HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On how QB Baker Mayfield is coming along)

"Again, it's shorts and t-shirt [practices], I'm not going to sit here and crown or belittle anybody right now on one day of practice. But, he's picking up the scheme well, he's doing all the necessary things individually and he's making progress."

(On how QB Kyle Trask is coming along)

"It's more of the same. I think they work well together, they help each other out – it's a healthy competition. That will take care of itself. But I think they're grasping it pretty [well]."

(On his early impressions of rookie wide receivers like Trey Palmer and Rakim Jarrett)

"They all have a lot of speed and they have a lot of effort. We're going to see once the pads come on, once you put it all together. We've got talent there. You'd rather make a hard decision than an easy one. We've got a lot of depth at that position so it's going to be a very good preseason."

(On DL Logan Hall going into his second season)

"The biggest thing is he's gotten stronger – he was already of size. A year in the weight program and a year in the system, he's gotten a lot better mentally and a lot better physically. Right now, I'm pleased with it."

(On how beneficial pre-snap movement can be)

"It can. It's not every play, but we have it in the arsenal probably a little more than last year. We can build things off of it. I think it helps the defense because they get to see it and it helps the offense because they get to see some things, too. It'll help out on both sides of the ball."

(On how much having a new offensive system helps the defense in practice)

"We don't play ourselves. Defense installs different things and offense installs different things. On different days, the offense might have something in to get the defense, and vice-versa. We install what we install. We get ready to play for the season, not each other. The fact is you've got to do your rules and do the right thing – it helps out on both sides of the ball. It's a healthy competition but nobody is gameplanning each other out here."

(On how impactful having WR Chris Godwin is for the young receivers during OTAs)

"It's great for him – he needs the work. The young guys need to see somebody that's done it, but they're all learning a new offense so they're doing it at the same time. But his professionalism and a lot of guys that are around here, their professionalism helps out."

(On what he wants to accomplish during this phase of the offseason)

"Obviously, grasping the offense. Getting in camp shape, number two. Then just playing smart, situational football. We'll do a lot of situational things – probably more than we've done, and we've done a lot before. We're going to do some situational things to put them in situations where we can hopefully be smarter."

(On how much of the offense he hopes players are able to grasp right now)

"The initial install and the basics are important to get in. In phase two and phase one, you meet and you walk through them, but doing it on the field is a different deal. For them to grasp it and have a good idea and a good feel going into the summer is important, so we [can] come back to training camp and we're not starting at square one."

(On how much a better running game will help the red zone and third down woes)

"It helps everything. The object is to score more points than the other team. If we have to throw it a lot, we'll throw it. If we have to run it, we can run it. It'll help control the ball. You've got to execute better in those situations. Third down, it's not so much as running it as executing it – as well as red zone. We've got to get first downs so we can score touchdowns instead of field goals."

(On third-and-3 being better than third-and-8)

"But you've still got to make the third down. If you're making all the third-and-8's, you don't mind, if you're missing all the third-and-3's… It plays a hand in it. It plays a hand in controlling the ball – maybe a possession or two more. Hopefully we can have a good mix of both."

(On being able to run the ball in the red zone)

"It's important to be able to have a dual threat. You don't want anybody playing the pass full-time against you right there, so we want to take advantage of what the defense is giving us as we get into the season. If it's the run game, we'll try and take the run. If it's the pass game, we'll try and take the pass."

(On how to get more interceptions than last season)

"Well, they come in bunches. There's no secret formula to it. You work at it and you practice it. Like you said, catch the ones that you drop. Create more, get some tipped passes and just break on the ball – see it a little better, understand the scheme better, and make plays."

(On what he's learned about QB Baker Mayfield)

"Probably not too much other than he's a good golfer. Everything else, I kind of knew. I've known him for a couple years now so everything else is not a surprise to me."

