![]() ![]() Follow our coverage on Twitter and Facebook. Never miss out on the latest with your favorite Tampa Bay sports teams. Sign up for the Sports Today newsletter to get daily updates on the Bucs, Rays, Lightning and college football across Florida. ![]() You never know how that day can go, but it turned out to be good, anyway.” “Had high hopes to, I spoke to a lot of scouts, but that’s the point of the journey. “I definitely expected to get drafted,” Izien said. Linebacker Olakunle Fatukasi, Izien’s best friend, survived last year’s preseason and played in 13 games. If the planets align, he’ll become the second consecutive undrafted rookie from Rutgers to make Tampa Bay’s 53-man roster. It’s running back Rachaad White’s time to shine in 2023. “Kind of similar stature, he’s put in the same roles that I was in, so it’s good seeing him out there. “He reminds me of myself,” said Winfield, listed at 5-9. “Every journey I made was just (about) getting exposure,” he said.Īt Rutgers, he totaled 303 tackles as a four-year starter with four interceptions (all in 2020) and 19 passes defended, developing a reputation as an aggressive run defender with the athleticism to play over the top. “They’re both very good open-field tacklers, we like that about them. Last year, following Quincy Blacks season-ending injury, Tampa Bay rolled with just six linebackers on the roster. “On film, what we liked about them (is) they’re both very physical players,” Bowles said Tuesday regarding Izien and Merriweather. and Kaevon Merriweather, 2022 undrafted rookie Nolan Turner (one defensive snap in 2022), fifth-year veteran Ryan Neal (not re-signed by the Seahawks) and cornerback-safety hybrid Dee Delaney. Izien is competing with fellow undrafted rookies Kedrick Whitehead Jr. Which leaves the Bucs in need of another safety adept at blowing up a runner or route. “So I like having that freedom to roam around, be in the middle of the field and have that presence all over.” These 53 players will suit up for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Super Bowl 55. “I would say it’s similar to what I was doing last year, it’s just I’ll probably be in the middle of the field more,” Winfield said. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl 55 roster. is sliding back to free safety after spending a majority of 2022 as a slot corner. Moreover, the team still is smarting from Jordan Whitehead’s 2022 departure via free agency (to the Jets), and 2021 Pro Bowler Antoine Winfield Jr. Veteran Keanu Neal has departed (to the Steelers), and so has versatile ballhawk Mike Edwards (to the Chiefs). Tampa Bay could use a box safety capable of dislodging a bicuspid from time to time. Along with the Dolphins, Chargers, Jaguars, Giants, and Vikings, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the teams that Brinson predicts will take a step back this season. In that regard, Izien - to swipe a computer term - may have signed on at the ideal time. ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |