Bucs Strengths And Weaknesses: OLB
Pewter Report analyzes each position’s strengths and weaknesses in Tampa Bay, as the Bucs attempt to three-peat as NFC South champions.
Quarterbacks
Running Backs
Wide Receivers
Tight Ends
Offensive Line
Defensive Line
Next up are Tampa Bay’s outside linebackers, which features one proven Pro Bowl performer in Shaq Barrett and a bunch of unproven – yet talented – pass rushers. The Bucs are just two years removed from the terrific tandem of Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul, who led Tampa Bay to a Super Bowl LV championship in 2020 and a 13-4 season in 2021. Barrett enters the 2023 season with two big question marks, while the team moved on from JPP last year.
Former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka enters the season at a crossroads, while the Bucs brought in three promising rookies this offseason. Tampa Bay’s outside linebacker position, which underwhelmed last year with just a combined 17 sacks, needs to return to being the position that is most responsible for taking down quarterbacks. Backup Anthony Nelson was tied for second on the Bucs with inside linebacker Devin White with 5.5 sacks – behind Vita Vea’s team-leading 6.5 QB captures. The Bucs doubled at outside linebacker in the 2023 NFL Draft for some reinforcements and competition this year, too.
