Kwon Alexander impressing Bucs Staff

The Buccaneers clearly went into the 2015 offseason with the intention of spiking depth on the defensive side of the ball through free agency, knowing they were going to use their premium draft picks to address key holes on offense. Free agency (and one trade) brought a key addition at every spot on the defense: safety Chris Conte, cornerback Sterling Moore, linebacker Bruce Carter, defensive tackle Henry Melton and defensive end George Johnson. That freed the Bucs to use their first three picks in the draft on quarterback Jameis Winston and two new blockers for him, Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet.

As such, there were surely some defensive players in the draft the Bucs coveted but knew they couldn't acquire. That's likely how they felt about LSU outside linebacker Kwon Alexander, who was high on their board at that position. When Alexander lasted into Day Three, the Buccaneers traded up a handful of spots to make sure they landed him. Since Carter was signed to play in the middle and weakside linebacker Lavonte David is about as entrenched a player can be on Tampa Bay's depth chart, Alexander was initially viewed as a competitor for the strongside spot.

The incumbent there is Danny Lansanah, insomuch that Lansanah started at all the linebacker spots last year and started the offseason focusing on the strong side. Lansanah's obvious versatility would also make him the ideal backup if Alexander were to win the SAM job.

Upon further review, Alexander may offer the Buccaneers the same kind of multi-position depth assistance. Smith pointed out on Tuesday that Alexander has been seeing plenty of reps at a spot other than SAM, and that he's been a nice surprise in a new role.

"It’s hard for a young player at any position, but we’ve been playing Kwon at MIKE linebacker a little bit, and that really is [difficult] – making all the calls and all that good stuff," said Smith, referring to the middle linebacker spot. "He’s picked it up well. We do like his athletic ability; that’s why we drafted him. We had him ranked pretty high as a linebacker. We didn’t think we would have an opportunity to really get him here, but we’re pleased with what he’s done."

The Buccaneers have used the offseason not only to install their offensive, defensive and special teams playbooks but also to try out a number of combinations at various position groups. That has been most obvious on the offensive line and at safety, but the experimentation has been going on all over the field. In training camp, the depth chart will really start to take form, and Alexander's versatility could help the coaching staff with some difficult decisions.

"A lot of information has gone his way," said Smith. "He needs that break now to kind of digest some of the stuff we’ve given him and get ready to come back. He’s going to help us a lot this coming season."