Rounding Up the Buccaneers' Offseason Buzz, Post-Minicamps

The conclusion of Tampa Bay Buccaneers minicamp means only training camp remains before the return of NFL football.

Players have just over a month before they have to report back to their teams and head into the 2015 season. While there is still much left learn about what kind of team the Bucs will be in 2015, there are some clues as to what direction they will take.

Quarterback Jameis Winston received most of the attention during OTAs and minicamp and rightfully so as the franchise quarterback-in-waiting. Though not yet the starting quarterback or a full-fledged team leader, the Bucs are investing quite a bit in his development and success.

On defense, head coach Lovie Smith looks to improve what the Bucs began to build last year. Newcomers like Sterling Moore and Kwon Alexander are looking to play big roles, which may come as somewhat of a surprise.

There are few final tidbits from the Bucs' last minicamp to whet your appetite for training camp in August.

Winston Isn't the Starter...Yet

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Officially, Jameis Winston isn't the Bucs' starting quarterback, but he will be sooner rather than later.

During minicamp Winston worked mostly with the second-team offense while Mike Glennon ran the first team, per ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas. However, in an apparent slip of the tongue by Lovie Smith, he referred to someone other than Winston as the backup quarterback, per the Tampa Bay Times' Greg Auman.

It's only a matter of time before Winston claims the starting position under center. It could be as soon as the start of training camp or at some point during the preseason. In any case, it's a near-certainty that he will start opening day.

Though Winston's promotion is inevitable, Smith couldn't hand the reins of his offense over to a rookie right off the bat, nor is it likely that he's just pandering to the common expectation for a rookie to "earn his spot."

Indeed, Winston is earning his spot but not by proving he's the Bucs' best passer. Instead Winston must prove he will do what's best for the team over his ego. Winston recognizes his position on the team, saying, per Yasinskas, "I haven't earned [the starting job] until I get it."

While Winston was the man at Florida State, he hasn't done anything in the NFL. By demonstrating humility and trust in the team's plan for him, Winston is giving Lovie Smith more reason to trust him with the starting position.

Gerald McCoy Wants Winston to Be a Rookie

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Stud defensive tackle and Bucs team leader Gerald McCoy has some advice for Jameis Winston: "Just be a rookie."

Per ESPN.com's Pat Yasinskas, McCoy believes Winston would be wise to not force himself into a leadership role during his first NFL season:

"

Don't try to come turn the franchise around in your first year. You're still a rookie. You're still young. You haven't played a snap in the NFL. Being the first overall pick, a lot comes with that. But you can't do it overnight. I mentioned Peyton Manning. Peyton Manning still has the rookie record for interceptions. But now he's Peyton Manning. You've just got to be patient and just be a rookie.

"

If anyone is going to give Winston this advice, it's McCoy. Aside from being the team's current on-field leader, McCoy entered the NFL under similar circumstances.

Expectations were sky-high when the Bucs drafted McCoy, who was not quick to fulfill them. After ending his first two seasons on injured reserve, there were whispers of "bust" floating around him.

It wasn't until McCoy started blowing up offensive lines and getting to the quarterback on a consistent basis that he could rightfully assume a leadership role.

Some might say McCoy isn't qualified to dictate who should lead the Bucs given their losing record over his tenure. Though he may bear some responsibility for the team's lack of success, his name isn't Greg Schiano, Raheem Morris or Mark Dominik.

McCoy didn't sign his teammates, develop game plans or steer the franchise into the weeds. He's still its best player and most vocal leader, so Winston would be wise to listen to his advice.

Reality Could Be Virtual for Jameis Winston

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The Bucs have much invested in Jameis Winston's success. For a few extra bucks, they could give him a head start before the season begins.

Per Fox Sports' Alex Marvez, the Bucs are looking to purchase a virtual reality system to aid Winston's film study and game preparation. Instead of taking every snap on the practice field, Winston would be able to go through every play without lining up the rest of the offense.

The NFL has been making all kinds of strides to improve the game with technology, from wireless communications on the field to playbooks kept on iPads. Virtual reality simulation is just the next step.

Offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter referred to Winston as a "film junkie," per Marvez. A virtual reality system would allow Winston to combine film study with actual play reps. Considering the responsibility Winston bears this season, he is going to need all the help he can get.

Sterling Moore Is Working the Outside

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The Bucs added a bunch of defensive free agents this offseason. The most underrated addition might be former Dallas Cowboys cornerback Sterling Moore, but his role in Tampa Bay may not be what some expected it to be.

During minicamp, Moore played mostly with the second-team defense on the outside rather than manning the nickel corner spot, according to the Tampa Bay Times' Greg Auman. There was some expectation that Moore would slide into the nickel role after the Bucs signed him, as it was his designation in Dallas.

The Bucs look set with Johnthan Banks and Alterraun Verner as their starting cornerbacks, but there is still uncertainty at nickel corner, essentially the starting role in Lovie Smith's defense. Last year's nickel, CB Leonard Johnson, played poorly, lacking the instincts to compensate for his average athleticism.

In Dallas, Moore played both the outside and in the slot. He might end up playing that role again in Tampa Bay once training camp begins, making him a vital piece of the Bucs secondary.

Kwon Alexander May Be in Line for a Role at Middle Linebacker

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Middle linebacker is a key position in a Tampa 2 defense. While the Bucs signed former Cowboys LB Bruce Carter to fill that role this season, they may have also drafted a potential starter in Kwon Alexander.

Lovie Smith spoke about Alexander during the last minicamp and said he did some good work at middle linebacker, per Buccaneers.com's Scott Smith. Coach Smith also praised Alexander's athleticism and expected him to contribute on defense this season.

It's unlikely Alexander will start at any linebacker role this season. Weak-side LB Lavonte David is the second coming of Derrick Brooks, while Danny Lansanah is not only a great tackler and excellent in coverage, but versatile too, capable of playing all three linebacker positions.

Alexander's upside lies in his incredible athleticism. He ran a 4.55-second 40-yard dash at the combine this year, one of the best times for any linebacker. 

Bruce Carter is also highly athletic, but his instincts are suspect at times, particularly in coverage. Considering the heavy coverage burden on a Tampa 2 middle linebacker, Carter was a peculiar choice for the Bucs to anoint to the position.

Smith's glowing praise of Alexander and the decision to give him reps at middle linebacker suggest the Bucs are hedging their bets and possibly planning long term. Carter's salary is only guaranteed through this season, per Over the Cap, so if Alexander proves to be an upgrade, there's little stopping the Bucs from moving on from Carter.