The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for OTAs later this month, and while the starting lineup is still taking shape, Bleacher Report has released its projections for all 32 NFL teams—and there's plenty of drama brewing in Tampa.

The Bucs have seen some major roster shakeups this offseason. Wide receiver Mike Evans departed for San Francisco on a massive $60 million deal, while legendary linebacker Lavonte David hung up his cleats for good. That leaves two key vacancies, and while second-year receiver Emeka Egbuka is poised to step into a bigger role, the real battle is heating up at linebacker.

Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport has former Detroit Lion Alex Anzalone and rising star SirVocea Dennis leading the charge, but neither is locked into a starting spot just yet. "For the first time in forever, Lavonte David isn't prowling the middle of the defense," Davenport noted. "It's a wide-open competition to replace him, with Alex Anzalone, Christian Rozeboom, SirVocea Dennis, and rookie Josiah Trotter all vying for two starting jobs."

Anzalone brings the most experience to the table. Now entering his 10th NFL season, he spent four years with the New Orleans Saints and five with the Lions before signing a two-year, $17 million deal with Tampa Bay this offseason. The 31-year-old also has deep ties to the Sunshine State, having played for the Florida Gators from 2013 to 2016. He's a well-rounded linebacker who can pressure the quarterback—racking up 18 pressures last season, ranking 12th among 88 qualified linebackers—and drop back into coverage with a solid 65.3 PFF coverage grade (21st).

But while Anzalone has the edge in experience, Dennis has the edge in familiarity. Drafted by the Bucs in the fifth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Pittsburgh, the 26-year-old is well-versed in head coach Todd Bowles' defensive scheme. He broke out last season with 101 tackles (66 solo) and three sacks, proving he can be a difference-maker in the middle.

With training camp on the horizon, this four-way battle is shaping up to be one of the most intriguing storylines in Tampa. Whether it's the savvy veteran or the scheme-savvy upstart who claims the throne, one thing is clear: the Bucs' defense is getting a new heartbeat.