If all the players on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' current roster who wear jerseys in the 40s were to go out to dinner together – think of it as a pre-training camp bonding exercise, Ko Kieft would probably have to pick up the check.
With that training camp just around the corner, we have been examining the Buccaneers' 91-man roster in sets of 10s, beginning with the players in 0-9 jerseys, and so on, trying to predict what their individual goals for the summer may be. The group of players in the 40s is the briefest of these 10 rundowns; not only are those numbers either unavailable to or not coveted by players at multiple positions, but three of them are simply unavailable. The Bucs make a practice of no longer issuing the jersey numbers previously worn by Mike Alstott (40), Ricky Bell (42) and Hall of Famer John Lynch (47).
As for Kieft and company, his two NFL seasons and 33 regular-season games played make him by far the most experienced of the seven players in this subset. In fact, the other six have combined to play in 11 NFL games, all by running back Sean Tucker in his rookie season last fall. The other five are all rookies, though that doesn't mean this group will necessarily have little impact on the team in 2024, but it does make Kieft their elder statesman and the one likely to reach for his wallet at that hypothetical meal.
While 40, 42 and 47 collectively own a hallowed place in franchise history, the other 40 numbers were worn relatively infrequently through the Bucs' first four decades. They were assigned to running backs at times, obviously, and they were occasionally given to long-snappers, tight ends or linebackers if the 50s and 80s on the roster were crowded. The NFL relaxed its positional jersey number restrictions a few years ago, making the 40s more readily available for a large number of players, but for the Buccaneers it still mostly belongs to those same positions. Let's take a look.
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers taking part in Day 1 of Mandatory Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center on June 11th, 2024.
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14, Running Back Rachaad White #1 and Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61, Tackle Brandon Walton #73, Tackle Luke Haggard #72, Guard Cody Mauch #69, Tackle Justin Skule #77, Guard Ben Bredeson #68, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Kyle Trask #2 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Senior Offensive Assistant Tom Moore of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Senior Offensive Assistant Tom Moore of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Long Snapper Evan Deckers #86 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 and Defensive Quality Control Coach Joey Fitzgerald of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Defensive Lineman William Gholston #92 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Running Back Sean Tucker #44 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Daniel Grzesiak #57 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Shaun Peterson Jr. #49 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Raleigh Webb #17 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Sterling Shepard #25 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Chris Godwin #14 and Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Running Backs Coach Skip Peete of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Guard Cody Mauch #69 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Center Graham Barton #62 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Offensive Line Coach Kevin Carberry of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Guard Luke Goedeke #67 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Running Back Rachaad White #1 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 and Inside Linebacker K.J. Britt #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Chris Braswell #43 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Daniel Grzesiak #57 of The Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safety Tykee Smith #23 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safeties Coach Nick Rapone of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Offensive Coordinator Liam Coen, Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 and Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Robert Hainsey #70 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Guard Sua Opeta #76 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Running Back Bucky Irving #7 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safety Jordan Whitehead #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Cornerback Tavierre Thomas #37 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Safety Christian Izien #29 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Outside Linebacker Jose Ramirez #33 and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Defensive Lineman Calijah Kancey #94 and Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #95 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 and Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Wide Receiver Ryan Miller #81 and Offensive Lineman Silas Dzansi #61 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Head Coach Todd Bowles of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Quarterback Baker Mayfield #6 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - June 11, 2024 - Inside Linebacker Lavonte David #54 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during 2024 Minicamp at AdventHealth Training Center. Photo By Tori Richman/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
#41 TE Ko Kieft: Kieft suffered a shoulder injury in the penultimate weekend of last season, and that issue lingered into the 2024 offseason, keeping him off the field throughout the Bucs' series of workouts. During the final offseason minicamp in June, Head Coach Todd Bowles identified Kieft as the only player on the roster whose readiness for the start of training camp seemed to be in question at the time. Therefore, the first goal for Kieft as camp dawns is to get back on the field. The Buccaneers are learning a new offense under first-year coordinator Liam Coen, and all of the tight ends are finding out how they fit into the scheme. It is expected that the Bucs will play a higher percentage of snaps with three-receiver personnel, which means fewer two-tight end formations, which means fewer snaps overall to go around to the latter position. How will the Bucs employ Cade Otton, who played close to 100% of the offensive snaps last year, Payne Durham, who will likely see his usage increase in his second season, rookie seventh-rounder Devin Culp, and Kieft? Kieft is obviously known for his rugged blocking and can be utilized on the line or as an H-back. In addition to just getting healthy, Kieft could strive to show in camp that he is still the team's best option as a blocker at the tight end position.
