The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are gearing up for an exciting season, and with a mix of fresh talent from free agency and the NFL Draft, they're setting the stage for some major contributions. But it's not just the newcomers who are expected to shine; the Bucs are banking on their second-year players to make significant strides.
After a rookie season that showed promise, the 2024 draft class is now poised to elevate their game with a full offseason under their belts. This extra preparation time has already started to pay dividends, as seen in the increased trust and responsibility given to these players during OTAs and rookie minicamp.
Coming off an 8-9 season, the Buccaneers are looking for improvement across the board. However, three second-year players, all from the 2024 draft class, have emerged as key figures in the team's plans based on their offseason performances.
First up is Morrison, who finds himself in a pivotal role following the departure of Jamel Dean. The Buccaneers have shown immense faith in Morrison by opting not to bring in a veteran cornerback, setting the stage for him to step up.
Despite battling injuries, when Morrison has been on the field, he's made his presence known, even snagging an interception off Baker Mayfield during OTAs. The competition is fierce with Zyon McCollum and Jacob Parrish also in the mix, but Morrison's early showings have been promising.
If he can stay healthy, Morrison is expected to be a cornerstone of the Bucs' defense.
In the wide receiver department, Tez Johnson is making waves. Despite a crowded receivers room, Johnson's offseason work suggests he might be in for a bigger role than anticipated.
Last season, he stepped up with five touchdowns amidst injuries in the receiver corps, and he's continued to impress in camp with multiple touchdowns in 11v11 and 7v7 drills. With established players like Chris Godwin, Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan around, Johnson's ability to stand out is noteworthy.
The Bucs drafted Ted Hurst to add size to the receiving group, but Johnson's versatility and performance in camp indicate he's a valued asset.
Lastly, Jacob Parrish is set to take on a new challenge. After a solid rookie year as a nickel cornerback, the Bucs are expanding his role by moving him to the outside.
This shift is both a testament to Parrish's skill and a strategic move to bolster the competition among the cornerbacks. Parrish's rookie stats were impressive, with two interceptions and seven passes deflected, and the Bucs are eager to see how he adapts to this new position.
Even if he doesn't secure a starting spot on the outside, Parrish's versatility will ensure he remains a key part of Todd Bowles' defense.
As the Buccaneers prepare for the upcoming season, these second-year players are proving they have what it takes to make a significant impact. With the team's trust firmly behind them, Morrison, Johnson, and Parrish are set to be integral pieces in Tampa Bay's quest for success.
In Other News...
Mike Evans Is Already Stirring Up Painful Questions For Bucs Fans
Mike Evans move out of Tampa Bay already has the kind of ripple effect that keeps Buccaneers fans looking backward instead of forward. After 12 seasons with the franchise, the veteran receiver has landed with the San Francisco 49ers and is quickly drawing notice in practice, where teammates and observers have been impressed by how seamlessly he has fit into the offense.
The early buzz has centered especially on his work in red zone drills, where Evans has made life difficult for defenders and given the 49ers another proven target near the goal line. For Bucs fans, it is the sort of offseason development that brings an uncomfortable reminder of what they just lost, and why every update from his new team is likely to feel a little more painful. [Read more 🡒]
NFL Verdict On Jason Licht Will Spark Debate Among Buccaneers Fans
Jason Lichts offseason standing is getting fresh national attention, and it should not surprise Buccaneers fans that he remains part of the league-wide conversation after OTAs and minicamp. The recent ranking of NFL general managers took a look at roster construction and how teams have performed lately, placing Licht alongside a few of the sports more recognizable front-office figures as evaluators weighed what has been built and what still needs to be sustained.
For Tampa Bay, the interesting part is less the praise than the placement. Lichts work has helped shape a roster that has stayed competitive and, over time, has given the franchise a steadier foundation than it had before, but any such list invites debate when other executives with strong track records are grouped nearby. The question for Buccaneers fans is whether the national view fully captures how much credit Licht deserves for keeping the team relevant, or whether there is still another tier he can climb with the next wave of moves. [Read more 🡒]
Buccaneers Just Made A Familiar Bet On Their Biggest Weakness
The Buccaneers have circled back to a familiar face for the middle of their defensive line, bringing back Rakeem Nunez-Roches for the 2026 season after three years away. He originally spent 2018 to 2022 in Tampa Bay, then went on to New York before returning to give the Bucs another experienced option in the rotation.
For Tampa Bay, the appeal is pretty clear: more depth, more versatility, and another body built to handle the dirty work inside. Nunez-Roches is expected to fit as a rotational nose tackle, the sort of piece who can help spell Vita Vea and stabilize snaps in a spot where the Bucs have been looking for more reliability as training camp approaches on July 28. [Read more 🡒]