The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t hesitant to trust young, inexperienced players to maintain their dominance in the NFC South.
Assistant general manager John Spytek emphasized the importance of selecting the right individuals who demonstrate the right attitude and trustworthiness.
Over the past few years, the Buccaneers have successfully integrated rookies and second-year players into their lineup, contributing to their three-time division championship.
In the 2023 draft, they added three more starters to their roster, and in this year’s draft, they believe they’ve found another promising group of prospects, led by center Graham Barton, to bolster their team further.
Apart from reinforcing the interior offensive line, the Buccaneers addressed their needs for an edge rusher, third receiver, slot cornerback, and running back in the NFL draft.
Although Barton primarily played left tackle at Duke, he’s set to compete for the starting center position with the Buccaneers, aiming to contribute to the team’s success.
Alabama linebacker Chris Braswell became Tampa Bay’s second-round pick, succeeded by Georgia defensive back Tykee Smith and Washington receiver Jalen McMillan in the third round.
Oregon running back Bucky Irving joined in the fourth round, followed by Texas-El Paso guard Elijah Klein in the sixth round and Washington tight end Devin Culp in the seventh.
Spytek expressed satisfaction with the players selected, emphasizing their fit within the team’s culture and their talent in areas of need. However, Spytek stressed that the players must still prove themselves on the field.
Retaining key free agents like quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans, and linebacker Lavonte David was the Buccaneers’ main focus this offseason.
Graham will compete for the center position, which Robert Hainsey temporarily filled due to Ryan Jensen’s injury and subsequent retirement. The departure of Aaron Stinnie in free agency has also left an opening at left guard.
Braswell will aim to strengthen the pass rush, particularly in the absence of linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who was released due to salary cap constraints.
Smith will have the opportunity to vie for the nickel cornerback role, while McMillan looks forward to learning from veteran receivers Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, known as one of the NFL’s top receiver duos.
