Scheme installs implemented throughout training camp will be put to the test on Saturday as the Buccaneers take on the Bengals in Preseason Week One. Kickoff against the Bengals will be at 7 p.m. ET on Saturday, August 10. This is the second time in the last four seasons that the Buccaneers and Bengals have begun their preseason together. Cincinnati visited Raymond James Stadium in Week One of the 2021 preseason and left with a 19-14 victory. The Bucs lead the all-time series with the Bengals, 9-6, including a 2-2 split in games played in Cincinnati.
Head Coach Todd Bowles has chosen to sit most of the team's starters for the preseason opener, but plenty of other players will rotate reps to provide a comprehensive evaluation for the coaching staff this weekend. Here are five Buccaneers to watch for viewing on Saturday night at Paycor Stadium:
Jalen McMillan
As noted, Bowles confirmed after Thursday's practice that "most of the starters will not play" and "all the rookies will play" against the Bengals. With Mike Evans and Chris Godwin on the sideline, this matchup will provide more opportunities for rookie Jalen McMillan, second-year player Trey Palmer and veteran pickup Sterling Shepard (who may not play due to injury) to battle for the third receiver spot on the depth chart. McMillan will attempt to take what he has produced in practice to a game setting. In 2022, McMillan caught a career-high 79 passes for 1,098 yards and nine scores at the University of Washington. He has long-striding speed and is a smooth route runner with outstanding body control. McMillan, a slot/Z hybrid at the collegiate level, will look to vary his release package and route tempo on Saturday to bait defensive backs. He has been a bright spot throughout training camp and will stive to continue the trend in the preseason.
Chris Braswell
With starters Yaya Diaby and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka out for Saturday's game, Chris Braswell will see an increase in snaps. Braswell has been battling Markees Watts and Jose Ramirez at outside linebacker behind the aforementioned starters for a spot in the edge rotation, and he will aim to make a mark in Cincinnati. The Bucs' second-round selection in April was a one-year starter at Alabama. Braswell played as an outside linebacker in Nick Saban's hybrid 3-4 scheme and showcased his versatility, lining up in both a two and three-point stance. After making an impact on passing downs for the Tide in 2022 in a rotational role behind Will Anderson Jr. and Dallas Turner, Braswell assumed Anderson Jr.'s role in 2023 and led the SEC in pressures (56). He displayed the ability to win in a variety of ways with a deep pass-rush arsenal and Braswell will be licking his chops on Saturday.
Graham Barton
Robert Hainsey, who has started the past two seasons at center, remains in the top spot on the depth chart while he competes with rookie first-rounder Graham Barton for the center job. On Saturday, all eyes will be on Barton to see how he handles the center duties and all that the position entails with live bullets flying in the exhibition. He will set the tone by diagnosing the defense and making protection calls to the line. Barton earned freshman All-America honors at center in 2020 and went on to start 34 games at left tackle over the last three seasons of his collegiate tenure. In 2023 for the Blue Devils, Barton helped the offense accumulate 2,174 rushing yards and 2,351 passing yards as well as 26 rushing touchdowns, which was tied for the fifth-most in program history. He anchored an offensive line that ranked third in the ACC and tied for 24th nationally in sacks allowed per game (1.31). He was moved to left tackle due to his athleticism and now in the NFL, Barton will use his fiery disposition, drive-blocking skills and anchor in the interior.
Tykee Smith
Tykee Smith, one of the Bucs' third-round draft selections, has been battling with Christian Izien and Tavierre Thomas for the slot corner job. All three have been cross-trained at nickel, along with both safety spots. A one-year starter at Georgia, Smith played the nickel position in Kirby Smart's base scheme. He combined slot duties with an in-the-box safety role near the line of scrimmage. After playing free safety at West Virginia for two seasons manning the post, he transitioned to a different role at Georgia and produced his best season in 2023. Smith led the Bulldogs in tackles (70), tackles for loss (8.5) and interceptions (four). He possesses a high football IQ and brings an imposing presence against the run with physicality and hard hits on ball carriers. With a quick downhill trigger and route recognition in man/zone, Smith fits the mold of a chess piece in Bowles' system. Smith will aim to make the most of his snaps come Saturday as the competition revs up.
Bucky Irving
During training camp, rookie running back Bucky Irving has shown his ability on screens and flat routes. With full-on collisions and a fast-paced atmosphere, Irving will be one to watch in Cincinnati in the Bucs' revamped run game under Liam Coen. Irving was a two-year starter for the Ducks, serving as the lead back in Oregon's zone-read rushing attack. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing marker in each of his two seasons in Eugene after transferring from Minnesota. Irving averaged 6.5 yards a carry and possesses short-area quickness, contact balance and top-gear acceleration. His vision, pass-catching profile and ability to get to the second level will be things to observe at Paycor Stadium underneath the lights.
