Buccaneers 53-man roster prediction: final edition

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished their preseason last night, beating the Miami Dolphins 22-17 and giving a lot of backups one final chance to make the roster. Most of the decisions had already been made at that point, but a few players may have earned their roster spots -- primarily on special teams, because that's where roster bubble players have to stand out.

So let's get to it, and go through a final 53-man roster prediction. Who's in and who's out?

Offense (26)

Quarterback (2): Jameis Winston, Mike Glennon

Seth Lobato can spend some more time on the practice squad.

Running back (5): Doug Martin, Charles Sims, Bobby Rainey, Mike James, Jorvorskie Lane

No need for the Bucs to cut anyone here, really. The fact that Lane wasn't asked to play yesterday likely means he's already made the roster, and the Bucs do seem to want to play with a fullback.

Wide receiver (6): Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans, Louis Murphy, Russell Shepard, Kenny Bell, Adam Humphries

Humphries can be the team's primary punt returner and brings a new dimension to the receiving corps. Bell hasn't done much as a receiver, but his potential, draft status and special teams contributions still earn him a roster spot.

Tight end (3): Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Luke Stocker, Brandon Myers

Cameron Brate hasn't done enough to earn a roster spot.

Offensive line (10): Donovan Smith, Logan Mankins, Evan Smith, Ali Marpet, Demar Dotson, Gosder Cherilus, Kevin Pamphile, Kadeem Edwards, Jeremiah Warren, Edawn Coughman.

Some tough decisions, here. Donovan Smith's short-term injury may force the Bucs to carry an extra tackle in Edawn Coughman, though Gilkey's knee injury makes the interior line decision a little easier. Jeremiah Warren makes it because he can snap the ball, but I wouldn't be surprised if Matthew Masifilo bumped off him or Edwards.

Defense (24)

Defensive tackle (5): Gerald McCoy, Clinton McDonald, Henry Melton, Tony McDaniel, William Gholston

The first four are easy, Gholston gets a spot because he can play defensive end, too, as can Henry Melton. Da'Quan Bowers might sneak in ahead of Gholston, as Bowers has had a pretty decent preseason.

Defensive end (4): Jacquies Smith, George Johnson, T.J. Fatinikun, Lawrence Sidbury Jr.

The Bucs have no depth here with Larry English going down, and they really should keep another defensive end as Fatinikun left yesterday's game with an injury as well. They don't have anyone though -- undrafted rookie Ryan Delaire hasn't done anything at all. They're probably going to pick up a  player or two off waivers here.

Linebacker (5): Lavonte David, Kwon Alexander, Danny Lansanah, Bruce Carter, Jason Williams

Khaseem Greene has had two massive splash plays this preseason, but Williams is a veteran presence and terrific special teams player. This is a tough choice, but I think it goes to Williams.

Cornerback (5): Alterraun Verner, Johnthan Banks, Tim Jennings, Sterling Moore, Mike Jenkins

Easy decisions here, though I wouldn't be entirely shocked if Jude Adjei-Barimah finds a way to hang on to a roster spot, or at least get a practice squad invitation.

Safety (5): Bradley McDougald, Major Wright, D.J. Swearinger, Chris Conte, Keith Tandy

The first four are obvious. Tandy's on the roster bubble and could well make it before being waived on Sunday after the Bucs pick up some new players. He's played reasonably well this preseason and he does keep finding the ball, but it's hard to see how he's going to get on the field this year.

Specialists (3): P Jacob Schum, K Kyle Brindza, LS Andrew DePaola

Not particularly close.