Tampa Bay’s rookie draft class was a big part of its 2023 team, but despite that, some aren’t convinced it was one of the better ones in the league.
NFL.com recently ranked every rookie draft class in 2023, and the Bucs came in at a staggering 16th of 32 teams. Writers Eric Edholm and Chad Reuter mostly gave praise to the Bucs’ class, particularly on defense — they highlighted the good work of both Calijah Kancey and Yaya Diaby and wrote that offensive prospects like Cody Mauch and Trey Palmer.
16th seems a little low for how much Tampa Bay’s rookie class contributed. As the article itself mentions, 15 Bucs rookies appeared in at least one game throughout the season and only one player in its draft class, edge rusher Jose Ramirez, didn’t get any game snaps. Diaby had a spectacular 7.5-sack season and Calijah Kancey was good enough to win an NFC Offensive Rookie of the Month award.
All these players will be entering Year 2 next year, and should even most of them hit a stride and break out into solid contributors once again, the Bucs could get even better in 2024.
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