Skip to main content
Advertising

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

5 Things to Watch at Final OTA Practice

Storylines to follow at the Bucs' final OTA practice on Thursday.

Photos of rookie quarterback Jameis Winston at Buccaneers OTAs.

Related Links

Articles

Photos

Videos

[

clay-story.jpg

](http://www.buccaneers.com/news/index.html)



1. Does Jameis Winston work with the first team?
There have been two OTA practices open to the media this offseason, and Jameis Winston hasn't worked with the first-team offense during either. It should be noted, though, that Winston was at the NFLPA Rookie Premiere during the Bucs' first open practice. But just because Winston hasn't worked with the first-team offense in front of the media doesn't mean he hasn't worked with the starters. Head Coach Lovie Smith said, "Jameis is getting his first-team reps. You guys are here on Thursday. There's Wednesday and he was with the first group then. Don't look too much into that." Still, if Winston runs with the ones, it will be the first time reporters have seen him in live action with the Bucs' starters.

2. How does Kaelin Clay look on offense?
There are a handful of very talented receivers on the Bucs' roster. Sometimes, for a rookie in a crowded position room, special teams is the deciding factor as to whether or not they make the 53-man roster. Last week, Clay was the first player back returning. Winning that job could help his status, but he'll need to produce on offense, too. It will be interesting to see Clay's role within the Bucs' offense on Thursday.

3. Can Spencer Lanning out-kick Michael Koenen?
On Tuesday, the Bucs claimed punter Spencer Lanning off of waivers to compete with Koenen, the Bucs' starter from a year ago. As far as the numbers are concerned, Lanning had a better season than Koenen a year ago. And Lanning probably would still be the starter in Cleveland had the Browns not traded for multiple-time Pro Bowler, Andy Lee. Reporters will be able to compare them side-by-side for the first time on Thursday.

**

  1. Who's calling the plays on defense?**
    The play-calling duties usually fall on the middle linebacker in a 4-3 defense but Bruce Carter, the front-runner for the inside linebacker job, has only been in Tampa for a few months. Is Lavonte David calling the plays on defense? Or is it another player?

5. Which undrafted free agents stood out during OTAs?
The Bucs brought in handful of undrafted players after the draft, all of whom are battling for an invitation to training camp and a bid for the 53-man roster. Earlier this week, Buccaneers.com Senior Writer Scott Smith pointed out that running back Dominique Brown has been looking sharp in practice. But which other players have helped their stock during OTAs?

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Latest Headlines

Advertising