A Couple Of Old Friends Reunite On The Sidelines In Tampa Bay And Switch To A 3-4 Defense.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking a look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers buys. I will be identifying buy-low players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire these players.
Carl Nassib, Defensive End:
Carl Nassib, 26, who was claimed off of waivers at the start of last season, had his best season of his career, in Tampa Bay. He finished last season with 22 solo tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, and six and a half sacks. He did this over nine starts and 15 games played. The Bucs are switching to a 3-4 defense with the hire of new defensive coordinator, Todd Bowles. If Nassib can hold of Noah Spence for the starting job, then I think Nassib has a great chance to build on last seasons production and makes for a great buy low target.
Fantasy Recommendation:
Nassib should be available on your waiver wire, but if not, it shouldn’t cost you more than a late round pick to get him on your team. I project him with defensive end two/three production.
Honorable Mention: Vita Vea, Defensive Tackle.
Deone Bucannon, Linebacker:
Deone Buccannon, 26, signed a one-year $2.5 million contract to reunite with former Arizona Cardinals head coach Bruce Arians and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. He ended his last year in the desert with 30 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, two quarterback hits, and one sack. Deone did this over six starts and 13 games played. Even though Bucannon is coming off of his worst season of his career, he’s someone that I think will be a great replacement for linebacker Kwon Alexander, who left for San Francisco.
Bucannon has a tough road ahead of him to claim a starting linebacker job going up against the likes of incumbent starter Lavonte David and rookie standout Devin White. What Bucacnnon can do is push for the “moneybacker” position that he virtually created in Arizona. The Buccaneers are thin at safety and he may play that hybrid role to get the teams best players on the field.
Fantasy Recommendations:
He might be owned, but someone that should be fairly cheap to acquire, given his injury history. I project him with linebacker three production, for this season.
Honorable Mention: Shaquil Barrett, Linebacker.
Carlton Davis, Cornerback:
Carlton Davis, 22, is going into his second season in the NFL. Davis was a second round pick by Tampa Bay a year ago. He ended his rookie season with 36 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and four pass deflections. He did this over 12 starts and 13 games played. Assuming Davis can remain healthy, for this season, I think he has a great chance to build off of his rookie season. Additionally, showing the Bucs why they drafted him where they did, a year ago. With the added support of his new head coach, Davis makes for a great buy low candidate, for 2019.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He might be available on your waiver wire, but if not, it shouldn’t cost you more than a late round pick to get him. I project him with cornerback four/five production.
Honorable Mention: Kentrell Brice, Safety.
Conclusion
Given the track record of this pair, Bruce Arians and Todd Bowles along with the off season additions, I’m excited to see what this defense can do. I believe this defense will have the biggest turn around from a year ago. Ranking these buy-low players in order of priority, it would be, Deone Bucannon, Carl Nassib, and Carlton Davis. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the Tennessee Titans.
Please note that when I say linebacker two or cornerback four/five potential, that is basing it off of a 10 team dynasty league.