Opening Day Depth Chart Released
September 3rd, 2019
Will Gholston is one heck of a survivor.
The seventh-year defensive end/tackle out of Michigan State is on his fourth Buccaneers head coach and sixth defensive playcaller. That’s no big deal for a true NFL stud like Lavonte David, who was drafted by the Bucs a year before Gholston. But it is a significant accomplishment for a guy like Gholston, a 2013 fourth-round pick whose hasn’t been special very often.
Today, Gholston landed as a starting defensive end on the first official Buccaneers depth chart of the season, along with Ndamukong Suh and Vita Vea.
Gholston, who just turned 28, has never quite been the savage run stuffer he was in 2016. He has, however, grinded away and remade himself to be more of an interior option. It’s not the first time Gholston has reworked his body to try and get an edge.
No, Joe doesn’t expect a Pro Bowl year out of Gholston, but he deserves major survivor points. He’s also missed just eight games through six seasons.
Stuff that run, Sunday, Will!
Also of note on today’s depth chart are rookie Mike Edwards and Jordan Whitehead listed as starting safeties. That’ll be a huge test for Edwards, who missed most of preseason with a hamstring injury.
Nothing Joe would consider a surprise on the depth chart. Newly-acquired running back T.J. Logan is listed as the top kicker returner with Bobo Wilson returning punts.
September 3rd, 2019 at 3:27 pm
I for one believe in ya Will. Finally in that 3-4 scheme someone with his body type thrives in, I think this is your breakout player of the year.
September 3rd, 2019 at 3:28 pm
It seems like the Buccaneers always have one or two players that chronically under achieve that somehow stick to the roster for a decade.
Gholston, Spence, Stecker, Michael Clayton….
September 3rd, 2019 at 3:31 pm
It’ll be a miracle if he gets more than 3 sacks this season. I don’t want to hear about his run stuffing abilities when he’s been on historically bad defenses.
September 3rd, 2019 at 3:36 pm
Gholston takes care of his body. He’s not a complainer. He’s solid. He’s an integral part of the team. This is his opportunity. A lot of guys shine later in their careers.
September 3rd, 2019 at 3:37 pm
Will Gholston will get injured, so what matters is who is playing behind him, or if he can last long enough for JPP to return.
September 3rd, 2019 at 3:39 pm
Still don’t like that we got rid of O’Connor for Logan. We have all of 3 DEs now to rotate.
September 3rd, 2019 at 3:47 pm
Pugs&Bucs….you can also add Licht and Dominick to that list my men!!!!
September 3rd, 2019 at 3:58 pm
I am convinced that all these coaches who keep getting Gholston look at his size and believe they can do big things with him.
The best reason Gholston might still be here is because of all the coaches we have with each one thinking they could rise his game.
Gholston will be on that long list of names where if Bruce gets anything tangible from him it will point to how badly the previous coaching missued him.
Got a few players showing signs of life already but that means nothing if it isn’t backed up in real games………To be fair Gholston is actually on that list. I seem to remember him standing out in one of our game(think it was Browns game).
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:01 pm
you people counting on the nfl’s dumbest player ever jpp coming back and making a difference are laughable. you have a better chance of the tooth fairly leaving a hundo under your pillow tonight than that fool jpp making a difference for bucs this year.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:08 pm
Gholston should be a better 3-4 than he was a 4-3 end since he can just be, hopefully, a run stuffer. Because the way his deal was structured his salary was fairly low for someone that would probably start or be a top reserve for many teams (not just the lowly Bucs).
I’m OK with keeping him – and really there is no choice since there is no depth on the d-line.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:08 pm
Hey I went and checked out the depth charts and noticed Devonte Bond is not listed. Is there a reason for this? Did I miss something?
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:13 pm
OBP, I’d imagine Vea might kick out, at time, and Allen go to nose.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:17 pm
My things is why not have Nassib in Big Will’s
Spot and get me an more athletic backer in that spot
I assume that’s because Nassib hand is on the ground.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:21 pm
OBP Bill is right. Plus we got Nacho Roach who made the team. Nassib could probably also take some snaps their if they needed & possibly another OLB could as well.
O’Connor will likely be in the practise squad so if their is a injury they can just call him up.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:25 pm
I bet they wanted Logan in the team because he can make an impact on special teams. That means they are trying to get more value from that roster spot then a third stringers who probably won’t even get into the game.
