With $80 million in dead cap money due to the Bucs’ spending ways during their Super Bowl window, the team was unable to be major players in free agency this year. Yet that didn’t stop general manager Jason Licht and his team from finding value throughout the offseason.

Licht’s free agency “haul” was focused on veterans who had at one time, or another shown they could be capable starters in the NFL. There were some hits (quarterback Baker Mayfield, defensive tackle Greg Gaines, kicker Chase McLaughlin) and some misses (safety Ryan Neal, guard Matt Feiler).

But with those limited cap dollars Licht and John Spytek needed to score a touchdown (see what I did there?) with their draft class. And while no draft pick or class should ever be officially labeled after one year, the initial returns on Tampa Bay’s 2023 draft class is very promising. The Bucs got 4,259 offensive or defensive snaps out of 14 rookies. And per Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus almost 1,100 of those snaps came from undrafted free agents.

If you include UDFAs, Arizona leads the way with 4,878. Phins still last

Only looking at UDFAs: Buccaneers lead the way with 1,090. What an offseason for Tampa’s FO https://t.co/D99EAIFKDx

— Brad Spielberger, Esq. (@PFF_Brad) January 9, 2024

Those rookies absolutely contributed to the Bucs making the playoffs this year. Here is a breakdown of the six rookies who played the most snaps and contributed the most to the Bucs post-season appearance.

RG Cody Mauch – 1,102 Snaps

Bucs RG Cody Mauch – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Cody Mauch has started every game this season as the Bucs’ new right guard. He is one of two players on offense who has played every snap. He has had ups and downs and high and lows. Mauch has shown the traits necessary to be a talented offensive lineman in the NFL. His physical traits and recovery skills have helped make up for a lack of mass and strength that he will need to build in the upcoming offseason.

But he has still allowed seven sacks and 35 pressures over 686 pass rushing snaps (5.1% pressure rate) while playing as a part of one of the worst run games in the league. All of this sounds like someone who has not been a net positive.

But when it has counted most, the fourth quarter, Mauch and the rest of the offensive line has more often than not been nails. And while his play in a vacuum has been poor at times, when looking at his ability to learn, adapt and grow the future is bright. In the meantime, he will continue to have maddeningly inconsistent play as the team enters the playoffs against formidable defensive lines, such as Philadelphia’s on Monday night.

NCB Christian Izien – 718 Snaps

Christian Izien has logged the most snaps of any undrafted free agent in Tampa Bay. Named the starting nickel corner late in training camp, Izien has played every game this year providing streaky, but acceptable play. He started the season strong with two interceptions in the first two games before hitting a lull throughout the middle of the season before ending the season strong.

Izien is a willing tackler who isn’t afraid to get his nose dirty. With 65 tackles, three for a loss, two passes defensed, two interceptions and a forced fumble he has played well above his undrafted status.

There is a ceiling to his game. He has a missed tackle rate of 12.3% and despite recording the third most pass rushes of any defensive back in the NFL this year he hasn’t yet shown an aptitude anywhere near on par with that of Antoine Winfield Jr.

WR Trey Palmer – 717 Snaps

Bucs WR Trey Palmer – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Trey Palmer was foisted into a quasi-starting role when Russell Gage was lost for the season due to injury in the pre-season. The sixth-round draft pick finished the regular season with 39 catches for 385 yards and three touchdowns while ranking 11th among rookie receivers in targets (66), 22nd in catch % (59.1%) and 24th in yards per route run (0.84).

While many of those metrics seam disappointing there were flashes throughout the season of what Palmer’s high-end potential outcomes could look like. Against Detroit and in the second matchup vs. New Orleans, Palmer showed his elite speed and ability to get open deep. His route running and release improved throughout the season.

For Palmer to move to the next level in 2024 and solidify himself as a real threat in the Bucs’ offense he will need to work on his ability to catch and hold on to the ball. With three drops, three fumbles and a contested catch rate of just 33.3%, Palmer has a long way to go when it comes to ball security before quarterbacks will really start to trust him as being a focal point in the offense.