(On how good of a golfer Mayfield is)

"He's better than me, so that makes him a great golfer. I'm not a very good golfer, so it doesn't take much – the bar is low. But I think he's a very good golfer."

(On when he's seen Mayfield golf)

"Once from Bruce [Arians'] event and a couple things I've heard from other people, that he knows how to golf pretty [well]. I have not experienced that myself – I am not a great golfer. I don't golf with those types. I golf with kind of the scrubs and we kind of just have fun and go from there."

(On if anything else stands out to him about Mayfield)

"He's eager to learn. He's got a bunch of energy every day. Guys gravitate towards him. He's learning the system just like Kyle [Trask] is and they're helping each other out."

(On what he's seen from Mayfield in terms of leadership)

"Again, it's early. We've just been meeting, so everyone has been learning. There's nobody over there that can tell anybody what to do because they're all learning at the same time. As the weeks go on and we grasp everything, you'll start to see leadership qualities come out of him that I know he has – that I know Kyle [Trask] has, as well. When that starts to happen, then you start making the determination of where we want to go."

(On if playing as an outside receiver will help preserve WR Chris Godwin)

"I don't know if it preserves him. Everybody knows he's a great player, so when they see '14' out there, there's going to be attention directed towards him – whether he's in the boundary to the field, in the slot, or outside because he's that good of a football player. He takes care of his body. Obviously, he came back from the injury in great shape. I think they're going to continue to key him but obviously the good players get paid attention to. He continues to make plays, so we're looking for him to continue to make plays."

(On the work that RB Rachaad White out in in the offseason)

"His training – obviously, him being in the system for a year, he doesn't have the college body – he has a professional training regimen that he goes about and he's very strict on the things that he does. Hopefully that helps him during the year [to] become more durable as the season goes on."

(On if he's expecting a big year out of White)

"Yes."

(On when RB Sean Tucker might be able to start practicing)

"Not at this time. We'll monitor it with what the doctors tell us and we'll go from there."

(On if Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales sees the game the same way he does)

"I think he does. I think Dave is a great teacher – not with just the players, [but] the coaches. He's smart enough to know that he doesn't know everything, which for us coaches is sometimes a problem – me included. But he understands the game and he understands the value of possessions, he understands the value of time, he understands trying to take advantage of certain plays when they cut other plays off. Hopefully that helps us going forward. He continues to seek advice, he continues to have knowledge and seek knowledge of the ballgame – that's what [drew] me to him in the first place. Hopefully that leads to some success on the field."

QUARTERBACK BAKER MAYFIELD

(On Head Coach Todd Bowles saying he doesn't golf with Mayfield because he's too good)

"That's just not true [laughs]. I've been working on it in my free time just trying to get outside and work on the game a little bit. We've got free afternoons here after we get off of work and studying and stuff, so [I've been] doing that before I have the American Century [Celebrity Golf] Tournament in Tahoe in July. I'm just trying not to embarrass myself. That's about it."

(On the advantage of being able to get on-field reps with teammates during OTAs)

"Just getting timing down, not just for me and the quarterbacks, but for everybody getting the system down, getting the fundamentals down. That was the best part about how Dave [Canales] wanted to come in and install this offense – to really take it slow and make sure we have all of the details and the foundation of what we want to be. Everybody is on the same page. I think that was the best part about what we've done up to this point to now prepare ourselves to be ready to compete. It just seemed like everybody was on the same page when we went out there. When you get the live bullets flying for the first time, a lot of times it can seem a little messy, especially with the younger guys for the first time, but it was very organized. We limited pre-snap penalties and things like that. There is always room for improvement, but for a first day – I think because of how Dave installed the offense – it was pretty good."

(On his comfort in Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales' scheme with all the movement)

"I'm very comfortable moving around and moving in the pocket. Not only do I enjoy that but our offensive linemen love it too. It keeps the snap and the launch point for us in a different place to keep the defense caught off guard a little bit. It makes it easier for everybody when you're marrying up the run and the pass, as well, and it's just a good system overall."