Looking back at our special teams play the last few years I’m all in favor of upgrading.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:28 pm
We’re five days out of starting our first game and we’re slapping Gholston around. Talk about team building? I’m so excited.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Another thing that people are not considering is coaching in this entire equation. Let’s look week by week at the coaching matchup and who we would take:
Arains vs Shannhan (Arains)
Arains vs Rivera (Arains) x2
Arains vs Shumer (Arains)
Arains vs McVay ( McVay)
Arains vs Peyton ( Peyton) x2
Arains vs Vrabel (Arains)
Arains vs Carroll (Carroll)
Arains vs Kingsberry (Arains)
Arains vs Quinn (tossup) x2
Arains vs Martine (Arains)
Arains vs Reich (tossup)
Arains vs Patrica (Arains)
Arains vs BOB (Arains)
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:40 pm
He’s got a great work ethic but still a donkey.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:50 pm
NDog strikes again with dumb sheot. Do the same exercise by plugging in Apples McGoo (JW) against the QBs he will be playing against. Ra-ro: 4/12 at best. More like 2-12.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:53 pm
Cut BoBo Wilson and pick up another OLineman. Another thing: can a multi billion dollar franchise not train one of their minion players to perform long snapping duties. A waste of the 53 man roster.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:55 pm
I’m just ready to start real football. I slow down on the prognostications this time of year because preseason can be more misleading than leading on anything – especially whenever I’ve used preseason to plan fantasy football selections on breakout players or people who look like they suck – because those trends reverse a lot when real games matter.
One game our offense looked basically perfect. Perfect balance/execution/blocking in all phases on a perfect drive. The other games our offense couldn’t block worth a sh1t or do much of anything. The D has not got shredded by any 1st team units in preseason. That’s the biggest thing to me.
Just give us average D or better this year and it should be an exciting year.
GO BUCS!
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:55 pm
So you think guys with career losing records or one year in the league are better than a 2 NFL coach of the year? Of course you would, you’re wrong about everything else why stop now right Pittsidiot.
September 3rd, 2019 at 4:58 pm
Just saw O’Connor signed to the practice squad. Good for him..
September 3rd, 2019 at 5:01 pm
No Justin Evans?
September 3rd, 2019 at 5:20 pm
I give Will props for grinding, knowing he is not an elite Athlete like our QB, evidently, as stated previously. He is starting because JPP is down.
September 3rd, 2019 at 5:27 pm
Speaking for Pablo
“Pablo has laid low with embarrassment since Pablo’s Auguayo went loco…..Pablo was disappointed when the Bucs drafted a gay kicker to replaced Santos….(racists)…….Pablo is OK with the whole LGBT thing…..several times Pablo picked up a “lady” with an Adams apple on Dale Mabry only to be very surprised after a grope.
Pablo is, however excited by Nunes Roches…..Pablo will root for the big Chimichanga to punish some opposing RBs & QBs this year.”
September 3rd, 2019 at 5:28 pm
Mark2001-
Where did you see that? I looked to see if he cleared waivers and didn’t see him as one of the 10 players already on the practice squad. The Bucs official website lags on roster updates so maybe they cut someone on the PS to add O’Conner.
Maybe they can sneak him in as the International (Irish) player spot. 🙂
September 3rd, 2019 at 5:35 pm
even XFL general managers are embarrassed for Licht and Arains for that minor league roster / depth chart bucs are rolling with…
September 3rd, 2019 at 5:51 pm
Stangl…Greg Auman.. 1:36 pm. Twitter. Actually says verbatim…”Bucs are bringing DL Pat O’Connor, waived on Monday, back on the practice squad.”
September 3rd, 2019 at 6:05 pm
Bobo sucks!!!!
September 3rd, 2019 at 6:07 pm
And the semenholes suck even more!!!
September 3rd, 2019 at 6:24 pm
Can anyone tell me who the backup punt returner was to Bobo before we picked up Logan?
September 3rd, 2019 at 6:33 pm
Gholston is sub elite run stopper and damn good at it.
September 3rd, 2019 at 6:35 pm
Mark2001-
I see that Greg reported it may happen. I didn’t see that before. The speculation is that they’ll cut one of the 2 Rbs on the PS. I don’t think anything was been confirmed. Hopefully he clears waivers. Though I really like both Rbs Tony Brooks-James and Anderson. TBJ is got to be the odd guy out his skill set is most like TJ Logan who BA said today he was surprised that he was available because he heard he was having a great camp.
September 3rd, 2019 at 6:37 pm
life with the worst gm. Ya ya ya I know he didn’t draft him but he cant draft well enough to make him not be the starter.
September 3rd, 2019 at 6:39 pm
I’m a JBF Crack Whore.
Can you PLEASE post something else?
This is old and tired.
Yawn.
September 3rd, 2019 at 6:41 pm
I’m really surprised we kept Jordan Leggett on the PS with 4 TEs….perhaps we may trade a TE…..or he has ST skills we like…..we was a pretty good player.
I believe Miller may end up on the PS….we may still pick up another player or two in the next week.
September 3rd, 2019 at 6:51 pm
The guy does what is asked of him, never complains, keeps grinding. I hope this is his year.
September 3rd, 2019 at 7:02 pm
@tbbf: TE on the practice squad is developmental. I doubt Brate is a Buc in 2020, too spendy.
