The Buccaneers 2024 draft class shined during the season, providing a solid foundation for the team to build on moving forward.
TAMPA, Fla. — Great NFL teams are built through the draft. The Bucs’ 2024 class has solidified Tampa Bay’s foundation.
“There are some years you’re going to depend on [rookies] a little more like we did last year. We’re going to depend on this class as well,” Bucs general manager Jason Licht said before April’s draft.
Tampa Bay rookies have played the seventh-most snaps in the NFL this season.
Running back Bucky Irving led all rookies in rushing yards and became the first Buc since 2015 to rush for a thousand.
“I’m really happy for Bucky. I’m so happy for him,” running back Rachaad White said.
“He’s a complete football player. He’s one of the toughest little guys I’ve seen since I’ve been in the league,” head coach Todd Bowles said.
Center Graham Barton has played a vital role in Tampa Bay’s rushing and passing success this season. His efforts left their mark on Bowles.
“I liked the stability Graham Barton showed as a rookie. Playing one of the toughest spots on the field, going against a Pro Bowler almost every week,” he said.
Receiver Jalen McMillan had a slow start to the season due to injury. But he finished strong with seven touchdowns in the final five games of the regular season. He was the greatest receiver in the NFL during this period.
“He’s a heck of a player. Bucs fans are going to have to watch out for J-Mac for a long time,” wide receiver Mike Evans said.
Opposing quarterbacks have also started looking for Tykee Smith.
He was one of four players with at least two interceptions, five passes defensed and three forced fumbles. Bowles believes Smith was one of the best players on Tampa Bay’s defense.
Ten rookies finished the season on the 53-man roster and helped Tampa Bay win a 4th straight NFC South title.
“They learned a lot in the first half of the season. It was really their training camp and for them, [playing] Situational football in the second half of the season, making plays and taking advantage of the things they learned in the first half says a lot about their study habits,” Bowles said.
With the foundation established, the Bucs’ Super Bowl window could be wide open next season and the bar is set for the next class of rookies in Tampa Bay.
