Breaking down the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp battles heading into 2024.
We are back for another NFC South training camp preview; and with the third installment of this series, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers training camp battles are the focus! The Bucs made quite the impressive push last year with quarterback Baker Mayfield. After leading the Bucs to a 9-8 record and winning the NFC South, Baker receiver a three-year deal to keep him be hind center down in Florida.
Offense
The Bucs used their first pick in the 2024 NFL draft on an interior offensive lineman. Graham Barton out of Duke is looking like he will be starting at center for the Bucs this year. With most of their offensive line returning from last season, the real camp battle for the offense is the backups at wide receiver and running back.
Wide Receivers
Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will continue to lead this WR room for one more year as Godwin will be looking for an extension soon. Evans received his contract this off-season and will hope to continue his legendary stretch of 1,000-yard seasons. The real question takes place at their WR3 position.
With all the rumors revolving around Godwin moving back into the slot where he made his name, the WR3 will be another field stretcher. Last year, that role was filled by then-rookie Trey Palmer. While his 39 receptions, 385 yards, and three TDs were usable, I expect the Bucs to give third-round rookie Jalen McMillan a shot.
McMillan was the third WR out of Washington to be drafted this year, but going into the year there were many who thought he could have been the first one. His senior year was not as impressive as his junior year, but he still played well. After spending a third-round pick on him, it would be a shame if he doesn’t get playing time this year.
Running Backs
The Bus drafted Bucky Irving out of Oregon in the fourth-round this year. While he is a smaller back, he could very well be their ground and pound option while Rachaad White plays more of a pass-catching role like last year. This offense could be good enough to support two valuable RBs for fantasy football purposes, too. Not to mention, both of these backs are electric and fun to watch play the game. The only thing standing between Irving and the RB2 role is veteran Chase Edmonds and second-year player Sean Tucker. Neither are overly impressive and it’s likely that the RB2 spot will be Irving’s come opening day.
Defense
The biggest battles for the Bucs on defense will be in the secondary and among the edge rushers. The Bucs used a day two pick on Alabama pass rusher Chris Braswell; as well as one of their third-round picks on Georgia DB Tykee Smith. Both will look to compete for starting roles in strong rooms.
Secondary
Smith has played most of his college career out of the safety or as a nickel cornerback. Should he continue to play there, he will be competing against veteran Jordan Whitehead for the role. While that’s not the most difficult ask, it is still a hurdle for the rookie. I expect Whitehead will win the job at safety and we will see Smith play a change-of-pace role. Smith could make his way into the starting lineup next year or if the Bucs change schemes.
Edge Rushers
Edge rusher is a term that encompasses both outside linebackers and defensive ends. For the Bucs, that includes the likes of Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall, YaYa Diaby, Randy Gregory, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, and the aforementioned rookie Braswell. As I hinted to before, it’s a strong group.
Each of these players have pivotal roles for the Bucs. Players like Diaby and Tryon-Shoyinka both had high Blitz rates. Meanwhile, Kancey was second on the team in knockdowns (When a front-seven deflects the ball out of the air). Add to that, all three of Diaby, Tryon-Shoyinka, and Kancey had more than four sacks last season. Braswell will likely have to wait his turn and play his role. He should be able to get some snaps this season, but don’t expect him to win DROY.
Hunter Greene
Hunter started writing for The League Winners in the summer of 2021. Hunter has been playing fantasy football for about a decade, starting in middle school. Now he’s a professional landscaper and avid Colts and Purdue fan.