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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Projected starting defense for 2020

By Jordan Llanes

TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is sacked by Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 29: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons is sacked by Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

The 2020 offseason has brought many changes for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers but the starting defense should largely look the same as it did a season ago.

Going into the 2020 regular season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are all in. Adding quarterback Tom Brady, tight end Rob Gronkowski and offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs to an already strong offense makes that side even more lethal.

However, the re-signings on defense, along with arguably one of the draft’s biggest steals in the second round, gives defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ unit a jolt and makes that group that much stronger heading into next season.

Let’s take a look at who should start on that side of the ball for the Buccaneers come Week 1.

Defensive Line: Ndamukong Suh, Vita Vea, William Gholston

In Bowles’ scheme, it all starts up front. The defensive line sets the tone and seeks to dominate the trenches. Well, they did their job last year. The Bucs finished first overall in run defense, only allowing an average of 73.8 yards per game. That’s in large part to the effect that Ndamukong Suh had.

The former No. 2 overall pick isn’t as dominant as he used to be, but he still had a strong first year in red and pewter. That’s why he was brought back on another one year deal by general manager Jason Licht.

Furthermore, his mentorship of Vita Vea, the Bucs’ 2018 first-round pick, allowed the former Washington Husky to reach the next stage of his development during his second campaign. He had 35 tackles and 2.5 sacks at the nose tackle position and he consistently caused problems for opposing centers and guards. Whenever opposing teams would try and get their interior rushing game going, Vea was the main reason why it didn’t happen.

William Gholston continues to provide steady play from the other defensive end spot. The former fourth-rounder plays with a high motor and is a great defender against the run as well. He may not be the biggest sack artist, but that’s not his job. That’s the job of the next position group.

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