Bucs general manager Jason Licht enjoys unearthing gems.

While in another era he may have made a fortune as a miner, Licht’s talent has translated into him discovering undrafted rookie contributors for Tampa Bay. Last year, defensive back Christian Izien, outside linebacker Markees Watts, wide receiver Rakim Jarrett, and running back Sean Tucker all found their way into regular-season games after entering the NFL without a home.

This year, that trend may continue as two undrafted rookies in particular have impressed so far during training camp and have caught the attention of head coach Todd Bowles and their teammates.

Bucs WR Kameron Johnson Is “One You Want To Keep An Eye On”

Bucs WR Kameron Johnson – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

Wide receiver Kameron Johnson signed with the Bucs after a productive season with D-II Barton College in 2023. Last season for the Bulldogs, Johnson caught 51 passes for 879 receiving yards and seven touchdowns while also serving as the team’s kickoff and punt returner.

The 5-foot-10, 190-pound wideout has stood out in training camp so far as his ability to make big plays and overall quickness has translated and made him tough to cover — and catch up to.

“He’s very athletic,” head coach Todd Bowles said earlier in training camp about what he brings to the offense. “I think he’s very good run-after-catch. He can return punts and kicks. He’s one you want to keep an eye on.”

Johnson’s ability to return kicks is something that could allow him to stick on the 53-man roster, as wide receiver Deven Thompkins, last year’s return specialist, was waived and recently signed with the Panthers.

He is making a name for himself despite being a part of a crowded receiver room with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, and Trey Palmer each ahead of him and Sterling Shepard and Rakim Jarrett also competing to make the team. What has allowed him to shine and get some attention is not just his return chops, but also possessing plus speed and the ability to get open.

Those are things that rookie defensive back Tykee Smith has witnessed up close.

“Slot receiver, Kam [Johnson], No. 9, I think he’s been doing a really good job,” Smith said when asked if anyone he’s matched up against has impressed him. “I think he will help us. Like I said, we’ve been competing every day, but I think Kam has really impressed me.”

Bucs ILB Kalen DeLoach Wants To Make Plays And Contribute

Bucs ILB Kalen DeLoach – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

On the other side of the football, inside linebacker Kalen DeLoach is another undrafted rookie working hard to make the team. After a productive season with the Florida State Seminoles as a fifth-year senior, DeLoach has already drawn plenty of praise this offseason, including from inside linebacker Lavonte David.

After getting two would-be sacks during Thursday’s practice, he worked more with the first and second-team defenses on Friday while SirVocea Dennis was sidelined and David received some reps off. Todd Bowles spoke highly of him after Friday’s practice.

“We know he’s fast and he plays fast, Bowles said. “The mental part has to slow down for him. He’s been making strides every day. I’m very interested to see him in preseason.”

While DeLoach will be getting some run in the preseason, that has not stopped him from taking advantage of learning from one of the best in David now. The veteran sees the rookie as someone willing to learn and wanting to make things happen for himself.

“He’s one of those guys,” David said. “I got the opportunity to work reps with Kalen, too, as well. He’s one of those young guys who comes in and listens and takes the coaching. Obviously, college ball is way different from NFL ball. The defense that we are in is very complex and there’s a lot of moving parts to it, so he is one of those guys who wants to learn and willing to learn. I think when me and him are in there together, I can tell that he’s listening and he’s understanding of what he needs to do. He wants to make plays, and he wants to contribute to the football team.”