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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 Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

Cornerbacks: Sean Murphy-Bunting, Carlton Davis

After a couple of misses, such as former first-rounder Vernon Hargreaves III, it looks like Licht might have finally found his starting corners. Both Sean Murphy-Bunting and Carlton Davis were second-rounders taken in the last three drafts and each of them grew as the season progressed last year.

Murphy-Bunting was the Bucs’ second-rounder in the 2019 draft and he had a solid rookie season. On the year, he notched 44 combined tackles, a sack, forced fumble, three interceptions and eight passes defended. He even had a pick-six that sealed the 38-17 win in Detroit, the Bucs’ last victory of 2019. He’s fast and instinctual and should continue to improve in his second season.

Davis had a rough rookie year in 2018, but also vastly improved last season. The third-year man out of Auburn notched 60 combined tackles, a forced fumble, an interception and 19 passes defended. His lone interception of 2019 was one of the contributing factors in the win at division rival Atlanta. While the Bucs may have missed with fellow 2018 second-rounder M.J. Stewart, Davis is paying off quite well thus far.

When they go into the nickel defense, look for second-year man Jamel Dean to play the slot. He’s also fast, running a 4.30-second time at the 2019 NFL Combine, and tough. Furthermore, he’s another young corner that improved as the 2019 season progressed.

Hopefully, all three of these young corners continue to get better in 2020 and provide the Bucs with a strong secondary to go with their elite front seven.

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