K.J. Britt Has Cut Weight, Gets Ready — And Praise — For Enhanced Role
July 28th, 2022
Our beloved Buccaneers have very quietly put a lot on the back of 2020 fifth-round pick linebacker K.J. Britt.
Joe talked to Britt yesterday.
Britt is set to replace departed Kevin Minter in the Bucs’ lineup. That might not seem like a big deal, but Minter made multiple starts the last couple of years for Lavonte David and Devin White, and last year Minter took more than 300 snaps on defense. He also was a special teams captain.
Britt was a special teams standout last season, and Lavonte David said yesterday that Britt’s development on defense has made him a respected man inside the walls of One Buc Palace. David sat out the Bucs’ offseason program while nursing his bad foot. It was Britt who shined, David said, as his replacement through his overall spring work, command confidence, albeit without pads.
Joe asked Britt about stepping up for Minter, and he didn’t want to go there. Britt’s got that “one-day-at-a-time” mentality. But he did talk about losing weight in the offseason down to 237 pounds.
“I tried to get my body more lean so I can be faster and explosive,” Britt said.
Britt weighed more in college, he said. Speed was a knock on Britt coming out of Auburn University.
As most second-year guys will say, Britt added that the game has slowed down for him a ton since last season.
Joe is excited to see what Britt looks like in preseason, where Joe doesn’t expect David to get much work. How cool would it be if general manager Jason Licht found a solid but still developing starter in Round 5!
July 28th, 2022 at 9:11 am
Britt also stood out on special teams, he and Grant Stuard are like our version of the Bash bros. It’d be awesome to have him step into that role, hopefully we wont NEED him to this season so he can keep polishing his game.
July 28th, 2022 at 9:12 am
I’m bias, but I like players coming out of the SEC. Knowing what you’re doing, and being able to make the play when it’s there is more important to me than being a tick to slow. looking forward to seeing him, and Stuard this preseason.
July 28th, 2022 at 9:17 am
Sooo glad our coaching staff these days know how to develop players.
July 28th, 2022 at 9:22 am
Nothing against KJ, but is being a ST captain for the Bucs a compliment?
July 28th, 2022 at 9:43 am
I haven’t seen enough of Britt to know if he’ll eventually be a starter, but both he and Grant Stuard are special teams beasts.
Stuard, unfortunately, will never be a starter. While I LOVE his crazy, 100-mph-with-his-hair-on-fire play on special teams, his lack of lateral movement kills any chance of being a starting LB in the NFL. I wonder if he could be switched the strong safety?
July 28th, 2022 at 10:38 am
Britt was a stud in college but we all know that sometimes doesn’t translate. He has been good on special teams though and I’ve seen glimpses of him late in games during mop up time as well. Fingers crossed.
July 28th, 2022 at 10:56 am
I guess he isn’t gonna play center then
July 28th, 2022 at 11:24 am
I liked what I saw of him last year but would still like it more if Licht made a fortification signing before September. Someone that can play will be released, it always happens .