(On his impressions of the receiving corps)

"Honestly, I'm truly impressed. Obviously, we've got two great veterans. Russ [Gage Jr.] had a little bit of an injury last week, but he was doing really well before that. We've got a ton of speed, a lot of young speed. I'm just trying to get these guys to find their roles and find their place in this system. We talk about the speed that we have – our tight ends can roll, as well. We're excited about what we can be with all of the weapons that we have."

(On WR Mike Evans)

"He's a great guy first and foremost, a true competitor. I think people disregard [his speed]. He's obviously a taller receiver and a longer guy, but he can still move. His speed will catch you off guard. He is a special player and has been for a long time, so I am excited to get to play with him."

(On WR Chris Godwin)

"He's got that fearlessness to run across the middle and make these catches and go out and dig people in in the blocking game. That's the greatest part about this system is it puts people in positions to keep the defense off guard. Those guys will line up in the slot. Our tight ends will go out wide and we will do certain things to get tells in the defense. All of our skill players are smart enough to be able to handle that and do it at a high level."

(On the skepticism from the national media and oddsmakers about the Buccaneers chances for success this season)

"I played in this division last year and I am pretty sure the Bucs won it still, so I don't really care what the people in Vegas putting odds on it [think] because it's May. We haven't played a real snap of football. There is a long way to go before that. It's just the time of year where everybody is pretty bored and they don't really have much to talk about and it makes it fun."

(On the talent on the roster)

"I'm excited about it. I am very eager to get to work with these guys."

(On the hunger he competes with)

"I've always been pretty highly competitive. If I was to tell you when I first got drafted that I was going to draw up my career and I was going to end up in Cleveland, I probably would've told you how it was going to go, but that's not how it shook out. That wasn't God's plan, so I'm on to the next thing. This is a place that has been very welcoming, and I am excited. Obviously, it's a one-year deal and I am just trying to make the most out of it one day at a time. This is a great group that seems like a no-BS squad that is all about winning."

(On what it has been like being around this team the last few months)

"From top down it's all about winning. That's the best part – no distractions, no other nonsense, it's just about how can we get on the same page toward winning? That is how you build a great franchise, and that's why it is one."

(On if there is any carryover from the Los Angeles Rams offense he played in last season to the Buccaneers one)

"Yeah, I mean Shane Waldron was in Los Angeles for a few years before he went to Seattle with Dave [Canales] last year, so there is definitely carryover. It's a similar system. Now, when it comes to terminology and things like that, there are different adjustments for what they really want to get accomplished. I've been in enough offenses now – there is a little bit of relation to a lot of them, but especially the most recent one."

(On how he feels now that he is settling in in Tampa Bay)

"I feel great, especially with where we are at right now. This is my first offseason really since 2019, so I'm settling in great. It's been great to be here the past month or so, whatever it has been. Then obviously we jumped right in to OTAs, so it feels like home."

(On if he has adjusted to the heat yet)

"I'm still sweating quite a bit, but it seems to be the norm out here, so anything goes."

(On it getting hotter as the summer goes along)

"Don't tell me that [laughs]. I had to change before I even came out here to see you guys. I'm still dripping."

(On what he has learned about the city of Tampa)

"They're crazy about their sports, I'll say that. It's a very relaxed town. I compared it like, Los Angeles to San Diego is Miami to Tampa – it's more of a beach town vibe. Everybody is relaxed and respectful. It's just a good place to live. That's why you never hear anybody say anything bad about the city as a whole."

TIGHT END CADE OTTON

(On what practice has been like with all the changes made in the offseason)

"Yeah, it's been really nice. Everyone's focused but everyone's light and having fun. I think there's been a good change, there's been a good new energy in the building and out here on the field everyone was flying around having fun. Obviously, there's a lot to clean up, it was day one, but everyone's highly competitive and there's just a new challenge this year. I think everyone's looking forward to it."

