Analysis: Johnson was one of the biggest splashes in free agency even though he only collected 3.5 sacks last season. The Bucs expect him to upgrade the position and put pressure on QB's so that number should improve. He did have 11.5 sacks just two seasons go. Gholston was a nice surprise contributor as a rookie last year and will look to increase his workload as the team rotates it's line to keep guys fresh throughout games.
Defensive Tackle: 1. Gerald McCoy 2. Clinton McDonald
Analysis: McCoy is arguably the best tackle in the league and is one of the cornerstones that this defense will be built around. Look for him to get double digit sacks and draw double teams from blockers in the new system. McDonald is a free agent from Seattle that will provide some quality depth.
Nose Tackle: 1. Akeem Spence 2. Clinton McDonald/Everett Dawkins
Analysis: Spence had some growing pains as a rookie last year but was a solid player on running downs. McDonald will probably come in on third downs to rush the passer, but the overall depth is a bit concerning.
Left End: 1. Adrian Clayborn 2. Da'Quan Bowers
Analysis: A lot is expected of Clayborn after successfully coming back from injury to have a solid year in 2013. Double digit sacks could be in his sights now that offenses will have to put more effort into focusing on Johnson and McCoy.
Sam Linebacker: 1. Jonathan Casillas 2. Nate Askew
Analysis: Casillas is a serviceable starter here and will get most of his work on first and second downs. Expect the team to address this position again at some point in the near future.
Mike Linebacker: 1. Mason Foster 2. Dane Fletcher
Analysis: Foster is the starter and he should end the season with around 100 tackles, a couple sacks, and a few turnovers, just as he has done in his first three seasons. He is solid. Fletcher is a decent backup that should get a lot of work on special teams.
Will Linebacker: 1. Lavonte David 2. Steven Jenkins
Analysis: David is the second cornerstone which this defense will be built around. He might already be the best weak-side 4-3 linebacker in the league, not unlike Hall of Famer Derrick Brooks was a decade ago. Depth is a concern here and it's not telling how much it would hurt the team if David was lost for any length of time.
Strong Safety: 1. Mark Barron 2. Major Wright
Analysis: Barron is good tackler but hasn't contributed many splash plays in his first couple seasons. The team would like to see that change so they added Major Wright, who has scored a TD in each of his last three seasons, to provide some competition. Both guys should see extensive action.
Free Safety: 1. Dashon Goldson 2. Keith Tandy
Analysis: Goldson was the big free agent signing last year and he was okay, but the team expects more from him in his second season in Tampa. Look for him to get more than just the one INT and the one forced fumble he had in 2013. Tandy got called into action quite a bit last year, starting five games in the process and nabbing three INT's. He could push for more playing time as well.
Left Corner: 1. Alterraun Verner 2. Leonard Johnson
Analysis: I loved Verner as a draft prospect out of UCLA over four years ago, and he has proven to be a commodity following two very good seasons for the Titans. If McCoy is to be the Sapp and David the Brooks of this defense, the coaches are hoping Verner can be the Ronde Barber that they covet at CB. Johnson's play has been somewhat erratic but he has gotten four INT's and two TD's in two seasons as a part-time starter. He is a solid backup.
Right Corner: 1. Johnthan Banks 2. Mike Jenkins 3. Danny Gorrer
Analysis: Banks played well-enough while starting all 16 games as a rookie to warrant some optimism for the future. His size (6'2" 195 lbs) provides the defense with somebody that can match-up with some of the monstrous receivers lurking around the league, eliminating any nightmares new defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier might have had about them. Jenkins returns to his roots in Tampa (he played high school and college in the Bay area) and provides the team with some competition for Banks. At the very least he provides the defense with a very experienced reserve. Gorrer will get a lot of opportunities to secure a job on special teams.
Defensive Strength: Overall Starting Talent On paper, the starters all look the part of a top-end defense with superstar potential at all three levels of the defense. McCoy and David have all eyes on them already, but several guys are looking for huge breakout seasons as well, particularly in the secondary.
Defensive Weakness: Depth Lack of depth can be real tough on a team, even if most of your guys are not missing time due to injury. The NFL is a long season, so you better keep guys fresh. The secondary looks like it could be in good shape, but outside linebacker and defensive tackle might really be lacking many good options beyond the starters.
Players on the Rise:
- DE Adrian Clayborn - Recovered well after missing 2012 with an injury. With Johnson now drawing some attention from the other side, Clayborn might have an opportunity to fly under the radar a bit. There is no doubt among the Buc's coaches that he has just as much potential as anybody to have a big year. 80+ tackles and double digit sacks are in his sight.
- CB Johnthan Banks - With the tools that this guy possesses coupled with the fact that there are bigger names than his in the secondary, he will get a lot of opportunity to make a name for himself in the league. I am putting my money him to get it done.
- S Major Wright - One of the lesser-celebrated of the free agent signings in 2014, Wright could turn out to provide the biggest dividends as a defensive specialist. Even if he doesn't win a starting job he will probably still see the field a lot in nickel and dime packages.
- DE William Gholston - Another guy that could sneak up and have a break-out year as a reserve in 2014, Gholston has the size (6'6" 281 lbs) and skill-set to come in and hold the edge of the line.
Key Newcomers:
- DE Michael Johnson
- CB Alterraun Verner
- DT Clinton McDonald
- S Major Wright
- CB Mike Jenkins
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