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5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Who Must Step Up During 2015 OTAs

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Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Who Must Step Up During 2015 OTAs

Lovie Smith
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Lovie Smith and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are expected to take another step forward towards playoff contention during the 2015 season. It has been a long time since they were considered legitimate contenders, but that is beginning to change. They have had an exciting offseason, but still need their entire roster playing well in order to take the next step.

5. Leonard Johnson, Cornerback

Leonard Johnson
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

5. Leonard Johnson, Cornerback

Leonard Johnson
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are excited about their defense this upcoming season, and Leonard Johnson is going to need to prove that he can be a big piece of it. He had a big season last year, recording 45 tackles, four forced fumbles, an interception and four defensed passes. Obviously he'll need to step up and prove himself this offseason, but the potential is there for him to become a star in 2015.

4. Williams Gholston, Defensive End

William Gholston
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4. Williams Gholston, Defensive End

Williams Gholston
Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Williams Gholston was a fourth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and he has begun working his way into a big role. Last year, he ended up recording 41 tackles and 2.0 sacks last year. Needless to say, there are plenty of ways that he can improve his game in order to work his way into an even bigger role in 2015.

3. Mike Glennon, Quarterback

Mike Glennon
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

3. Mike Glennon, Quarterback

Mike Glennon
Ron Schwane-USA TODAY Sports

Perhaps the most intriguing player to keep an eye on during OTAs this offseason is quarterback Mike Glennon. Jameis Winston is the starting quarterback without question, but Glennon is playing to secure the primary backup job and also to interest other teams in the future. If he can prove himself and keep improving, there is no doubt that another team is going to give him a chance at starting at some point in the future.

2. Doug Martin, Running Back

Doug Martin
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2. Doug Martin, Running Back

Doug Martin
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The running back position is going to be a very intriguing one to keep an eye on moving forward. Doug Martin came out strong in his rookie season, but has yet to show anything since then and could very well end up losing his job. If he doesn't come out strong this offseason, he could very well end up sitting on the bench or even being traded.

1. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tight End

Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

1. Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Tight End

Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Finally, the player with the most to prove and biggest reason to step up in OTAs is tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins. He caught 21 passes for 221 yards and two touchdowns during his rookie season last year in nine games, and is ready to take the next step this year. Making those strides this offseason would be a big step in the right direction, and he needs to prove that he is capable of doing that to the Buccaneers.

Evan Massey is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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