Now that the offseason practices have wrapped up, what can we glean from these workouts? I tend to avoid making sweeping conclusions based on isolated plays, but I do value consistent form in areas like footwork, hand placement, coverage, route running, and decision-making. One standout play doesn’t tell the full story.
Baker Mayfield
Baker remains, well, Baker. He’s a great leader—bold, a bit of a bully, and at times inaccurate. One positive is the offensive scheme, which has a distinct Liam Coen flavor compared to Josh Grizzard’s approach.
We’re seeing more short, quick passes and easy reads. As Tom Brady put it, a good coordinator sets up a quarterback with plenty of “easy layups.” Grizzard’s system didn’t provide that, impacting Baker’s performance.
In practice, Baker excelled at making quick decisions and delivering accurate short to intermediate passes. While he struggled with longer throws, that’s not new for him. Getting the ball out quickly and into a rhythm will be key for the Bucs’ offensive success this season.
Pass Rush
Rueben Bain Jr. showcases all the intangibles: motor, explosiveness, pad level, and toughness. Although these practices didn’t include padded hitting, you could still see what Bain brings to the table.
Reuben Bain, Jr. – Photo by buccaneers.com
The Bucs focused on four-man pressure, and Bowles will need to exercise patience this year. If he feels the need to constantly tinker with the defense, it could lead to difficulties throughout the season. Simplifying his approach and taking calculated risks will be essential. From what I’ve observed in practice, Bowles appears to be making an effort to do just that. However, old habits die hard; aside from the 2020 playoff run, he has struggled to rein in his blitzing tendencies. Here’s hoping he finds that balance this year.
Splash Plays
While splash plays in practice can energize the team and showcase potential, they don’t always indicate player development or readiness. Remember Sir Vocea Dennis’ first OTA practice? He had a pick-six, followed by another in training camp, which excited the media. But did that truly indicate he was ready to play?
Practice is practice. Offenses are experimenting, and quarterbacks are taking risks. An interception might just be a result of being in the right place at the right time, rather than a reflection of skill.
That said, interceptions can benefit the defense. Seeing players execute tight coverage and effectively pass off zones can lead to solid plays. However, this discipline might not always manifest as big plays in practice; over time, it will contribute to better performance.
Josh Hayes had a pick-six in minicamp this season, which is a positive for him, but I don’t see it as a game-changer. Coaches will review the practice film to understand if the offense was testing a new concept or if a receiver slipped on the route.
A single bad play can impact a player’s standing more significantly than a good one, especially if they allow a deep pass or give up a sack.
In short, I hope our front four can apply consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks this season. Our cornerback depth is lacking, and even our starters have their limitations. Jacob Parrish stands out as our best corner, whether inside or outside. Zion McCullom has been average at best, and Benjamin Morrison has struggled with injuries. As for Josh Hayes, I have my reservations.
On the flip side, Bowles’ defense doesn’t demand elite cornerback play; it requires disciplined execution. The focus should be on not getting beat deep and adhering to cover 3, 4, and quarters assignments. Bowles’ scheme can frustrate players like Carlton Davis—it prioritizes discipline over raw athleticism.
So, again, I hope our pass rush can deliver consistently this year, allowing the corners to avoid giving up long passes.
Receivers
The receiver group appears steady, but not exceptional. Chris Godwin looks healthier and will do what he does best: create separation on short to intermediate routes. However, age is starting to catch up with him.
Emeka Egbuka shows flashes of brilliance, but can he deliver for a full season? Jalen McMillan is impressively reliable, consistently getting open and catching everything thrown his way. I anticipate a solid year from him. Ted Baker has potential, but I’ll reserve judgment until I see him in actual NFL games. Tez Johnson is always exciting to watch with his quickness and explosiveness.
The Real Bullets
I can’t wait for training camp and the season to kick off. I’m particularly excited about the new defensive linemen and outside linebackers the team has brought in, but they don’t get showcased much during minicamp practices. That’s why my observations have focused primarily on the skill players. Bring on September!
Yes, enough pieces seem to be there on both sides of the ball, camp will bring some insights… now it really is the quiet season…except for endless contract prognostications on Vita & Bake.
At least it won’t last long.
Good post.
I agree with this in general.
I would add mentions for Sharp, Hurst, and Capeheart as they looked ready to work and may make more noise that people realize. Trotter is gobbling up the extra reps with Rozeboom missing due to becoming a new dad.
There's a lot of potential but it requires key players performing
Diaby/Bain 18-20 sack combined season
Baker needs to bake
Egbuka/Godwin/McMillan 2500 yards
RB stays healthy
Lines stay healthy
Special teams improves dramatically
Bowles blitzes finally start to work again
Bowles blitzes finally start to work again
Obviously best if some of these blitzes get home, but the Bucs defense could improve just by defending/tackling the drop off/check downs that come from the blitzing. The Bucs defense got destroyed in this stuff last season.
another thing would be less need to blitz but that's more dependent on Bowles than the players.
The receiver group appears steady, but not exceptional.
It does appear the unofficial depth chart is Godwin, McMillan, Egbuka, Tez, Ted. There will be tons of exceptional in their play.
@theknees - when I’m using the term “exceptional” I’m referencing Mike Evans type of play. We don’t have that superstar. But all of these guys can be really good.
