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Quick Observations From Training Camp 7/28

There was quite a bit of activity during the first day of padded practice.

NFL: Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Training Camp
Football is officially back
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Vernon Hargreaves III is on the sidelines.

After lacerating his shin in practice Friday, Tampa Bay’s first-round pick from 2016 was a bystander in practice today. While the injury isn’t deemed as severe as Brent Grimes’ injury last season - he’s expected to miss a few days - it’s not good for Hargreaves III, who is trying to keep his starting job. Add in the fact that M.J. Stewart had a very good day on the inside, it’s clear that Hargreaves needs to get on the field as quickly as possible.

2. Demar Dotson is eased in.

Parallel to Dirk Koetter’s comments yesterday, Dotson was on the field during walkthroughs, but was absent during 11-on-11 drills. It’s clear the Bucs are approaching this situation cautiously and that’s what needs to happen at this point.

3. M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis look good.

As noted earlier, Stewart took full advantage of Hargreaves’ absence. Davis played more with the backups than anything, but showed impressive physicality and good movement.

4. The Bucs are playing JPP everywhere.

It’s already been discussed how the Bucs had JPP previously on the inside of the defensive line the last couple of days, but what about at stand-up edge rusher? During walkthroughs, he was lined up on the edge while the Bucs had down defensive linemen. Whatever the Bucs have in store, it’s exciting to think they can move a player of his caliber around like this. Hopefully the thinking is that they have plenty of depth elsewhere to use JPP in advantageous situations.

5. Mike Evans is still the man (no surprise).

Evans owned the day, which is to be expected. Chris Godwin made a nice grab today while Desean Jackson had his big touchdown on Friday, so things are looking good in the wideout department at the moment.