The Tampa Bay Buccaneers brought back all of their key free agents this offseason, and added a few new faces to bolster their roster as they chase a fourth straight NFC South title and fifth consecutive trip to the postseason.
But they’re also expected to lean heavily on their 2024 rookie class, which is full of players capable of making an immediate impact on both sides of the ball.
After the Bucs wrapped up their mandatory minicamp last week, head coach Todd Bowles praised the mental prowess of this year’s rookie group.
“It’s one of the smarter draft classes, as far as catching onto the scheme, that we’ve had,” Bowles said. “That’s got to continue in training camp. Between the heat, the system, and coming in pads, that’s going to be a whole different world for them, too. I feel confident they can get that done.”
First-round pick Graham Barton is expected to start at center as a rookie, while outside linebacker Chris Braswell, defensive back Tykee Smith, wide receiver Jalen McMillan and running back Bucky Irving should all make an impact as rotational players in their rookie season.
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