For the first time in franchise history, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will enter a season as a three-time reigning division champion, having captured the NFC South crown in 2021, 2022 and 2023. Their attempt at a four-peat begins in earnest this week with the arrival of training camp, always the unofficial official beginning to a season.
Earlier this month, during the NFL's annual fallow period when players and coaches around the league are enjoying one last break from football, Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix and I conducted a Point-Counterpoint Week, in which we debated one topic related to the Buccaneers' highly-anticipated 2024 season. Which player was ready to make the "big leap," for instance, or what headline we'd like to see at the end of the preseason.
Now, on the eve of training camp, Brianna and I are returning one more time to the Point-Counterpoint antechamber to discuss a very relevant topic: What are we going to be watching when the action begins on the field Wednesday?
Specifically, which position group is appointment viewing this summer? Brianna has already shared her thoughts on some of the individual players we will have our eyes on in the weeks ahead, but here we're going to look at position group as a whole. Which corner of the depth chart will be bristling with storylines? Which group will entertain the fans the most when they come out for open practices? Which one has star power and exciting newcomers?
We flipped a coin to see who goes first since we aren't allowing duplicate answers and I called tails, because tails never fails (hear me, Bucs captains?). It didn't fail.
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking part in Day 3 of Mandatory Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center on June 13th, 2024.
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Helmet during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Tight End Payne Durham #87 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback John Wolford #11 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Latreal Jones #85 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka #9 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Inside Linebacker SirVocea Dennis #8 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 and Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6, Guard Luke Goedeke #67, Guard Cody Mauch #69, and Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Team huddle during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Cornerback Zyon McCollum #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 13, 2024 - Helmet during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Scott Smith: Wide Receiver
Had I lost the coin flip, I would have had to give this question a lot more thought. Instead, I went with the obvious answer. Yeah, it's a bit of a cop out, but I'm not going to zag just for the sake of zagging.
First of all, the receivers are always the most entertaining group in training camp. They can do their jobs at full speed whether the pads or on or not and whether contact is allowed or not. They draw the biggest cheers when someone like Mike Evans hauls in a deep pass for an apparent "touchdown," and they tend to take turns having breakout days during the long weeks of camp. You tend to watch the football, right? Well, the football goes to them.
But the storylines are replete, as well, starting with Evans, who got a lucrative new deal to hopefully remain a Buc for life this offseason following his unprecedented 10th 1,000-yard season in as many years in the league. Despite the fact that Evans is heading into his age-31 season, ESPN recently included him in its annual ranking of the top 10 receivers in the league. He is coming off his best season since 2018, with 1,255 yards, a 15.9-yard per-catch average and 13 touchdown grabs to tie for the NFL lead. At this point, the smart bet is to assume that Evans will be every bit as effective in 2024. Still, it's fun to contemplate what may be in store for him in Season 11. Will he get the six touchdown receptions he needs to become just the 11th player ever to reach 100? (Um, yeah.) Will he stretch his career-starting streak to 11 straight 1,000-yard campaigns? Will he go back to the Pro Bowl for a sixth time?
Then there's Chris Godwin, another former Pro Bowler who is very much still in his prime, is another year removed from the terrible knee injury that ended his 2021 season and is moving back into the slot, where he has dominated in the past. He had 202 catches primarily playing that role in 2021 and 2022 combined, and he could be even more prolific playing a Cooper Kupp-like role in Liam Coen's offense.
Do we have battles for jobs to watch? We do! Trey Palmer was the team's primary third receiver last year and he made a difference with his game-breaking speed, but he'll face competition from third-round rookie Jalen McMillan. Both could end up with significant roles, but whoever gets on the field with Evans and Godwin the most would be in position to thrive in the attention void created by those two. Beyond that, how many receivers will the Bucs keep and who will end up with the last spot or two? The team thinks highly of Rakim Jarrett, who made the squad as an undrafted rookie last year, and it added intriguing veteran Sterling Sharpe, a friend of Baker Mayfield, in June. You know what? We're just going to list the rest of them, because there is often a name that is obscure when camp begins but well known by the end, such as Deven Thompkins in 2022 or Jarrett last year: Cephus Johnson, Kameron Johnson, Latreal Jones, Tanner Knue, Ryan Miller, Cody Thompson and Raleigh Webb.
Bri, if you can tear your eyes away from the receivers, what position group will you be paying the most attention to?
Brianna Dix: Outside Linebacker
Sure, the receiver corps will garner attention for the reasons you mentioned above, but I am going to go with outside linebacker as my position to watch. In the suffocating Florida heat, there is nothing more exciting than seeing a would-be sack (players cannot actually bring the quarterback down) occur or one-on-one pass rush drills. The latter has always been one of my favorite parts of the strenuous offseason training period.
Excitement builds for Yaya Diaby's encore season with the Buccaneers after a sensational rookie campaign in which he led the club in sacks (7.5) and all NFL rookies in tackles for loss (12). He earned a starting role midway through the 2023 slate after showcasing his ability in passing situations and finished fifth in the voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year. Diaby plays with immense power and short-area burst. Throughout the offseason, Diaby has prioritized adding moves into his arsenal, including the long-arm and double swipe. He will be one to watch at the AdventHealth Training Center practice fields and then there is the competition storyline to rev up the anticipation. After the departure of Shaquil Barrett, there is a vacancy that must be filled in the trenches. Several contenders will battle for the gig, including rookie Chris Braswell, veterans Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson, along with offseason acquisition Randy Gregory.
Braswell, the Bucs' second-round selection, will vie to earn reps with the first team. The Alabama product enters the league with an advanced rush plan, length and instant acceleration to attack the backfield. Tryon-Shoyinka, a former first round draft pick, has an elite athletic profile and outstanding bend. Nelson – affectionately known as 'Steady Eddie' by the Bucs' coaching staff – plays with a high motor, upfield-charge and finishing skills to collapse the pocket.
Eyes will be glued to the outside linebacker group during camp to see which player becomes the frontrunner for the open spot opposite Diaby in the lineup. In a pass-heavy league, pass rushers are held at a premium and set the tone for the second and third-levels of the defense. I look forward to viewing how Todd Bowles maximizes their potential in 2024.