@theknees - when I’m using the term “exceptional” I’m referencing Mike Evans type of play. We don’t have that superstar. But all of these guys can be really good.
you are barking up the wrong tree there
he thinks Bucs are already a top 5 unit while most of us maybe have them top 15ish
@theknees - when I’m using the term “exceptional” I’m referencing Mike Evans type of play. We don’t have that superstar. But all of these guys can be really good.
you are barking up the wrong tree there
he thinks Bucs are already a top 5 unit while most of us maybe have them top 15ish
We could have this discussion ad nauseam. It will never dampen the fact that I am correct. Our WR room from a top to bottom depth perspective is top 5 in the league. Not hopeful, not maybe they are, not, but but but JSN, Jefferson, Chase are all better, the room 1-5 is top 5 in the league. It’s silly to position it any other way.
I agree with everything you said, Fire. I do want to expound on this one. I don't see it as Bowles' blitzes not working as much as I see it as very predictable and very vanilla. While I will continue hating him and ready to run him out of town on a rail, if he can fix that with his defensive scheme, the team will have success.Bowles blitzes finally start to work again
@theknees - I’ll give you that, our 1-5 is top 5. But we’ll only play with 2 to 3 on the field the majority of the time. And how does our top 2 to 3 match to the rest of the league? That’s what matters most. And having a superstar that attracts double coverage almost every time they are on the field, matters a little bit too.
@theknees - I’ll give you that, our 1-5 is top 5. But we’ll only play with 2 to 3 on the field the majority of the time. And how does our top 2 to 3 match to the rest of the league? That’s what matters most. And having a superstar that attracts double coverage almost every time they are on the field, matters a little bit too.
True. Point being with more depth you can mix things up. We know Tez has great hands and it sounds like Hurst has them as well. The youth and skill of our WR room is going to be a real problem for DCs. So many was to jab you!
@theknees - when I’m using the term “exceptional” I’m referencing Mike Evans type of play. We don’t have that superstar. But all of these guys can be really good.
you are barking up the wrong tree there
he thinks Bucs are already a top 5 unit while most of us maybe have them top 15ish
We could have this discussion ad nauseam. It will never dampen the fact that I am correct. Our WR room from a top to bottom depth perspective is top 5 in the league. Not hopeful, not maybe they are, not, but but but JSN, Jefferson, Chase are all better, the room 1-5 is top 5 in the league. It’s silly to position it any other way.
who do you rank ahead of Bucs?
Maybe Patriots are better top to bottom with WRs 1-6 than what the Bucs have on paper.
Cowboys, Rams, Bengals, Steelers, Lions, Vikings, Seahawks, Jags, Broncos, Cardinals, and 49ers have very strong 1-2 duos. But not many of these teams have strong 1-2-3 triplets like the Bucs: Godwin-McMillan-Egbuka.
A lot of teams have a lot of unproven WRs and rookie WRs that could shake things up so we will see. But if Tez Johnson and Hurst progress as well then the Bucs have an edge over a lot of teams in the NFL with thei overallr WR group. So yeah top 5 WR group is very possible.
Maybe Patriots are better top to bottom with WRs 1-6 than what the Bucs have on paper.
Cowboys, Rams, Bengals, Steelers, Lions, Vikings, Seahawks, Jags, Broncos, Cardinals, and 49ers have very strong 1-2 duos. But not many of these teams have strong 1-2-3 triplets like the Bucs: Godwin-McMillan-Egbuka.
A lot of teams have a lot of unproven WRs and rookie WRs that could shake things up so we will see. But if Tez Johnson and Hurst progress as well then the Bucs have an edge over a lot of teams in the NFL with thei overallr WR group. So yeah top 5 WR group is very possible.
i think there's a sense of homer-ism going on though as it comes to our WR core.
Chris Godwin had 3 straight 1,000 yard seasons in 2021 through 2023. Dude was looking on pace for 1,400 yards in 2024 but suffered dislocated ankle which made him only play 7 games. Then last year, injury riddled year, looks liked running in mud but only played in 9 games and amassed 360 receiving yards. So yeah, we love us some Chris Godwin but until he shows it on the field here in 2026, he is a shell of his former self.
Jalen McMillan looked formidable his rookie season. 8 touchdowns. He missed 4 games however due to multiple hamstring injuries. Then obviously 2025 a concern with only playing in 4 games due to broken neck. Just like the great Mike Alstott, this dude is one tackle away from no longer playing. But alas the Potential is there, the question is can he stay on the field?
Emeka Egbuka burst onto the scene his rookie year. His first 9 games were 677 receiving yards and 6 touchdowns. His next 7? 253 yards and zero touchdowns and only topped 50 receiving yards once compared to 6 times in his first 9 games. What happened? it wasn't a lack of targets so hopefully just a rookie wall and he will bounce back from second half disaster this year.
Listen the potential is there but this group is maybe top 15 entering the year with potential to maybe be top 10; but that top 10 would assume at least 2 out of 3 guys amass 1,000 receiving yards something none of them have done to date and in Godwins case the last 2 years.
There is durability issues with this group hence the depth and Hurst/Tez being 4 and 5 guys. That's not exactly a good thing.
Grant it, i think WR is one of the best positions on our team, maybe excluding OT, but top 5 based on what? certainly not stats.
