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Kickoff Primer: An instant guide to the 2016 Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Joe Robbins / Getty Images Sport / Getty

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2015 Record 2015 Finish
6-10 4th in NFC South

Coaching Staff

Head Coach: Dirk Koetter
Offensive Coordinator: Todd Monken
Defensive Coordinator: Mike Smith

Key Additions

  • CB Brent Grimes
  • CB Vernon Hargreaves (1st round)
  • LG J.R. Sweezy
  • LB Daryl Smith
  • DE Robert Ayers
  • K Roberto Aguayo (2nd round)
  • DE Noah Spence (2nd round)

Key Departures

  • LB Bruce Carter
  • S D.J. Swearinger
  • S Major Wright
  • K Connor Barth

Preseason Power Ranking - #26

Lots of positive buzz around Jameis Winston heading into his second season, but it's still just that - his second season. More ...

Projected Starting Lineup

Position Starter
WR Mike Evans
WR Vincent Jackson
WR Adam Humphries
LT Donovan Smith
LG J.R. Sweezy
C Joe Hawley
RG Ali Marpet
RT Demar Dotson
TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins
QB Jameis Winston
RB Doug Martin
Position Starter
DE Robert Ayers
DT Gerald McCoy
DT Clinton McDonald
DE William Gholston
OLB Lavonte David
ILB Kwon Alexander
OLB Daryl Smith
CB Brent Grimes
SS Bradley McDougald
FS Chris Conte
CB Alterraun Verner

Questions to Answer

  • Is Winston positioned for a sophomore slump?
  • How will Koetter fare as an NFL head coach?
  • Who will rush the passer from the end positions?

Best-case Scenario

A second season in Koetter's offense allows Winston to shine. He connects with Mike Evans for 10-plus touchdowns and the Bucs win enough shootouts to squeak into the final wild-card spot.

Worst-case Scenario

A lot can go wrong in Tampa. If the offensive line is a sieve, the defensive line again leaves Gerald McCoy out to dry, Doug Martin reverts to his 2014 form, and Winston's play elicits doubts, the Bucs will be drafting in the top 10, again.

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