khaseem Greene, Orie Lemon

The Bucs made a few changes to their linebacker corps, making several moves that could result in multiple starting groups over the course of the season.

Returning stud LB Lavonte David is the only real constant at the position. Entering the last year of his rookie contract, the Bucs should try to lock him up like they did Gerald McCoy last season.

Also returning is last year's breakout linebacker, Danny Lansanah. A seven-year veteran, Lansanah proved to be a great fit in Lovie Smith's defense. However, given his age, he will have to fend off youngsters like Kwon Alexander to stay in the starting lineup.

This offseason the Bucs added former Cowboy LB Bruce Carter to replace departed middle linebacker Mason Foster. The hope is Carter's athleticism will provide the defense with an upgrade in pass coverage in the middle of their Tampa 2 defense.

The Bucs also added former Bears LB Khaseem Greene. Another highly athletic linebacker, Greene might be a better fit in Tampa Bay than he was in Chicago.

Cornerbacks

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Cornerbacks: Alterraun Verner, Johnthan Banks, Sterling Moore, Mike Jenkins, Brandon Dixon, Leonard Johnson

The Bucs didn't make any major additions to their cornerback group, but improved play is expected nevertheless.

Returning starters Johnthan Banks and Alterraun Verner enter 2015 with a year in Lovie Smith's defense under their belts. Verner told Pewter Report's Scott Reynolds that injuries and difficulty adjusting to Smith's defense hindered his performance last season.

The biggest addition to the group is former Cowboys CB Sterling Moore, who signed a one-year deal. Moore is a versatile defensive back who could end up playing a big role this season.

Veteran CB Mike Jenkins should be back after missing nearly all of the 2014 season with a pectoral injury.

Possibly the biggest question mark is CB Leonard Johnson, who manned the nickel spot most of last season. While he's experienced, he lacks the athleticism necessary to play nickel corner and failed to come up with any turnovers last season, a big no-no in a Lovie Smith defense.

Johnson may not make the final roster if an upgrade becomes available on the waiver wire.

Safeties

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Safeties: Major Wright, Chris Conte, Bradley McDougald, D.J. Swearinger

The safety position may see the most turnover of any group in 2015. The only safety who is sure to return is Bradley McDougald. The fourth-year strong safety looked impressive last year, taking more and more playing time from now-former Bucs Mark Barron and Dashon Goldson.

Veterans Major Wright and Chris Conte are only adequate rotational players. The Bucs signed Wright and Conte to two- and one-year deals, respectively, but they are both guaranteed the majority of their 2015 salaries and thus aren't going anywhere this year.

The battle for the final safety spot will come down to former Houston Texan D.J. Swearinger and fourth-year Buc Keith Tandy. Swearinger will likely win the spot due to his superior athleticism.

However, Tandy is a valuable special teams player and underrated in coverage. He shouldn't be counted out just yet.

Special Teams

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Kicker: Pat Murray

Punter: Spencer Lanning

Long Snapper: Andrew DePaola

The Bucs should return most of their specialists from last season. Pat Murray proved to be a more than adequate place-kicker, hitting 83.3 percent of his field goals with a long of 55 yards.

Change could be coming at punter, however. Incumbent Michael Koenen was utterly dreadful last season and has never lived up to the six-year, $19.5 million contract he signed in 2011.

The Bucs picked up former Browns punter Spencer Lanning after Cleveland cut him following a trade for former San Francisco 49er Andy Lee. Lanning isn't much better than Koenen but is far less expensive.

Neither Lanning nor Koenen pose a great solution, but Lanning's price tag may push Koenen off the roster.