HEAD COACH TODD BOWLES

(On if he knows which players will play in the first preseason game against Cincinnati)

"Most of the starters will not play. Based off who's nicked up or not, you may see two or three of them in there for a series or two, but most of them won't play."

(On if starters will play later in the preseason)

"This is [for] this week. It'll be week-by-week."

(On how he determines which players play what percentage of plays)

"How much work they get in practice. We've got two practices against two teams the next coming weeks. You see more in terms of volume stuff in practice than you do in those games. So, how much they get in practice, how much volume they get, who gets nicked up, who doesn't get nicked up, where I think we need more continuity at – it all plays into it."

(On if any younger starters will play this week)

"There may be a few that you see that need some work that will get some work in."

(On if outside linebackers Jose Ramirez, Markees Watts and Chris Braswell have stepped up in the absence of OLB Yaya Diaby)

"They've gotten better, mentally, from a rep standpoint. They're not thinking as much and they're playing faster, so that's good to see."

(On how Braswell looks in coverage)

"We don't plan on making a living out of it, but he knows where to go – he knows what spots to get. He did get an interception today. He better pitch it…I don't know if he did very well running the football. He's doing some good things. I like the way he's coming along."

(On DB Tavierre Thomas)

"He's getting his hands on balls. He's learning three spots: he's learning strong [safety], he's learning free [safety], and he's learning nickel [cornerback]. He's been very receptive. We know he's a very good special teams player. He's around the ball all the time."

(On how important the game tape is for young players trying to make the roster, as opposed to practice or joint practices)

"You put a lot on it. Over the next three weeks, they're going to get plenty of time to show what they can do. Playing under the lights is important. Anybody can play in practice, but you've got to show you can play under the lights."

(On if C Graham Barton will play on Saturday)

"Barton is playing. He's a rookie."

(On if all rookies are playing)

"All of the rookies are playing. All the rookies are playing."

(On the upcoming joint practices against the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Miami Dolphins)

"You get tired of going against each other, number one. You get to see different schemes and you go against different people, so you get to figure out what you have to tweak for your own team – offensively or defensively, or even special teams-wise. The work is important, especially with one less preseason game. You need more work."

(On how defensive linemen Eric Banks and Earnest Brown IV have looked)

"They've both been coming along pretty [well]. I'll be very interested to see them Saturday night, because they'll get a lot of playing time and exposure. We feel like we need to get a look there and they'll get plenty of looks."

(On which quarterback will start the game)

"Kyle [Trask] will start the game."

(On how he evaluates the play of quarterbacks Kyle Trask and John Wolford)

"Well, you're seeing how they play. I mean, you see how they practice. Right now, Kyle is ahead by a little bit, but we've still got to play some games."

ASSISTANT GENERAL MANAGER JOHN SPYTEK

(On his comments after the draft regarding WR Jalen McMillan potentially being a steal with where he was selected, and his thoughts on how McMillan is coming along now in training camp)

"Yeah, I think he has made me look pretty good with those comments. I think you can all see the cool stuff that he does out here right now. I mean, he's a very gifted athlete. He's a very gifted football player. Now, the next step is consistently doing it day after day. We've yet to see how he plays with the pads on [in a game], but I expect him to handle that well and keep building a rapport with the quarterback. With any wide receiver-quarterback combo, there's got to be a big trust factor there. He's got to earn that with Baker [Mayfield] too, but we're excited about how he has started, for sure."

(On the fast-developing connection between QB Baker Mayfield and TE Cade Otton and how Otton can be a weapon in the offense)

"I appreciate the question on Cade because I think he's a really good football player. And to what I just said – there's a high trust factor there. When a lot of the focus is going to be on Mike [Evans] and Chris [Godwin] – deservedly so – there's a lot of value in a guy that the quarterback just knows, 'He will be where he's supposed to be, so I can trust that if they take these two away, Cade is going to be freed up here, the ball is going to go to him, he's going to be there and he's going to catch it.' They were hot yesterday, and they were hot again today – it's a cool thing to see."

(On DB Tavierre Thomas having ballhawk characteristics)

"He's the kind of kid that we love to watch him compete. We've admired him for a couple years when he was with other teams. He's another kid that is just playing hard and doing the right things a lot. When you do that, the ball finds you, especially in this defense. We put a huge emphasis on turnovers and you're going to get your opportunities, so if you're ready for them and you're doing the right stuff, the ball is going to come to you and you're going to find it. I just appreciate the way the kid plays and competes. He's a good teammate and he will do whatever is asked. He is playing safety; he is playing nickel – we could've asked him to play anything. Last year, too – that game in Houston – when Trey [Palmer] got that ball stripped, that was Tavierre. We were lucky to get it back then, but he's going to make plays like that, and he has shown up so far."

