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NFL training camp 2015: Priming all 32 teams

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Philadelphia Eagles head coach Chip Kelly before the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) works out for rookie mini camp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Overview

There was plenty of excitement surrounding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers this time last year. The franchise had hired Lovie Smith as head coach and brought in a truckload of free agents including Josh McCown, Michael Johnson and Alterraun Verner. While Verner proved a solid signing, the other two were complete disasters and ended up released after the season.

The 2014 Buccaneers were terrible with a 2-14 mark, but it may have worked out beautifully for the long-term plan. Tampa Bay earned the top pick in the NFL Draft and nabbed Heisman Trophy winner and national champion, Jameis Winston. Winston will give the Buccaneers a franchise quarterback and potentially, hope for the next dozen years.

Major Battle

Safety is a crammer place for Tampa Bay. Major Wright and Bradley McDougald saw plenty of time last year, but have some new competition with free-agent signings Chris Conte and D.J. Swearinger. Both have been serviceable players throughout their careers, and probably slot ahead of McDougald. Still, who is the odd man out between the other three?

Expectations

Why can’t the Buccaneers compete for the division title? Doubters will point to a 2-14 record last year, but we have seen teams turn it around recently after recording that exact record. The Indianapolis Colts went from 2-14 to 11-5 and a playoff berth in 2013, while the Kansas City Chiefs can say the same about 2014. Last year, the Houston Texans improved to 9-7 and narrowly missed the postseason. It’s very possible.

Next: Seattle Seahawks

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