The Tampa Bay Buccaneers spent most of their top picks in the 2022 NFL draft to help bolster their depth on offense at multiple positions, hoping to guard against some of the injuries that hindered their failed repeat run at another Lombardi Trophy last year.
In the second round, the Bucs traded up for Central Michigan offensive lineman Luke Goedeke. In the third round, they added a big-play threat out of the backfield in Arizona State running back Rachaad White.
As the Bucs head into their final preseason game, and look ahead to the regular season, offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich likes what he’s seeing from both Goedeke and White:
"He takes notes like a quarterback. He's a really smart kid who has an understanding and a feel for football which allows him to play the way that he plays."
🗣️: OC Byron Leftwich on @chaad_3 pic.twitter.com/uMj0Zdgr6K
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 24, 2022
"He's physical, and he's going to work."
🗣️: OC Byron Leftwich on @lukethelifter pic.twitter.com/2rD2j75XgW
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) August 24, 2022
Goedeke appears to be the front-runner to land the starting left guard job, partly due to a season-ending knee injury suffered by veteran Aaron Stinnie, while White is expected to challenge for the third-down role behind Leonard Fournette.
Both rookies are in line for potentially significant roles this season, and could have a big impact on helping the Bucs get back to the Super Bowl.
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