NFL 2022: One undrafted free agent from every team that could make the roster
By Randy Gurzi
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: J.J. Russell, LB, Memphis
player. Scouting Report. LB. Memphis. LB. Pick Analysis. J.J. Russell. 48
For a few weeks during the offseason, it seemed the Tampa Bay Buccaneers would no longer be legit contenders. That’s because Tom Brady had announced he retired, which came after he denounced reports that he was retiring.
Then, he suddenly changed course and decided to return, which again makes Tampa a dangerous team in the NFC.
While the rest of the NFL respects Brady, there were probably a few teams happy to see him go, since it could have opened the door for others. But that’s not going to be the case — but it doesn’t mean there won’t be some change in Tampa.
The Bucs said goodbye to a couple of big-name players on both sides of the ball, including pass-rusher Jason Pierre-Paul and defensive lineman Ndamukong Suh. They have the depth to replace these players including two recent early picks in Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Logan Hall. They also added Akiem Hicks in free agency.
As good as their pass rushers and defensive linemen are, the Bucs could use some more depth at inside linebacker behind Devin White and Lavonte David. This is where former Memphis linebacker J.J. Russell might be able to find a spot with Tampa Bay.
Russell is an undersized linebacker at 6-foot-1 and 225-pounds but he exploded in 2021 with 123 tackles — which came after three straight seasons with 58.
His nose for the ball will help him at the next level and his size shouldn’t be a major factor with all the big bodies around him on the Bucs’ defense.