September 3rd, 2019 at 7:09 pm
Jimmy jack-
Bond is listed behind OLB Barrett on the depth chart.
September 3rd, 2019 at 7:10 pm
I just have one question. When do the eternally negative nancies actually shut the ______ up and actually root for our players and coaches to do well? Will it be five minutes before kickoff, will be at the touching of toe to leather, will it be once we get our first lead or will it be never cause they would rather be correct than have us win. I think we all know the answer and it will be fun to see.
September 3rd, 2019 at 7:15 pm
It’s nice to see another name added to the list of possible breakout players for this year by a fan. Do you suppose coaching will make a real difference this year?
Also I note that the Buccaneers have not changed the listed weights of any players since the off season ended. I had read that they set weight targets for everyone projected to play this year. There were several that were supposed to bulk up. Do you suppose the Buccaneers are concealing something from the opponents in order to gain a slight edge with a bit of surprise early in this season?
____________
Go Bucs!!!
September 3rd, 2019 at 7:17 pm
Ndog
Ill gladly shut up when they earn respect on the field by winning. putting opponents away without collapsing like mentally weak pansy arses. I want a throat stomper when the game is on the line … the bucs players have been a complete embarrassment to themselves, football, sports and mankind in general the results prove that. They need to shut up, man up and win…. no excuses just win. Being better is not good enough
September 3rd, 2019 at 7:46 pm
NDog, quit yer cryin.
One doesn’t have to blindly have unbridled optimism toward the Bucs to be a fan. Many of us are just much more realistic in our expectations.
It doesn’t matter how many times Arians won coach of the year. It’s all about PERSONNEL and this team has too many holes.
Did you not see that practically every NFL expert/analyst has predicted the Bucs to STINK again this year, regardless of the coaches? Don’t you think that’s for a reason??
Could the Bucs shock the league and have a winning season and playoff run? Of course, any team could. But the odds are very against that happening.
Do yourself a favor and bring your expectations down a few notches or you’re going to be severely depressed this season.
September 3rd, 2019 at 7:53 pm
NDog,
I agree 100%. There are way too many fans more concerned about saying I told you so then routing for the Bucs to do well. Fans are completely obsessed with us sucking this year to the point of being unrealistic. New starters almost all the way across the D minus the dancing clown show I’m calling for big improvement. They have cut the head off of the red headed chickens and added some aggressive roosters. Get ready for a C@ck fight this year instead of the usual role over and play dead opossum culture that’s poisoned the locker room and the fans as well.
September 3rd, 2019 at 7:57 pm
Eeyore:
A person who perennially expects the worst; a pessimist; inspired by the woebegone donkey in children’s classic Winnie the Pooh.
He was an eeyore who seemed to live his life under a cloud of gloom.
Many a Bucs fan I’d say.
September 3rd, 2019 at 7:59 pm
Each to their own…I like to feel positively about the team, and when they overcome the low expectations of the naysayers, it is all the sweeter. I don’t know how they handle it when the team exceeds expectations, because in my experience, I’d rather be wrong about a team I care about falling short of a good outcome, than say I told you so when the result is bad. But then, to the team, how we think really doesn’t mean a hill of bull. That being said, go Bucs.
September 3rd, 2019 at 8:14 pm
We all know how much time and effort those national pundits put into studying the Bucs this season prior to giving their predictions. Just yesterday I heard one say that Mike Evans was going to have a bad year because the Bucs lost their only other receiving options with no viable replacements. No Godwin, OJ Howard, healthy Brate and addition of Perriman. National media just looks at last years record and maybe the draft. They no nothing about small market team like the Bucs.
Bucs fans or anybody who are negative and cynical are just lazy and have low character whatever the excuse. It’s the easy way out and is just weak.
September 3rd, 2019 at 8:28 pm
Hear, hear! Stanglassman,
We have a true NFL class head coach and staff this year. Culture change is occurring before our very eyes. Let the season begin!
I BA we trust.
________________
Go Bucs!!!
P.S. Some here will soon learn the meaning of “That’s why they play the games!”.
September 3rd, 2019 at 8:38 pm
Took an A$$ load of Alpha males to change the origional losing culture of this organization back in the late 90’s. The losing culture began again when someone decided finesse players were the way to go. Starting with the bad Dexter Jackson in round 2 followed by I can’t take a hit Jonathan Banks and the lets help the opposing team up dancing clown McCoy. There is another 30 – 40 of the same players that have been drafted or picked up.
September 3rd, 2019 at 8:50 pm
To licht or any future GM find a talented player with a hockey player mentality and he’s the one you want. I have yet to figure out how one man could get his face slashed open and his teeth knocked out and return 30 minutes later. Yet there are NFL players who cry with a sprained ankle or pulled hammy.
September 3rd, 2019 at 9:08 pm
The bottom line in the nfl your season is a failure without a playoff win. Just making playoffs and losing in first round is failure and proof you did not belong in postseason in the first damn place….