Offensive coordinator Dave Canales will need to adjust his usage of the young wide receiver as well. Palmer’s calling card is his speed as a deep threat. But his average depth of target for the year was 18th out of 37 qualifying rookies at 11.2. And for much of the season that number was well below 10 as the Bucs tried to involve him through gadget plays like bubble screens. If Palmer can improve his consistency and Canales can weaponize his speed this draft pick could prove to be a steal this time next year.

DL Calijah Kancey – 577 Snaps

Calijah Kancey was the talk of the town as far as rookies go for much of the season. Combining unique leverage, hand speed, and athleticism, the young defensive tackle quickly made an impact on the team and their opponents. Kancey had the Bucs fan base and football analysts abuzz throughout his first season highlighting extremely high-end reps that are not typical of rookies playing a position that typically takes a couple of years to develop.

Bucs sure look like they hit on their first-round pick this year with Kancey. pic.twitter.com/lE3JIrhFu0

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) November 6, 2023

Concerns were prevalent with Kancey coming out of the University of Pittsburgh regarding his size (6-foot, 286 pounds) and ability to be a three-down player anchoring against the run. Despite his questionable run defense grade from Pro Football Focus, Kancey has handled himself just fine as a run defender. It will never be the area of his game he excels the most at, but he was drafted to be a pass rusher.

And rush the passer he does. He recorded a pressure in all but one game this season, totaling 34 for the season (second on the team) to go with four sacks, eight quarterback hits and 22 hurries.

OLB YaYa Diaby – 515 Snaps

Bucs OLB YaYa Diaby and Titans RB Derrick Henry – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

At this point YaYa Diaby has probably supplanted Calijah Kancey for the most exciting rookie in the class. The Bucs’ young edge rusher was not a starter to begin the season, but supplanted Joe Tryon-Shoyinka for the role midway through the year.

Diaby, the team’s third-round pick, was second among all rookies for sacks with 7.5 sacks. He had nine per Pro Football Focus, who counts all sacks as full sacks (and you should too!). Adding to that accomplishment, he recorded 26 pressures, which was tied for fourth on the team.

Diaby brings a physical style that Tryon-Shoyinka and even Shaq Barrett lack. And it makes sense as his 6-foot-3, 263-pound frame is big and cut, and he is physically imposing. Diaby finished the season down the stretch with nine pressures and three sacks in his final three games, peaking at the best time of the year for a player on a playoff-bound squad.

Add in his strong run defense and he is a great package of potential for the Bucs to build off of as they most likely look to rebuild their edge room in 2024.

TE Payne Durham – 128 Snaps

Payne Durham, a fifth-round pick, didn’t crack the game day rosters for the first several weeks of the season, as the Bucs opted to go with David Wells’ experience initially. But since week six Durham has appeared in every game. The young tight end has shown up in some big spots for the Bucs down the stretch (really just one spot – the right sideline about 1-2 yards in front of the end zone – it’s like his spot).

Durham’s stat line won’t overwhelm anyone. Five catches, 58 yards, no touchdowns. But look a little closer and there are encouraging signs. A 71.4% catch rate, 1.12 yards per route run and 50% contested catch rate tell the tale of a guy who shows up when he is called upon. He just hasn’t been called on much.

Durham’s blocking has been solid as well. He uses his big frame to effectively intervene with edge rushers as both a pass and run blocker. He will certainly be an interesting piece going forward as the Bucs are likely to try and find a better TE1 than Cade Otton. Where that leaves Durham in the pecking order wtill remains to be seen.

Other Rookies Contributing

Bucs ILB SirVocea Dennis – Photo by: USA Today

I wanted to give a quick shout out to other Bucs’ rookies who also contributed on a smaller scale this year. Linebacker SirVocea Dennis has been a spot player on defense and a special teams contributor, but got his first start of his NFL career in Indianapolis in place of the injured Lavonte David and played well.

Wide receiver Rakim Jarrett had some nice catches in limited opportunities before going on injured reserve following Tampa Bay’s week 11 game against the 49ers. Outside linebacker Markees Watts flashed some fun pass rushing skills in extremely limited reps. And cornerback Josh Hayes led the team in special teams tackles.

Overall, the team and fans should be very excited for how this crop of young players can compliment established young stars like Tristan Wirfs, Antoine Winfield Jr. as they continue to evolve from the Super Bowl roster of 2020.