Bucs could lean heavily on rookies again as draft class shows its potential

Greg Auman

NFC South Reporter

The Bucs were one of the youngest teams in the NFL last season, leaning heavily on rookies, and while they have a ton of experience back from 2023, they could still get an impact from rookies on both sides of the ball.

“It’s one of the smarter draft classes, as far as catching onto the scheme, that we’ve had, and that’s got to continue in training camp,” coach Todd Bowles said after wrapping up three days of mandatory minicamp. “Between the heat, the system and coming in pads, that’s going to be a whole different world for them, but I feel confident they can get that done.”

A year ago, the Bucs had 13 rookies on their initial 53, and they finished the year with 5,660 total snaps played by rookies, the most of any NFL team. This year’s class isn’t likely to challenge that mark, but there’s ample opportunity for rookie starters on both sides of the ball.

“I feel like I’ve learned a ton,” said first-round pick Graham Barton of Duke, who is expected to step in as the team’s starting center. “Even if I’m a smart rookie, that doesn’t make you a smart NFL player. I’ve got a long ways to go, so I’m definitely not trying to sit here and say ‘I’ve got it. I’ll figure it out. I’m smart.’ That’s not the right approach, but I appreciate it.”

[Auman: Why a former 250-pound lacrosse player is Bucs’ future leader on offensive line]

The Bucs’ top five draft picks should all be in at least rotational roles. Second-round outside linebacker Chris Braswell from Alabama has quickly impressed, as has third-round defensive back Tykee Smith from Georgia, who could be the team’s new nickel defensive back. Washington’s Jalen McMillan, also taken in the third round, could be the team’s No. 3 receiver behind veterans Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, and Oregon’s Bucky Irving, taken in the fourth round, should be the team’s top backup to Rachaad White at running back.

Add in late-round picks and a few promising…

Source link : https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/bucs-could-lean-heavily-rookies-again-draft-class-shows-its-potential

Author :

Publish date : 2024-06-14 13:31:25

Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source.