Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 To Watch vs. Bengals

Nov 30, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans strong safety D.J. Swearinger (36) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Tennessee Titans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

SS D.J. Swearinger

As of right now, former Houston Texans brief second-round bust D.J. Swearinger is on the second team, as veteran Major Wright is currently penciled in as the Buccaneers starting strong safety. Wright is the safer and more experienced option, but Swearinger has been busy making some noise due to his playmaking ability and intense style of play.

Buccaneers official site beat writer Scott Smith passed along a comment from Smith on Swearinger, stating that the former South Carolina star put in three straight strong practices this week with “at least” two interceptions. Aside from the fact that the Bucs head coach and defensive play-caller can’t count, the takeaway here is that Swearinger is, as some expected, pushing for a starting job.

Preseason games don’t mean anything, but they mean an awful lot for a guy like Swearinger, because we all know he’s capable of making huge plays in practice, whether it’s a pick or a big hit; that’s his forte. The problem for Swearinger is that he makes far too many mistakes (whether they be blown assignments, bad angles, or missed tackles) in games, which is, in addition to off-field issues, why the Texans gave up on him despite his talent.

Next: The Possible Breakout Star