Tampa Bay will conclude its preseason slate on Friday evening, hosting the Miami Dolphins in Week Three on August 23 at 7:30 p.m. ET at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers and Dolphins have faced off in the preseason 33 previous times, dating all the way back to Tampa Bay's inaugural season. Miami was the first team ever to visit Tampa to play the Buccaneers, as the two teams met at Tampa Stadium on August 21, 1976. The Dolphins lead the all-time series with the Buccaneers, 18-15, though Tampa Bay has won three of the last four. In the preseason finale, there are several Bucs players to watch on the gridiron:
Zyon McCollum
As Bucs' coaches mentioned throughout the week, the Dolphins are the fastest team in the NFL with five players that have a Madden speed rating of 95 or higher, including Tyreek Hill (99), Jaylen Waddle (97), De'Von Achane (96), Raheem Mostert (95) and Anthony Schwartz (96). Bucs' cornerback Zyon McCollum, who ran a blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, will be tasked with combatting their agile playmakers. He produced nearly unprecedented testing numbers at the Combine, becoming just the fifth cornerback since 2003 to earn a 99 "athleticism score" – the maximum score attainable. McCollum became a chess piece in the secondary last season, filling a myriad of roles when needed. He played 665 snaps at outside corner, 59 at slot corner and 31 at safety in 2023. In 2024, McCollum will start opposite Jamel Dean. This offseason, the Sam Houston product emphasized harnessing his speed and refining his tackling technique – not leaving his feet too early. He attacks the ball at the catch point, and he possesses the athletic ability to mirror receivers downfield.
Rachaad White
In 2023, as opposing teams allocated resources to prevent the big play over the top to Mike Evans by using a two-high shell (light box), the Bucs took advantage with Rachaad White. The team's workhorse finished the year with over 1,500 scrimmage yards and was 10 yards shy of surpassing the 1,000-yard rushing marker. He concluded last year's campaign with 272 totes for 990 rushing yards, six rushing touchdowns and 3.6 yards per attempt. In addition, he showcased his pass-catching ability out of the backfield with 549 receiving yards on 70 catches for an average of 8.6 yards per reception. Head Coach Todd Bowles confirmed that starters will play against the Dolphins so White will take the field on Friday. Throughout the preseason, Bucky Irving and Sean Tucker took the majority of reps with White on the sideline and the team's ground attack found success on early downs. White will strive to make his mark, jump-cutting through contact and maximizing his blocks.
Graham Barton
Rookie Graham Barton will start at center in Week One and Friday will present a preliminary exhibition for the regular season. Barton will receive invaluable reps with the first team offense against the Dolphins as he gears up for the 2024 season opener against the Commanders. Barton manned the left tackle role at Duke for three seasons and has not lined up in the interior since 2020, when he earned freshman All-America honors at the interior role. He has made a seamless transition in the NFL, garnering a full-time gig anchoring Tampa Bay's line. Barton has helped bolster the Bucs' ground game during the preseason with his lateral quickness and finishing skills. The technician is explosive off the snap and excels in space with great range. With a high football IQ and in-game adjustments to maintain block control, Barton will be one to observe at Raymond James Stadium in the preseason finale.
Jose Ramirez
Against the Jaguars in Preseason Week Two, the Bucs' pass rush became the catalyst. Todd Bowles' unit totaled five sacks, six tackles for loss and nine quarterback hits. Outside linebacker Jose Ramirez led the charge with a three-sack outing. On the Jaguars' second offensive possession, Ramirez accumulated two knockdowns. The first put Jacksonville into a quick third-and-15 hole but Mac Jones had time to find Devin Duvernay to keep the drive alive. Off a five-man pressure, Ramirez fired off the line, winning his one-on-one to get to the quarterback. The second sack for Ramirez, who touched Jones down after the quarterback tripped, moved the ball back to the 25-yard-line and made it third-and-long for Jacksonville. Then late in the third quarter, Ramirez found his way into the backfield again. Ramirez chased down CJ Beathard for a sack at the Jacksonville four (loss of 17), bringing on the fourth quarter. The second-year player has embraced his rotational role and has honed in on enhancing the moves in his arsenal. Ramirez has an outstanding get-off and in 2024, he has harnessed his toolkit.
Cade Otton
Throughout camp and the Bucs' offseason workout program, tight end Cade Otton has arguably been the offensive MVP. He has routinely made splash plays on the practice fields, whether using the boundary to his advantage in three-by-one sets, creating yardage post-screen or boxing out defenders on crossers/slants, Otton has elevated the Bucs' offense. He became one of Baker Mayfield's go-to targets and a critical bridge between the run and the pass. The club's fourth-round pick in 2022 is on pace to have a breakout year in 2024. Otton played a staggering 97% of the team's snaps in 2023 (1,194). He finished the year with 455 yards on 47 receptions and four touchdowns. The Washington posted an average of 9.7 yards per reception and emerged as a threat underneath. Otton is adept at finding space against zone and achieving the proper depth/leverage against man.
