Now that minicamp has concluded, it’s time to take the first look at who could make the 53-man roster and shake things up and win position battles. Here’s our first shot at breaking down a potential Buccaneers depth chart.
Quarterbacks (3)
Baker Mayfield (Starter)Kyle Trask (Backup)Michael Pratt (Practice Squad)
The quarterback room remains stable with Mayfield leading the offense. Trask continues to serve as the backup, while rookie Michael Pratt is highly regarded and developing on the practice squad.
Running Backs (3)
Bucky Irving (Starter)Rachaad White (Backup)Sean Tucker
Irving emerged as a standout rookie, leading all first-year backs with over 1,100 rushing yards and 8 touchdowns. White remains a versatile option, though his rushing role may take a hit. Tucker, a promising talent, adds depth to the backfield.
Wide Receivers (6)
Mike Evans (Starter)Chris Godwin Jr. (Starter)Emeka Egbuka (Rookie, Starter)Jalen McMillanTez JohnsonSterling Shepard
Evans and Godwin Jr continue to be 1A and 1B, notably one of the best duos in the NFL. Now, with Godwin re-signing on a three-year, $66 million deal, adding Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson in the draft, and predicting second-year WR Jalen McMillan picks up where he left off, the WR room is flush with young talent for the foreseeable future.
Tight Ends (4)
Cade Otton (Starter)Devin CulpPayne DurhamKo Kieft
Otton is poised to continue his role as a reliable target and blocker after breaking out in 2024, while Culp and Durham provide depth. Durham shows potential as a receiving threat. Kieft remains a key contributor in blocking schemes.
Offensive Line (9)
Tristan Wirfs (LT)Ben Bredeson (LG)Graham Barton (C)Cody Mauch (RG)Luke Goedeke (RT)Sua OpetaCharlie HeckJake MajorsElijah Klein
Wirfs and Goedeke anchor the offensive line. Bredeson and Mauch offer stability on the interior alongside second year center Graham Barton who seamlessly transitioned from college to the NFL. Depth is provided by Opeta, Heck, Majors, and Klein, with Heck joining the team this offseason. Most of the depth can play anywhere on the offensive line, giving the Buccaneers flexibility.
Defensive Line (6)
Vita Vea (NT)Calijah Kancey (LDE)Logan Hall (RDE)Greg GainesElijah RobertsCJ Brewer
Vea and Kancey are the cornerstone pieces of the defensive line. Hall had a great finish to the 2024 season and is expected to pick up where he left off. Gaines provides veteran experience, while Roberts and Brewer add young athletic depth.
Linebackers (6)
Lavonte David (ILB)SirVocea Dennis (ILB)Anthony Walker Jr. (ILB)Haason Reddick (OLB)Yaya Diaby (OLB)David Walker (OLB)
Lavonte David remains Father Time’s biggest opponent, having his best season in 5+ years. Dennis showed promise before injury and could challenge for a starting spot. Walker adds experience. Reddick, acquired in free agency, bolsters the edge-rushing group alongside Diaby and newly drafted David Walker.
Cornerbacks (5)
Jamel Dean (LCB)Zyon McCollum (RCB)Benjamin Morrison (Rookie, Depth)Bryce HallChristian Izien
At least Dean and McCollum are the projected starters to start the season. Morrison, drafted in the second round, adds depth and potential to take over for Dean on the outside eventually. Hall and Izien provide experience and versatility in the secondary.
Safeties (4)
Antoine Winfield Jr. (FS)Tykee Smith (SS)Jacob Parrish (Nickel)Shilo Sanders (Depth)
Winfield, the highest-paid defensive back in league history, is a key playmaker who dealt with a foot injury for the majority of 2024 and will look to bounce back. Smith, transitioning to safety, and Parrish, a rookie, offer versatility. Sanders provides depth and special teams contributions.
Special Teams (3)
Chase McLaughlin (Kicker)Riley Dixon (Punter)Evan Deckers (Long Snapper)
McLaughlin and Dixon are expected to handle kicking and punting duties, respectively, following a challenging 2024 season where the Buccaneers had two of the worst kickers statistically in the NFL. Deckers returns as the long snapper.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Predicting the Buccaneers depth chart following mandatory minicamp
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