(On what he has seen from C Graham Barton at center and how much of a learning curve it has been for him so far switching to center)

"Well, it's a huge curve for any o-lineman and any rookie to come in and have a chance to start and play [a lot of] snaps and it's even harder at center because there is the communication with the quarterback and all of the other things. I think what you love about Graham is one wayward snap doesn't become another one, another one and another one. Yeah, they show up from time to time, but it isn't like he's off a cliff after that. That was in his profile, and we really like that about him — [he's] just a consistent achiever and it matters to him. Sometimes I think in training camp on August 8, those mistakes are okay, because for a kid like him, he's going to work harder to make sure that those are ironed out by the time the games start."

(On the depth at outside linebacker with Chris Braswell, Jose Ramirez and Markees Watts)

"Jose and Markees showed up all the time last year – you all just didn't get to see it because you weren't at practice, but we saw it. They worked our tackles, and I think it's why Tristan [Wirfs] and Luke [Goedeke] – Luke in particular – took a jump because the work they were getting from those two guys was really good. I'm not surprised with how either Jose or Markees is doing because they are the right kind of kid, and it matters to them. They are the kind of person that when people miss with injuries, they're ready to step up, they're ready to play, they're prepared and they're going to give you their best. This isn't any surprise to any of us. Obviously, Chris is coming along. It was cool to see the interception today. He is doing a lot of good stuff, too. They're just the right kind of people that work and work and work. I think it will be fun to watch them play on Saturday night because I think they'll make the most of their opportunities."

(On the importance of bringing in high-level undrafted free agents following the draft and the work that goes into that process)

"It's a testament to our scouts. Those guys kind of own the undrafted free agent road, the undrafted free agent, late-round pick mode… They're the ones that find those guys. They seek them out, they put them on the board, they have a relationship with the agent, they recruit them to come here in a small window of time, like we've talked about. It's huge to have youth on your team, but it's even more important just to have guys that can play. I love the competition in our secondary right now. It has pushed [Jamel] Dean to be better. Zyon [McCollum] is, hopefully going to take a big leap here – it has pushed him. I think people can start to count numbers and it's like, 'Well, there's a lot of good players here and if I want to stay, I better be at my best.' There are certainly some young guys that are stepping up and playing well."

(On what changes he has seen in QB Baker Mayfield now that he has planted his roots in Tampa and has taken leadership of the team)

"I think he is always confident, and you love that about him. He's got a swagger to him this year and an urgency, maybe, that maybe he was trying to feel himself out [last year]. I use urgency in a good, positive [way], like he is here to win, he's comfortable with it and he knows it's his team and he's the guy. He told you guys – I think the other day – when he's comfortable, he's playing his best. There's a comfort to him and there's a rhythm to his game right now that I think is really starting to pick up and it's fun to see because he has always been able to throw the football with the best of them. He ripped some shots late in practice today that were really neat. I like his energy and his vibe, and I think the team can feel that, as well, which is cool."

(On placing an emphasis on scoring faster)

"Yeah, I mean, let's score 40 a game – that would be awesome. I think he's (Mayfield) in a really good place right now, and it's just to move the ball down the field and to value the football. I think we are going to be a little more aggressive this year with some of the stuff, and on that, there is an impetus on the quarterback to still make sure we don't put the ball at risk a ton. If he just keeps building, throwing and really grasping the offense – because it is different – that will be big for him. He's off to a really good start here."

(On what he wants to see from young players in their first NFL appearance in the preseason)

"I want to see them compete. They're going to make mistakes. It's their first time on an NFL field in a new scheme, whether it's offense or defense, so they're going to make mistakes, but I want to see them compete. I want to see them strain to finish. If you're tackling people, put your face on the ball carrier and get them down. If you've got the ball and you're carrying it, I don't want to see people running out of bounds. I want to see them finish plays and those are the kind of guys we're looking for around here. That's why in preseason games, there are always young guys that have sometimes been great out here in the shells and no-contact [practices] that kind of fade. And then there's some guys that didn't quite look as athletic as some other guys, that show up because when the lights go on and it's big-boy football, they show up. I just love watching guys compete. It's really almost like a natural high for me – I just love it. When you find kids that will just empty the tank for you, I have so much respect for them, and I look forward to seeing that on Saturday night."

(On the players who might not show up as much in practice but perform well in game action)

"It's not that they don't excel or that they're not noticed out here, but it's like a confirmation of it. When you're in the scouting process and you feel like you recommend players, you're betting on the fact that they can play in games, not in practices. There are a lot of guys that I've seen in my career that are awesome practice players and they don't want any part of the real stuff. When you scout, you tell people in the organization like, 'This kid, when the lights come on, he will validate his worth and his spot on this roster.' I love that, too. I think all scouts do, too. It's like a, 'See, I told you.' But also, a validation to yourself, like, 'Hell yeah, I made a good call on this kid, and he proved it on TV in front of everybody."

(On if there are any guys over the years that fall into that mold that he can remember specifically)

"Yeah, lots of them. I've been around a lot of good players in my 20 years in the league. No one in particular, but [there have been] a lot of good ones that have showed up when it mattered."

DEFENSIVE BACK TAVIERRE THOMAS

(On having three interceptions during training camp)

"It feels good because I [haven't] caught a pick in training camp in two years. To have three, it's a good feeling."

