Tag: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Bucs HC Todd Bowles lauds intelligence of 2024 rookie class

Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles is already impressed with the mental prowess of this year’s rookies

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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Bucs rookie RB Bucky Irving leaning on veterans as he learns new offense

Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie running back Bucky Irving is soaking up everything he can from his more experienced teammates

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers added more firepower to their offensive backfield in the 2024 NFL draft, spending their fourth-round pick on Oregon running back Bucky Irving.

The former Duck is hitting the ground running, doing everything he can to soak up valuable knowledge from his more experienced teammates as he learns Liam Coen’s offense.

“There’s always room for improvement [and] room to learn,” Irving said during last week’s mandatory minicamp. “I’m just leaning on these older guys to learn from them – Rachaad White, Chase [Edmonds] and [those] guys have been great leaders for me, helping me with the playbook and helping me with things I need to know. I’ve been leaning on those guys. I’m going to fit in wherever the coaches need me to play – I [don’t] really necessarily have [a] role yet. I’m going to go with the flow until my number is called.”

Tampa Bay’s ground game has struggled over the past few years, and while offseason additions to the offensive line should make a big impact, it won’t hurt to have another big-play back behind them in Irving.

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WATCH: Bucs give players hilarious Father’s Day gifts

See what the Tampa Bay Buccaneers got some of their players for Father’s Day

Father’s Day was this past weekend, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took the opportunity to give some gifts to their players.

The hilarious video was posted to the team’s official social media pages, and the reactions from the players were absolutely priceless.

Watch the video above to see what the players got from the team.

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Bucs’ updated 53-man roster projections for 2024

Take an early look at how the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ roster could shape up heading into the 2024 NFL season

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have officially wrapped up their mandatory minicamp, putting a bow on their offseason workout program as players go off for their last break before returning for training camp and the 2024 season.

After bringing back all of their key free agents this offseason, the Bucs are in prime position to extend their streak of three straight NFC South titles and four consecutive trips to the playoffs with another solid run in 2024. A handful of new additions in free agency, as well as a promising rookie class from the 2024 NFL draft should bolster those chances.

What will the Bucs’ roster look like heading into the 2024 season?

As we look ahead to training camp, here’s our updated prediction for how the Bucs’ initial 53-man roster could turn out:

How is Bucs 1st-round pick Graham Barton faring so far?

Get the latest on how Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie offensive lineman Graham Barton is doing in his first NFL offseason

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were ecstatic when Duke offensive lineman Graham Barton fell to them at the No. 26 overall pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL draft, giving them a plug-and-play starter with the versatility to line up anywhere up front.

Barton appears to have the inside track to the starting center job, already getting first-team reps at practice during the Bucs’ mandatory minicamp last week.

ESPN’s Jenna Laine gave some inside info on Barton’s progression so far through offseason workouts:

The last time Barton played center was as a college freshman at Duke in 2020. He spent the past three seasons as a left tackle. So there is a learning curve to not only joining the NFL ranks but moving inside, where everything happens more quickly given his proximity to defensive tackles and the fact that he touches the ball on every snap.

Coach Todd Bowles said Barton has gotten a “heavy load,” and said that “this will be a good baptism for him, as far as getting ready for the season. I think he’s learned a lot, I think he’s eager to get in pads and really show what he can do physically. He’s a smart guy.”

Barton has been getting reps with the first-team offense, along with last year’s starter, Robert Hainsey. Barton said he’s been working hard to earn the trust of quarterback Baker Mayfield, who joked, “I guess Duke’s academic program is pretty good.”

It won’t be surprising if Barton is starting at center for the Bucs in Week 1, and his combination of mental and physical tools should make an instant impact for a Tampa Bay offense that desperately needs improvement along the interior.

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Check out these awesome pics of Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans in Creamsicle uniforms

Check out Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans in the retro threads

Whether you’re a brand-new fan or a long-time supporter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, there’s a good chance you love the team’s retro “Creamsicle” uniforms.

The Bucs rocked the orange-heavy look from their inaugural season in 1976 up until 1997, when they switched to their red-and-pewter threads. The old-school getup recently made a return, and fans have been loving it.

Whether it was the team’s legendary players of years past or current stars, these uniforms always look good, on the field or in front of the camera.

Check out the latest promo shots of Bucs quarterback Baker Mayfield and wide receiver Mike Evans sporting the old classics:

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WATCH: Bucs WR Chris Godwin has a message for his teammates during practice

Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin reminds his teammates about the importance of mental toughness

Chris Godwin ranks second in every major receiving category in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history to Mike Evans, and throughout his career, he’s earned his place as one of the most respected leaders on the team.

During this week’s mandatory minicamp, Godwin had some strong words for his teammates while breaking down a huddle at practice, driving home the importance of preparation and mental toughness.

Watch the video above to see Godwin deliver this important message to his fellow Bucs.

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WATCH: Baker Mayfield hits Jalen McMillan for TD at Bucs practice

Watch Baker Mayfield connect with rookie third-round pick Jalen McMillan in the end zone during the Bucs’ mandatory minicamp

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers entrenched Baker Mayfield as their starting quarterback with a new three-year contract extension this offseason, and gave him another dynamic weapon for the passing game in third-round pick Jalen McMillan.

Mayfield is wasting little time developing a connection with his new rookie pass-catcher, finding McMillan in the corner of the end zone for a red-zone touchdown during this week’s mandatory minicamp.

Watch the video above to see the highlight of the score.

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Buccaneers might have another rookie pass rushing gem in Chris Braswell

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers might have another Day 2 rookie pass rushing gem in Chris Braswell a year after Yaya Diaby led them in sacks

A year ago, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers media was very excited about a rookie pass rusher. That player, third-rounder Yaya Diaby, went on to lead the Bucs in sacks as a rookie and establish himself as an impressive draft value.

This year, it’s another Day 2 pass rusher who is gaining a lot of praise in the early offseason. Second-round EDGE Chris Braswell has been one of the standouts in OTAs and the recent minicamp. Even Diaby has taken notice of his new running mate.

Braswell flew under the radar for an Alabama defender after playing in the shadows of 2023 Defensive Rookie of the Year Will Anderson and 2024 first-rounder Dallas Turner on the Crimson Tide defense. While it’s still very early, the speedy Braswell is looking like he’s ready for the bigger spotlight.

WATCH: Bucs WR Mike Evans throws out 1st pitch at Tampa Bay Rays game

Watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans show off his pitching skills on the diamond

Tampa Bay sports fans are already used to watching Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans dominate his opponents on the gridiron, but the future Hall of Famer decided to show off his skills on the diamond earlier this week.

Evans had the opportunity to throw out the first pitch at a Tampa Bay Rays game, showing off his arm from the mound instead of making defensive backs look silly on his way to the end zone.

Here’s the video evidence of Evans’ pitch, along with an interview with the Pro Bowl pass-catcher as he supported his fellow Tampa Bay pro athletes:

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