Re-Grading the Buccaneers 2024 Draft Class

The Buccaneers 2024 season was full of lots of ups and downs however one factor that remained constant all through the season was the manufacturing they received from their 2024 rookie class.

Again in April, I graded every draft decide the Bucs made and now with a full season below their belt, it seems like the proper time to take a revision of these grades and see how the rookie class truly did.

Spherical 1, twenty sixth General: Graham Barton

Barton was the workforce’s first spherical select of Duke and was the beginning heart for Tampa Bay from day one. Whereas he expertise his justifiable share of ups and downs, I’d say his rookie season was much more constructive than unfavorable.

There are definitely issues he can enhance on as penalties have been a difficulty for him and he additionally had some bother with snapping the ball at instances however the sky is the restrict for his ceiling. Barton is way from a completed product, however he has all of the makings of a high heart within the NFL for years to return.

Put up Draft Grade: A

New Grade: A-

Spherical 2, 57th General: Chris Braswell

Tampa Bay determined to handle their cross rush in spherical two with Braswell out of Alabama and his rookie season was a tad underwhelming for a second rounder. To be honest, Braswell didn’t play a complete lot in his rookie season and he had some moments, however I’m certain the Bucs have been hoping for a bit extra out of a man they invested a premium decide in.

Braswell completed the 12 months with 18 whole tackles and 1.5 sacks together with a pressured fumble. I’m not saying Braswell is a miss. There’s loads of time and alternatives that he’ll obtain sooner or later to show this decide to be the right one, however proper now the outcomes are the outcomes.

Put up Draft Grade: B

New Grade: C-

Spherical 3, 89th General: Tykee Smith

When Tampa Bay made this decide, I feel lots of people have been initially caught off guard as a result of he was listed as a security by many media retailers however Smith performed an necessary function because the nickel nook for Todd Bowles’ protection.

The previous Georgia Bulldog appeared in 13 video games for the Buccaneers and began in six of them. He had 54 mixed tackles in addition to two interceptions. Tampa Bay went an extended drought with out getting an interception this season which stretched from the New Orleans Saints sport in week six to the Las Vegas Raiders sport in week 14 and coincidentally, Tykee Smith was the one who had each picks.

He can play a little bit of security and that contributes to his worth however his function as nickel nook shouldn’t be missed. If Smith continues to develop, he may find yourself being one of many higher nickels within the NFL ought to the Bucs determine to maintain him there.

Put up Draft Grade: B-

New Grade: B+

Spherical 3, 92nd General: Jalen McMillan

With the Bucs second third spherical decide, they elected to take Jalen McMillan and it was a decide that the Bucs must be affected person for it to repay. McMillan shined early on in coaching camp and was making spotlight play after spotlight play. He even began off the season scorching, scoring a landing on his first profession catch.

After hitting a little bit of a lull mid-season, the damage to Chris Godwin opened the door for McMillan to get extra alternatives and he took benefit of these possibilities. He had seven landing catches within the remaining 5 video games of the common season and proved that he belonged. McMillan has the ceiling of a strong WR2 and hopefully he continues to progress.

Put up Draft Grade: B+

New Grade: A-

Spherical 4, a hundred and twenty fifth General: Bucky Irving

I’ll come proper out and say it, when it comes to manufacturing and worth of the place they have been picked, Bucky Irving was simply the perfect draft decide of the Bucs 2024 class. The Oregon product was electrical this complete season and it was a season during which he solely technically began three video games, however he was so good that Tampa Bay couldn’t ignore his skill to rework this offense.

Picture by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Pictures

Irving had 1,122 yards speeding, eight speeding touchdowns and he additionally had 47 catches for 392 yards. Irving was a star for Tampa Bay and was an electrical piece to the puzzle. In all honesty, Irving most likely is finest suited because the lead again in a committee, not essentially a bell cow kind participant however the expertise is simple. I stated this in my put up draft grade “It isn’t a bad pick, but I personally had some backs a bit higher on my board” it’s protected to say I used to be improper on that one.

Put up Draft Grade: B-

New Grade: A+

Spherical 6, 220th General, Elijiah Klein

Klein was primarily pink shirted by Tampa Bay in his rookie season. Sixth spherical picks are sometimes simply pictures at midnight and Klein might very properly be that. Will probably be fascinating to see if Klein will get a shot sooner or later at being a beginning guard within the NFL. He has some traits to love and Tampa Bay will possible preserve attempting to develop him as time goes on. It’s a tremendous decide, so can’t actually change the grade and I nonetheless see the upside.

Put up Draft Grade: B+

New Grade: B+

Spherical 7, 246th General: Devin Culp

Tampa Bay ended their draft with a developmental tight finish that truly did find yourself contributing late within the 12 months. Culp performed in 5 video games and ended up with 5 catches over the ultimate two video games for 88 yards. He confirmed some flash and that’s all you possibly can actually hope for out of a seventh spherical tight finish.

Put up Draft Grade: C+

New Grade: B-

The Bucs 2024 draft class was a powerful one which helped them win the NFC South as soon as once more. Let’s see how they proceed to develop as a result of it has an opportunity to be a very particular class for this workforce for years to return.