It says a lot about the Bucs that they saw enough potential and NFL readiness to keep three undrafted free agents on the 53-man roster entering this season. For a team in win-now mode, they are putting trust in each of running back Josh Williams, offensive tackle Ben Chukwuma, and inside linebacker John Bullock to be key contributors and fill in when needed.

For Chukwuma, his unique backstory adds another chapter after surviving roster cuts. As the start of the season looms, he is eager to continue developing for whenever his number is called upon.

Todd Bowles Gave Ben Chukwuma A Ringing Endorsement In Training Camp

It was telling that when asked about Ben Chukwuma during training camp, Bucs head coach Todd Bowles brought up Eagles left tackle Jordan Mailata. Philadelphia took a chance on Mailata's rugby abilities and physical traits in the seventh round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has since watched him blossom, with a second-team All-Pro selection in 2024 only solidifying his status as one of the best blindside protectors around.

Eagles LT Jordan Mailata – Photo by: USA Today

It came as no surprise then to see Tampa Bay decide to keep Chukwuma after giving him $300,000 as an undrafted free agent. Investing in his potential meant paying him some of the most guaranteed money UDFAs get and keeping him on the 53-man roster to begin the season, but Bowles believes that when he clicks there is nothing better.

"I don't know [Jordan] Mailata's full story, but I know he hadn't played a lot of ball," Bowles said in late August. "But [Ben Chukwuma's] a very strong individual and he has very good skill set and tools for the position. It's just a matter of learning the game. I think when he learns it – and he can learn – he's going to be a very tough player and a very good football player. When he does it right, there's nothing prettier to watch. He's just got to keep getting the reps and keep growing and we feel like we have something to work with there."

Bucs OLB Chris Braswell and OT Ben Chukwuma – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Talking with Pewter Report before the season, the Nigerian-born offensive lineman who played his first football game in the college ranks at Georgia State has seen the Mailata comparisons. Chukwuma obviously has a long way to go to reach his level of play and establish himself, but being someone with a similar story, he has his mind set on rapidly ascending.

"He's one of the guys that I've read about because during my journey people usually compare me with guys," Chukwuma said. "He's one of the guys that I heard about, and I looked through his story and I'm like, 'Oh shit' [laughs]. I can do this, plain testament that if you put your mind toward something you can do whatever you want."

Luke Goedeke: Ben Chukwuma's Development Has Been Great

Bucs right tackle Luke Goedeke knows all about developing into a key starter. After Goedeke's struggles at left guard as a rookie in 2022, he transitioned back to being a right tackle and has turned into an above-average starter at the position over the past couple of years. What his journey demonstrated is a case study in that sometimes you have to let players figure it out before they become who you envisioned.

For Ben Chukwuma, he received chances to grow in the preseason and Goedeke believes his development is on the right track.

Bucs LT Ben Chukwuma and OL coach Kevin Carberry – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

"Obviously, he's a rookie coming in," Goedeke told Pewter Report. "He's really progressed this whole training camp from when he came in to when he finished here against the Bills. He's going to keep growing here as the season goes on. His development has been great. He moves fluidly; there are things to learn here and there, but overall, he's really shaping up to be a good player."

Chukwuma played extensively throughout the preseason, logging 132 snaps across the team's three games. What was especially encouraging to see was his pass-blocking already looking starter-level. His three pass blocking grades in order per Pro Football Focus were 78.5, 79.1, and 87.2. Chukwuma improved each game, but his showing against the Bills stood out above the rest. Playing against NFL-caliber players like defensive ends A.J. Epenesa and Landon Jackson, he more than held his own.

"Being able to start the game is a blessing [and] be in a position to go out against these guys might get a lot of playing time in the regular season is just a blessing to see what I can do," Chukwuma said about playing in the preseason finale. "It increases my confidence level, makes me know that, 'Yes, I'm in the right place. I can do this. Making me confident.'"

There are some kinks to iron. "Chuks" was called for two penalties in the preseason, while his overall game remains a work in progress. That is to be expected, but Goedeke sees more of a finished product than one would think for someone so new to the sport.

"Definitely more polished," Goedeke said about Chukwuma's game considering his newness. "There's some stuff that you can tell takes time learning and everything. Granted, he hasn't played football that long, so that's normal. You'd never guess he's played football for two years, considering he's locking down [defensive] ends in preseason games."

Bucs LT Ben Chukwuma – Photo by: USA Today

What sets Chukwuma up for success is being able to learn from all of the offensive linemen in the room. Not to mention offensive line coaches Kevin Carberry and Brian Picucci. All of those voices give him a lot of brains to pick.

"Our entire O-line room is just key to helping me develop," Chukwuma said. "Anything I want to know, I go to them and ask them to really help me out. Every little question, I'm asking them if they can see me develop or can they see me grow. It's just a blessing to be around all these guys, you know?"

Ben Chukwuma is not being asked to start in Week 1 against the Falcons, but it is worth keeping an eye on him this year. At some point, the Bucs might like what they see in him enough to give him playing time over veteran Charlie Heck. For now, though, he is in the midst of learning the nuances of the game of football.

"I see it in understanding the game and understanding the game more," Chukwuma said of the strides he is making. "Now I'm able to move faster because I'm reading the movements of the defense, reading the defensive alignments. I'd say generally the knowledge of the game."

When his knowledge and abilities are put to the test is unknown. Just know that he is very highly thought of and could be the next success story down the road.