Key Battles to Watch: Barton's Bucs and Jaguars Practice Showdowns

As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear up for their preseason clash with the Jacksonville Jaguars , the joint practice sessions leading up to the game promise to be even more intense. These practices will feature the starters from both teams facing off in full pads, providing a valuable opportunity to evaluate player progress and identify emerging talents. Here are the key battles to watch as the Buccaneers and Jaguars take the practice field.

One of the most anticipated matchups will be between Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum and Jaguars rookie wide receiver Brian Thomas Jr . Thomas, a first-round pick, has quickly made a name for himself during the preseason, including an impressive catch against the Kansas City Chiefs. McCollum, known for his exceptional physical attributes, has shown promise in Tampa Bay's training camp. However, his consistency on the field has been a concern in recent seasons. The matchup against the talented Thomas will be a critical test for McCollum, who is looking to solidify his role in the Buccaneers' secondary.

Another intriguing battle will take place in the trenches, where Buccaneers center Graham Barton will face off against Jaguars defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton . Barton had a strong showing in his preseason debut against the Cincinnati Bengals, but much of his success came against non-starters. In this joint practice, Barton will have the opportunity to compete against Hamilton, a formidable opponent who is returning to form after being limited by an infection in 2023. Hamilton, who recorded 56 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2022, will provide a challenging test for Barton as he adjusts to starting reps against NFL-caliber competition.

These joint practices are more than just a tune-up for the preseason game; they offer a critical evaluation period for players like McCollum and Barton, who are vying for key roles on the Buccaneers' roster. As the competition heats up, these battles will be crucial in determining which players are ready to step up when the regular season arrives.