The Bucs are in good condition with the core of their group due to the group always with the ability to replenish its roster via the draft lately.
The 2024 draft class would possibly simply be the very best one they’ve had since Tampa Bay’s well-known begin within the 2020 draft that introduced in Tristan Wirfs within the first spherical and Antoine Winfield Jr. within the second spherical, which helped the Bucs win a Tremendous Bowl that season.
This present group may be much more effectively rounded contemplating how deep it goes. Take working again Bucky Irving, as an example. Irving was a fourth spherical decide, however the one Bucs participant to make the All-Rookie group. The Bucs discovered impression gamers instantly and likewise noticed extra emerge because the season went on.
Bucs DB Tykee Smith – Photograph by: USA In the present day
Rookie middle Graham Barton was anticipated to contribute straight away. He had a strong 12 months, beginning 16 common season video games. Tykee Smith was one other who was given tons of compliments from the primary day within the constructing and he wound up tying for the group lead in interceptions and compelled fumbles.
Jalen McMillan is a superb instance of somebody who got here on later within the season from a manufacturing standpoint. After coping with some accidents earlier within the 12 months, McMillan completed the common season by scoring a landing in 5 straight video games and hauled in seven throughout that streak.
Even seventh-rounder tight finish Devin Culp made some performs on the finish of the season with Cade Otton out. Fifth-round decide Elijah Klein confirmed versatility within the preseason and might be necessary for depth subsequent season.
The one participant that didn’t precisely pan out the way in which everybody wished him to was second-round outdoors linebacker Chris Braswell, who recorded 1.5 sacks on the season and obtained little or no enjoying time down the stretch even with a scarcity of manufacturing from others on the place.
With that stated, the Bucs might be transferring on from Joe Tryon-Shoyinka whereas Anthony Nelson is a free agent, so Braswell might have extra of position going ahead.
Bucs Had A Nice Rookie Class
How good was Tampa Bay’s rookie class? In rankings compiled by deputy editor Gennaro Filice on NFL.com of all of the rookie lessons, the Bucs got here in at fifth on the record. First was the Commanders, adopted by the Rams, Chargers and Raiders. That is what was stated in regards to the Bucs.
“The working again place is returning to prominence within the NFL, whereas nickelback has by no means been hotter. So, kudos to you, Jason Licht, for uncovering a dynamic expertise at every spot within the center rounds of the ’24 draft. The sixth working again chosen in what was broadly seen as an underwhelming prospect crop on the place, Bucky Irving wasn’t simply the very best rookie RB however one of the elusive gamers in your complete league.
Bucs C Graham Barton and QB Baker Mayfield – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
“Next Gen Stats credited him with forcing a missed tackle on 35.8 percent of touches — the top rate in the NFL (min. 100 touches). NGS also had him averaging 5.5 yards per carry on rushes outside the tackles (fifth-best, min. 50 such carries) and 5.3 yards per carry on rushes inside the tackles (second-best). Oh, and he paced all rookie backs in catches (47) and receiving yards (392). Just an all-around baller — like Tykee Smith, who flourished in the nickel role as a savvy defender against the run and pass.”
“With Todd Bowles praising the versatile DB throughout his rookie campaign, the only thing that really held Smith back was a midseason knee injury that cost him four games. It’s a testament to Irving and Smith’s stellar play that I’m only now getting to Tampa Bay’s first-round pick, Graham Barton, who provided exactly what the Buccaneers desired at the pivot. Like Irving, Barton played a huge role in the Bucs’ rushing offense vaulting from dead last in 2023 to fourth in ’24. In the passing game, Jalen McMillan started slow but finished with a flurry, catching seven touchdown passes in the last five weeks of the regular season.”
Ought to The Bucs Be Ranked Any Higher?
It’s laborious to seek out any flaws with the Bucs being close to the highest of the record at 5. However Bucs followers wouldn’t be improper in saying that they need to probably be one spot up and even within the high three.
The rankings evidently have a sample of advocating for a high expertise over the majority of a complete class. The Commanders are at one largely due to Jayden Daniels, although Mike Sainristil had an amazing 12 months and Johny Newton, Brandon Coleman and Luke McCaffrey all had necessary roles. Plus, going from an extended season to the NFC Championship deserves credit score.
Bucs RB Bucky Irving – Photograph by: USA In the present day
There’s no arguments for the Rams at two both. Jared Verse was the defensive rookie of the 12 months for a motive and Braden Fiske was additionally nice. The Chargers discovered expertise early on with Joe Alt and Ladd McConkey. They’re most likely at three due to their fifth-round picks at nook. An argument may be made that the Bucs had extra contributions from gamers at a number of rounds than the Chargers did.
Having the Raiders at 4 forward of the Bucs is a bit head scratching. Understandably, Brock Bowers is a superb expertise and already a star within the league, however you could possibly say that about Tampa Bay’s working again with Bucky Irving. Las Vegas had two beginning offensive linemen, however the Raiders quarterbacks have been sacked 50 occasions on the season.
Are we going to say that Barton, Smith, McMillan and Irving don’t match equally and even higher than the very best 4 of any of the teams in entrance of them? The Bucs make an amazing case.
It’s splitting hairs at this level and total, it’s good to see that many maintain Tampa Bay’s draft class at a high stage. Let’s see how they progress in 12 months two on the way in which to serving to the Bucs make one other championship run.
