Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Expectations for D.J. Swearinger

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a key addition to their defense this off-season when they claimed third-year safety D.J. Swearinger off of waivers. In his previous two seasons with the Houston Texans, the 23 year-old Swearinger played in all 32 games with 22 starts. Following his departure from Houston, as many as eight NFL teams were seeking the services of Swearinger according to ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Wilkening.

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ defensive backfield is moving in a new direction following their failed experiment with Mark Barron and the recent trade of Dashon Goldson. That being said, what exactly does D.J. Swearinger bring to Tampa Bay’s defense? In my view, the key ingredients that Swearinger brings is an infusion of youth, attitude, and swagger. Very comfortable playing near the line of scrimmage, I envision Swearinger’s physical style of play setting a new tone for the previously soft Bucs’ defense.

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In watching Swearinger’s NFL game film, I also noticed constant communication with his teammates. To me, this is a signal that Swearinger could provide much needed leadership qualities to a Tampa Bay defensive unit that was pushed around at will last season. In fact, the Buccaneers finished a dreadful 25th in the NFL last year in points and yards allowed.

On the down side, I don’t view D.J. Swearinger as having the ability to come up with big plays such as turnovers or sacks. The former second-team SEC performer can disappear for stretches as he has just three interceptions and one sack on his NFL resume. While Swearinger has good athletic skills, I don’t think of him as an elite athlete with excellent range that can make plays all over the field. Instead, I project Swearinger as a solid starter and a good contributor, but not a game changer.

It should be noted that Swearinger’s hard hitting style of play also brings the reputation of being dirty. While a collegiate player at the University of South Carolina, Swearinger was suspended for one game during his senior season for an illegal hit on a defenseless receiver. Swearinger also drew the ire of Denver Broncos’ quarterback Peyton Manning during a 2014 pre-season game. Manning personally confronted Swearinger after the young safety administered a jarring hit to the helmet of former Broncos’ receiver Wes Welker.

Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Wes Welker (83) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Former Miami Dolphins’ tight end Dustin Keller has also been on Swearinger’s hit list during the pre-season. In 2013, Keller suffered a dislocated knee and several torn ligaments after being chopped down by Swearinger in the open field. Although Swearinger has been involved in some high profile situations where he has seriously injured his opponents, I feel that these occurrences simply reflect the cost of doing business in the brutal world of the NFL.

Acquiring a player with the reputation of being dirty may not be such a bad idea for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. As a floundering franchise that has just six victories in the last two seasons, the Buccaneers desperately need an enforcer like Swearinger to patrol the middle of the field with fire, passion, and intensity. Even if Swearinger does collect a few personal foul penalties along the way, it will send a message to the opposition that this Bucs’ defense is not to be taken lightly any longer.

May 28, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Danny Lansanah (51), linebacker Khaseem Greene (4), outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) and outside linebacker Orie Lemon (45) works out at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

In conclusion, I think Tampa Bay’s defense is moving in the right direction. The Bucs were getting long in the tooth at the safety position as they shipped off the 30 year-old Goldson to Washington. Swearinger looks like he could become a younger version of Goldson with slightly more upside. I’m not expecting Swearinger to become the next John Lynch, but I do think his youth and physicality will provide stability to a recently unstable position for the Bucs.

Next: Expectations for Charles Sims

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