Buccaneers: Full Position Breakdown and Depth Chart Analysis at Defensive Back

Last season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense struggled mightily for much of the year, doing their best to adjust to a new defensive scheme and coaching staff.

The secondary was victimized early and often in 2015, at one point giving up five touchdown passes in the first half against the Baltimore Ravens. The unit slowly improved over the latter half of the season, but the damage was already done and the Bucs limped to a 2-14 record.

This year, many familiar faces return to the Tampa Bay secondary, as well as a few economical additions that should help bolster the depth of a unit that was quite thin last season.

How does the Bucs depth chart look at defensive back as they head toward training camp?

Starters: Cornerback

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When the Bucs signed Alterraun Verner last offseason to replace the departed Darrelle Revis, he was expected to be the team's top cover man and a much better fit for the Tampa 2 defense than Revis Island.

But it took quite a bit of the 2014 season for Verner to get comfortable in the new scheme, and second-year pro Johnthan Banks established himself at Tampa Bay's best and most consistent player at cornerback. The former second-round pick out of Mississippi State grabbed four interceptions and knocked away 10 passes last year, putting his height—6'2"— and length to good use.

Verner looked to be more comfortable over the second half of the season, and he should benefit from another offseason and training camp where he can become more confident in his assignments.

At the nickel spot, the Bucs will have an interesting battle. Both Leonard Johnson and Isaiah Frey return from last season. While they both spent time starting in the slot, they'll be pushed this year by Sterling Moore, who was signed in free agency. Moore had success in that role playing in a similar defense under Rod Marinelli for the Dallas Cowboys, which should help give him an edge.

Reserves: Cornerback

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As is the case with any NFL team at any position, the quality of Tampa Bay's depth at corner will be contingent on key players staying healthy.

Last year, the Bucs lost veteran Mike Jenkins—who they had signed as a free agent to a one-year deal last offseason—to injured reserve after the first game, ending his first season with the Bucs much earlier than anyone expected. The team gave him another one-year deal this offseason, hoping he can stay healthy and give them some solid depth behind Johnthan Banks and Alterraun Verner.

It's not likely all three horses in the nickelback race will make the roster, so don't be surprised if either Leonard Johnson or Isaiah Frey are gone before the regular season in favor of the newly signed Sterling Moore.

The last roster spot at corner should end up going to Brandon Dixon, a second-year pro who played sparingly in 2014, but gave the Bucs some quality snaps and showed plenty of potential. He should beat out rookie undrafted free agent Deshazor Everett, who is a prime candidate for the practice squad.

Starters: Safety

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The Bucs got rid of both safeties who started in Week 1 last season, jettisoning some decent natural talents—Dashon Goldson and Mark Barron—who were simply poor fits for the Tampa 2 scheme and failed to live up to high expectations.

But it looks like Tampa Bay has made some addition by subtraction, opening up the opportunity for some young talent to shine. Bradley McDougald emerged as the team's best player at the position over the latter third of the season and should easily lock up one of the starting spots this year.

The former Kansas City Chief consistently made plays both in run support and against the pass, ending the year with 50 total tackles, seven defensed passes and an interception.

Major Wright had a promising season cut short by injury in 2014, but the team re-signed him in the offseason. His experience in the Tampa 2 defense under head coach Lovie Smith when both were with the Chicago Bears should help him land in the starting lineup, as well.

Wright made seven starts for Tampa Bay last season, tallying 51 total tackles and one defensed pass.

Reserves: Safety

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Tampa Bay's strength at safety may not lie in the star power of the starting lineup, but in the depth it quietly built over the offseason.

The Bucs took a much more conservative approach in free agency this year after getting burned by high-priced signings over the past few offseasons. They added Chris Conte, who has Tampa 2 experience from his time playing for head coach Lovie Smith in Chicago, who is hoping to return to his best form after concussions held him back in 2014.

They also snatched D.J. Swearinger off waivers from the Houston Texans, who has been a bit of a disappointment since being drafted in the second round back in 2013. He's still got time to turn his career around, and the Bucs could end up with fantastic value if he's able to make that happen in Tampa Bay.

The dark horse to make the final roster is Keith Tandy, who has managed to carve out a role year after year. having been drafted in the sixth round back in 2012. He'll have to make a huge impression in training camp to make the final roster again this year.