The following is an excerpt from Warren Sharp’s 2024 Football Preview book. In addition to Warren’s deep, detailed write-up on all 32 NFL teams, each chapter features page after page of full-color charts, stats, and heatmaps as well as draft class analysis from Ryan McCrystal. Click here for a full FREE chapter from the 2024 Football Preview.
With 2024 NFL training camps on the horizon, we’re starting to understand how 2024 NFL draft classes will impact each roster this season.
Let’s look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, breaking down the most likely instant-impact rookies from each class, while also providing some insight into why certain early picks may not see the field.
Who are the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookies?
- Graham Barton — OL — Round 1
- Chris Braswell — EDGE — Round 2
- Tykee Smith — S — Round 3
- Jalen McMillan — WR — Round 3
- Bucky Irving — RB — Round 4
- Elijah Klein — OG — Round 6
- Devin Culp — TE — Round 7
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Class Grade:
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received a C+ draft grade from Sharp Football.
Which Buccaneers Rookies Will Make An Impact?
The Buccaneers played it safe with the selection of Graham Barton (first round) and will likely plug him in as an immediate starter at center. Barton spent the last three seasons as Duke’s left tackle but played center as a true freshman in 2020 and appears to have traits that fit that role well. There’s some risk involved in moving a player from left tackle to center, but Robert Hainsey is still on the roster if needed. Hainsey started every game at center over the last two years since Ryan Jensen’s career-ending injury.
Chris Braswell (second round) might be the favorite to win a starting job given the disappointing trajectory of former first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka. At worst, Braswell should be a part of the rotation, seeing increased action on passing downs. Braswell generated a solid 16.7% pressure rate when lined up on the edge last season. It’s worth noting, however, that Braswell beat up on lesser competition, generating an 11.8% pressure rate against seven teams ranked in the top 50 of pressure rate allowed and a 20.7% pressure rate against everyone else. Since Braswell typically wins with speed more than refined moves, this trend makes sense and it calls into question his readiness for the NFL.
Tykee Smith (third round) started for only one of his three years at Georgia but saw significant action early in his career at West Virginia. Smith primarily played in the slot at Georgia, where he allowed just 2.0 yards per target, the lowest rate among SEC defensive backs in coverage in the slot. Expect Smith to compete with last year’s primary slot corner Christian Izien for the job in the slot.
Injuries slowed the development of Jalen McMillan (third round), but there were flashes of elite production during his career at Washington. If he can stay on the field, McMillan can stretch the field with his speed and produce after the catch. Over the last three seasons, he generated 7.2% more yards after catch than expected based on route-adjusted numbers.
Bucky Irving (fourth round) will likely get plugged in behind Rachaad White and might be 1B to White’s 1A. Although Irving is small (192 pounds), he’s a physical runner for his size and has consistently excelled between the tackles 一 a trait which pairs well with White. White really struggled against a stacked box last year (3.4 yards per attempt), but Irving’s vision allowed him to pick up 5.3 yards per attempt against seven or more defenders in the box. When accounting for defenders in the box and the direction of the run, Irving gained 22.8% more yards than expected over the last two seasons.
Elijah Klein (sixth round) was a productive guard at UTEP with 55 career starts under his belt. Poor testing numbers led to him lasting until late on Day 3, but he was certainly worth the gamble at this stage of the draft. Klein has unusually long arms for an interior lineman (over 34 inches), which may explain why he’s able to overcome poor athletic traits.
Tampa Bay loves Washington tight ends and will give Devin Culp (seventh round) a chance to back up Cade Otton, as he did in 2020 and 2021 for the Huskies. Culp primarily served as the backup tight end to Jack Westover (undrafted/Seahawks) over the last two years at Washington. Since the Huskies rarely put two tight ends on the field, Culp’s usage was limited, but he’s a good athlete who could potentially post better numbers in the pros than in college if given an opportunity.
The Bucs appeared to primarily draft for need but did so without taking any huge swings, so this looks like a promising draft class in both the short and long term. Barton, Braswell, and Smith could start immediately while McMillan and Irving each have a path to immediate playing time in reserve roles.
This analysis continues in the 2024 Football Preview
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