Tampa Bay Bucaneers: Preseason Standouts Who Will Carry Through to Season

It's been said time and time again that NFL preseason games are nothing more than insignificant scrimmages used as a money-grab by the league and its owners.

And while the results themselves are technically meaningless—Dallas quarterback Stephen McGee led the NFL in passing yards during the 2011 preseason—preparation and development of the teams and their personnel are anything but.

That said, which 2012 preseason standouts could we expect to see carry over into the regular season for Tampa Bay?

A quick look at how the Bucs have fared this preseason and a few names immediately jump out.

(Oh, and you may sense a theme).

Running back Doug Martin

The rookie from Boise State has shown both fans and coaches why he was a relative bargain with the 31st overall pick in April's draft, cutting, spinning and flipping his way over and around defenses this preseason. Martin has officially overthrown incumbent LeGarrette Blount on the depth chart and should see the bulk of the carries in Tampa Bay's run-first offense.

Linebacker Lavonte David

In his first preseason, David has canvassed the field and displayed his sideline-to-sideline abilities with ease, tallying six tackles and an interception in the process.

He has made plays on special teams, and perhaps most important of all, just seems to have a nose for the ball. He will enter his rookie season as the starting weak-side linebacker and will have plenty of opportunities to shine under new defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan. 

Running back/Kick returner Michael Smith

As a seventh-round pick in April's draft, conventional wisdom would suggest if he had any hope of making the Bucs' final roster, Smith would have to differentiate himself—and boy, has he ever.

Not only has he electrified special teams with 317 yards on 10 returns, but he has also showed himself to be a capable running back, too. Smith has added 79 rushing yards on 22 carries, to complement three catches for 18 yards. In short, Smith is an all-around home-run threat that the Bucs have always seemingly lacked.

Safety Mark Barron

Initially slowed during the preseason with a toe injury, Barron has since flashed his playmaking ability on several occasions, culminating with his 22-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Patriots last Friday.

Much like fellow rookies Martin and David, Barron will also enter the season as a starter. And given his knack for finding the football, he should find himself in position to make one big play after another all season long.

Defensive end Michael Bennett

Bennett is coming off his finest performance of the preseason, a game in which he added three tackles, a sack and a forced fumble vs. New England. With Da'Quan Bowers out until at least Week 6 of the regular season on the PUP list, Bennett will be called upon to revive a once-dominant pass rush for the Bucs.

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