With Friday's preseason opener at Miami looming, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers released an initial depth chart on Tuesday morning, giving a first indication of who coach Greg Schiano views as the early leaders in multiple key position battles.
There were few, if any, surprises on the depth chart. LeGarrette Blount was listed ahead of rookie Doug Martin at running back, while Roy Miller has the official early edge over Gary Gibson and Frank Okam at nose tackle.
The team's first-round draft pick, Mark Barron from Alabama, is listed as the starter at strong safety. Another rookie, Nebraska's Lavonte David, is at the top end of the depth chart at weak-side linebacker. Other new additions to the roster making prominent appearances include free agent acquisitions Vincent Jackson and Dallas Clark, who are unsurprising starters at wide receiver and tight end, respectively.
With secondary depth a concern, Schiano placed E.J. Biggers and Anthony Gaitor as second-team cornerbacks, behind Aqib Talib and Eric Wright, respectively. All told, seven of the 12 players in the three-deep roster at the cornerback and safety positions have three or fewer seasons of NFL experience.
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis from Tampa Bay Bucs blogger Patrick Southern, follow @CBSSportsNFLTB.
