Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 5 X-factor players for Week 1 vs. Saints

1. Antoine Winfield Jr., Safety

Antoine Winfield Jr. is entering his first NFL game with a surprising rise to the top of the depth chart. He did impress in training camp and he took advantage of every opportunity he had. Winfield showed ball-hawking skills in college with seven interceptions in his final season.

It is likely the Buccaneers are seeking this ability because they were lacking in the secondary last season. If Winfield could help produce a game-changing turnover or two, it would probably be the difference in a win or loss for the Buccaneers.

Additionally, Winfield showed the ability to cover all sorts of players in college including working as a slot cornerback. This is important for the Buccaneers defense and my guess is he will get some opportunities to cover Alvin Kamara in Sunday’s game. If he is able to neutralize Kamara at all, this would be a big win for the Buccaneers.

There aren’t many safeties who can get matched up one-on-one with Kamara and have their team feel happy about it. Slowing him down with just one player will allow the Buccaneers defense to send additional help to Michael Thomas or to send additional pressure at Drew Brees.