Seven practices into their 2022 training camp, the Bucs are about to enter the thick of the August grind. Joint practices with the Dolphins loom next week, with practices in Tennessee against the Titans following the week after. Between those practices and the three preseason games, there is plenty of time remaining for players to stand out and impress.

But with that being said, who has caught the eye of Bucs head coach Todd Bowles through the first week of practices? He was asked Wednesday about newcomers who have grown the most between OTAs and training camp, but initially kept his answer pretty general.

“I think they’ve all grown from that standpoint. Biggest steps forward, [it’s] hard to say because we’re only in the second or third day of pads or camp right now,” Bowles said. “I think they’ve all grown from a work ethic standpoint.”

It was the second part of Bowles’ answer that got interesting. That was when he picked out two players – one returning player and one newcomer – who have impressed him the most.

“I really like what [Jaelon] Darden is doing right now. His approach all offseason has been outstanding. He works hard, he keeps his head down and plays the ball,” Bowles said. “Logan Ryan’s come in and been a joy to work with. His work ethic, his intelligence, the way he prepares for practice is unbelievable. Going out there, trying to learn something everyday and doing the right thing, as well as helping the other guys… I would say those two, off the top of my head.”

A Key Vote Of Confidence For Darden

Bucs WR-KR Jaelon Darden – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Bowles’ praise of Darden is especially noteworthy considering the second-year receiver is battling for a roster spot. He’s in the mix for one of the two or three remaining receiver spots on the roster. The 2021 fourth-rounder disappointed as a rookie, failing to live up to his strong offseason once the pads came on. So, for him to have a solid showing through the first three padded practices of 2022 is a big step forward. He’ll need to continue to stack those performances throughout joint practices and the preseason if he wants to crack the final 53-man roster.

Tampa Bay’s top four receivers are set. Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Russell Gage and Julio Jones are all locks to make the roster. That leaves only two or three slots left, and there are a lot of players in the mix. Darden is battling it out with Scotty Miller, Tyler Johnson, Breshad Perriman, Cyril Grayson Jr., Deven Thompkins, Jerreth Sterns and a host of others. It will come down to both receiving ability and special teams contributions, especially because the top four receivers won’t factor in on special teams.

Darden, Miller, Johnson, Grayson and Thompkins have all done well for themselves so far in camp. Both Perriman and Sterns, as well as Vyncint Smith, have had their moments as well. They’re working to make the roster decisions very tough on Bowles, which he spoke about Wednesday.

“It’s going to be tough. It’s going to be tough. That’s why we have the practices,” Bowles said. “They’re going to play in the games. We’re going to get to see them, not just once, we’re going to see them twice. We’re going to see them a lot in the practices that we have against [the Dolphins and Titans] and in the preseason games, and we’ll look up and see. But there’s a lot of talent at that position.”

High Praise For Ryan

Bucs DB Logan Ryan – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Logan Ryan isn’t a player who needs to be worried about his roster spot. But Bowles’ praise for the 31-year-old safety is still a good sign. The Bucs signed him to provide key depth and a strong veteran presence to their secondary, and it sounds like he’s providing exactly that.

As much as he can add to the Buccaneer defense with his versatility – playing both nickel cornerback and safety – it’s what he has to offer young safeties like Antoine Winfield Jr. and Mike Edwards that ups his value to the locker room even more. Alongside fellow veteran safety Keanu Neal, Ryan is already taking on a mentorship role with the younger players in Tampa Bay’s secondary.

Ryan may be an especially interesting player to watch over the next month. How Bowles chooses to use him and the different looks they can give opposing offenses due to his versatility may start to show during joint practices and the preseason games. As a veteran, his involvement in the preseason may not be all that significant, but as a newcomer to the Tampa Bay defense, he’ll get meaningful reps in one way or another. Not to mention, the Bucs visit his former team in Tennessee in a couple of weeks for two practices and an exhibition game.