(On how different it is not having Tom Brady on the team)

"It's different. I mean, it was my rookie year, and it was the only thing I had known in the NFL but I imagine there's nothing quite like playing with Tom [Brady], [with] just how demanding he is. I think the guys we have in the quarterback room now are really demanding too, really competitive in their own way. Everyone has a different way of showing that and I'm excited to get to see how they do that going forward through these OTAs and then going into fall camp."

(On if he wanted to get bigger, faster, and stronger during this offseason)

"Yeah, definitely all of those things. Last offseason with the combine and having to rehab from an injury, it's just been great to have a full offseason to work with the strength staff, to work on my nutrition, and just really focus on building myself from the ground up as a football player. Getting ready physically for a long season, [I] haven't played a season like I had last year ever. [So] just knowing what it takes to go deep into the regular season with a good record and then our goal is to win a Super Bowl every year so that's what we are gearing up to do. Individually, [I'm] just trying to work on what I can do to be the best player I can be."

(On his impressions of QB Baker Mayfield)

"I think he's picked up on the offense really fast. He's just talked about how he's had some more systems so just through that he's able to have confidence in where guys are going to be and where he wants you to be, and just talking through the different "X's" and "O's". I think he's proven that he can be a winning quarterback and play at a really high level so just the confidence that he has, [he's] giving it to the other guys and myself included."

(On if he has seen a difference in QB Kyle Trask)

"Yeah, I think I've seen him take a step forward in terms of leadership and confidence. I think it shows on-and-off the field. You hear pitchers talk about conviction when they throw the ball, I feel like I see that in Kyle [Trask] a little bit more now. Just conviction in throwing the ball into the spots where he thinks guys are going to be. I'm really just excited to see how he progresses throughout OTAs."

WIDE RECEIVER CHRIS GODWIN

(On moving past his injury last season)

"It was a night and day difference between last year and this year. Like you said, all this time last year, I was inside doing rehab on my own. Those were very long days and you kind of watch out the window. It's like you're a kid that got in trouble and you're watching all your friends outside, playing and having fun. To be out here now, it's a blessing. It was a lot of hard work. Like you said, I took some much-needed rest right after the season. But I'm feeling really good. I feel really good with where I'm at. It's a fresh year [with] fresh opportunities for myself and all the guys around."

(On if he's back to where he was before his injury)

"I think I'm very close to it. I feel like a lot of my explosion is coming back. I feel very comfortable with the things that I'm working on. It feels really good to be able to have the opportunity to work on my skill development this offseason, as opposed to just working to rehab an injury."

(On working with quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask)

"Honestly, it's just different. Any time you have a new quarterback, it's different. Obviously, we don't know who that guy is going to be yet but it doesn't feel weird – it just feels like you're getting reps with a bunch of guys. I get to work on my own skill development, get to work with the receivers and then for us, we have to handle our business regardless of who's throwing the ball. We kind of discuss those things – let's make the play when the ball comes our way, let's make the play. I think Kyle and Baker have both done a great job so far – it's a friendly competition, there's no animosity. You see them helping each other – they talk through a bunch of things. I think we have a really good environment on our team right now. We're all really just trying to pull the rope in the same direction."

(On Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales)

"I like him, I really do. I think the first thing that really comes to mind is he's a very smart guy. You can tell that he, one, really loves ball, but he really knows what he wants to do in terms of installing the offense and attacking defenses. I think that that really comes off in meetings, it comes off in how he delivers the messaging to guys in the meeting room and on the field. I think the guys really respond well to that. He's not really like a yeller, he's not trying to cuss guys out, he's not trying to berate guys. He's a teacher and he wants to effectively communicate that. It's been working so far. We had a really good first day and guys are flying around – the intensity is high. It kind of felt like a training camp practice, so I think it's going to be really cool watching this whole thing develop."

-BUCCANEERS-