(On WR Chris Godwin preventing him from having his fourth interception during yesterday's practice)

"Chris, he's super strong. My hands [were], no excuses, but my hands [were] wet from sweat, and I bobbled it. As soon as I bobbled it, he just took the ball. He took the ball. He's a savvy vet."

(On why he played his whole college career at Ferris State when he had opportunities to play Division I football)

"I just felt like if you're good enough, they'll find you. I got really close with some of my friends. Some of my best friends went to Ferris, and they [played] football with me. My coach (HC Tony Annese) said, [that] if you just go and ball out, no matter where you are, [they will] find you. There [were] a lot of teams in Division I [who wanted] me to transfer, but I just stayed the course. [I] kept getting better every year, [and] seeing some of my teammates from Ferris go to the NFL, [which] was [my] motivation ... I just stayed there and just balled out and got an opportunity."

(On targeting turnovers on defense)

"The ball is money. Anytime the ball is around me, anytime I get my hands on it, I'm trying to take it away. Every play, [I try] to punch the ball out or get the ball. Lovie Smith taught me that, and I just stuck with it. Even on special teams, my goal is to get the ball out, and that's what [I will] continue to try to do."

(On his NFL journey thus far into his career)

"For me, I just try to keep my head down. You [have] to know your why, and my why is my wife and my son, [because] with [those] two on my side, there's nothing I can't do. That's my mindset, [to] go out, [and] play hard. Each opportunity I get, [I] just keep going. Each and every day, learning something, [and] getting 1% better. Learning safety is hard, but [I've picked] up on it. I've picked up on [a lot of it], and it's just keeping your head down [and] keeping God first. Then, the sky is the limit. [I] just [have] to keep going, [and] keep pushing the gas."

(On his role on Tampa Bay's defense)

"For me, I'm going to [contribute] whatever my role is. I don't know what that is yet, [but] we'll find out after training camp [and] after this preseason. But whatever my role is, I'm going to play it. If that's special teams, I'm going to be the best special teams player in the NFL. If it's defense, [I will] go out there and help the team win. Whatever I have to do to stay on [this] team and continue to play at a high level, that's what I'm going to do."

CORNERBACK TYREK FUNDERBURK

(On how excited he is to have a chance to play his first NFL preseason game)

"It'll be super surreal. Obviously, it's a lifelong dream of mine – to be at this level, to play in the NFL, and it came fast. I remember getting a call back in April and now we're already here… first preseason game, so I'm excited."

(On how he's adjusting to the defense)

"It's been a lot, but I've got good guys in the room, and obviously, coaches to help me out with all that stuff. I think just being in that room with [Jamel] Dean, [Zyon] McCollum, and then, obviously, a vet like Bryce Hall… it's helpful to have those guys around, and then, obviously Coach [Todd] Bowles, Coach Rashad [Johnson] – they're always willing to help. Whatever questions I may have, they're willing just to put their two cents in, and just give me a lot of football knowledge. There's been a lot of things I've learned since I've been here, in three months, that I didn't know at the collegiate level. It's definitely helped transform my game."

(On if his technique work has always been a part of his game)

"I think it's been a part of my game. I think, just route recognition and understanding the concepts of offenses. I think that's kind of been one of my strengths since playing corner. In terms of when the ball is not coming to me, I just want to make sure I'm doing my job… do what I'm coached to do, make sure I'm in the right position, and that's kind of all they can ask for from me."

(On the interception he had in practice a few days ago)

"It was huge. I mean, you always want takeaways as a defensive back, but you never know when they're going to come. You can't really force plays to come to you. I've always been coached to make the ones that come to you – catch the ones they throw [at] you. That's kind of what happened yesterday. You just take it and run with it, you know, try to get better, because there's always something to improve on, regardless of how good of a day you might think you had."

(On his transition from college to the NFL)

"It's been a lot of what I did, in terms of film study… just understanding what offenses do. Whether it's personnel groupings, down and distance, whatever it may be – just trust my instincts. Trust what the offense presents to me – the things I see, and just play 100 miles an hour."

(On how it's been going against his teammates at practice)

"It's been fun going against them. They're great guys for a reason. You have first ballot Hall of Famers on the team, which is great for me, and I get to compete against those guys, and ultimately, they make me better. [You] can't be scared when you go against them. Just make it about what you do, your technique, and it'll handle itself."

(On his confidence level going into the first preseason game)

"I'm pretty confident. I think I'll be a little nervous, just because it's my first game at this level. It's just like college. You're first day on campus – you know, all the vets are like, 'Look man, it's just a glorified practice. There just happens to be another team across from you this time. Don't change anything that you've done in practice. Focus on your technique even more. Know where your help is. Just run to the ball and do what you have to do.'"

(On which special teams units he is a part of)

"I'll be in on special teams – that's how you make it as a UDFA (undrafted free agent), so kick off, punt, punt return, kick off return, whatever. [Keith] Tandy and Coach 'Tmac' (Thomas McGaughey) – whatever they need from me, that's what I'm going to do. That's ultimately how you'll get on this team whenever you're not the first or second corner."

-BUCCANEERS-