TAMPA, Fla. -- We conclude our pre-camp position-by-position overview with a look at special teams.
One of the most compelling competitions of the entire camp will be at punter. Incumbent Michael Koenen finished last in the league in punting last season. The Bucs brought in Spencer Lanning, who was with Cleveland the last two seasons. Lanning averaged 43.8 yards per punt last year.
There isn’t nearly as much intrigue at kicker. Patrick Murray should have no problem hanging onto his job after making 20 of 24 field goal attempts last season.
The Bucs are hoping to get more out of the return game than they did last year. That’s why they drafted Kaelin Clay. He’s the favorite to handle kickoff and punt returns. Fellow rookie Kenny Bell and running back Bobby Rainey also have ability as returners.
Andrew DePaola did a solid job as the long-snapper last season. But he’ll need to hold off a camp challenge from rookie Courtland Clavette.