#43 OLB Chris Braswell: Braswell was the Buccaneers' second-round pick in this year's draft, and as such it seems very likely that he will have a role of some significance in the Bucs' edge rush rotation in the regular season. Of course, that role won't be handed to him, which means he needs to display in camp and the preseason that he is one of the team's four or five best rushers off the edge. A starting role could even be in play. Yaya's impressive rookie season and gradual ascension to the starting lineup in 2023 suggest that he will be one of the two starters, but with Shaquil Barrett now in Miami the other spot appears to be open to the likes of Braswell, Joe Tryon-Shoyinka and Anthony Nelson. Braswell uses his long arms well and has a handful of pass-rush moves but likely will be looking to add to that arsenal as he begins work under NFL coaching tutelage. As another path to getting on the field, Braswell may be looking to show that he could be effective on special teams because of his size-speed combination, and that could be particularly true on kickoff return, as the new rules seem to be leading to more size in that lineup.
#44 RB Sean Tucker: Tucker made the opening-day roster as an undrafted rookie last year, which was an impressive accomplishment. He got notable playing time at the start of the season, too, with 27 offensive snaps in the first two weeks. However, he didn't get off to a strong start, averaging just 1.5 yards per carry, and then garnered just five offensive snaps the rest of the season. Since then, the Buccaneer used a fourth-round pick on Oregon running back Bucky Irving and they seem quite impressed by his skill set. Thus, with Irving potentially seeing a reasonable amount of playing time and workhorse starter Rachaad White returning, there will likely be a battle for snaps among the team's other running backs. The Buccaneers remain high on Tucker, who was very productive at Syracuse, and are likely to give him a good amount of carries in the preseason. A reasonable camp goal for Tucker would be to show that he's one of the team's best three backs, thus securing an active roster spot once again, and after that work on picking up playing time.
#45 RB Ramon Jefferson: Jefferson was one of the last handful of players added to the Bucs' 91-man camp roster. He wasn't immediately signed after going undrafted in April, but he got an invitation to the rookie minicamp in Tampa and showed enough in that weekend to get signed to the roster. That's a great first step for Jefferson; Markees Watts landed on the Bucs' offseason roster in the same way last year and that served as the springboard to him also making the 53-man roster. Jefferson had a meandering journey through college football, playing at four different schools, but he ended up at Kentucky, where he played for Coen in 2023. It's doubtful the Bucs would have signed Jefferson if Coen didn't believe in his talents after that front-seat view last fall, so Jefferson would seem to have a shot at either the roster or the practice squad in the regular season. As we noted when discussing rookie back D.J. Williams earlier in the week, Patrick Laird served as the Bucs' practice squad running back the past two seasons but is no longer with the team. Jefferson will surely set his sights on a roster spot, but he could also take another step forward by landing Laird's old job.
#46 LB Kalen DeLoach: DeLoach was a priority free agent for the Buccaneers when he slipped through the draft in April, and the depth chart at linebacker seems to promise an opportunity. With Devin White off to Philadelphia, the Bucs will be breaking in a new starter next to Lavonte David, with K.J. Britt likely to get the first crack. But the team will likely keep at least five off-ball linebackers, and the rest of the current group is all young and/or inexperienced players such as DeLoach, 2023 fifth-round pick SirVocea Dennis, and J.J. Russell. DeLoach's primary goal for camp will be to break it with a spot on the 53-man roster in sight, and the best way for that to happen is for him to show right away that he can be one of the team's best special teams players. As it so happens, DeLoach was very good in that phase of the game at Florida State and has already stated that he hopes to command a spot on as many kick-and-return units as he can. Once a roster spot is secured, DeLoach can set his sights on demonstrating that he could add value in some sub packages on defense as a rookie.
#48 LB Antonio Grier: Grier will be in familiar territory when the Buccaneers play their preseason finale at Raymond James Stadium in August. Before finishing his college career at Arkansas in 2023, Grier spent five years at nearby University of South Florida, playing his home games at the same venue. He knows a thing or two about making a quick impression on a new team, as his first defensive snap for the Razorback resulted in his 26-yard pick-six. He had two other pick-sixes during his tenure with the Bulls among an assortment of impressive defensive stats. Grier doesn't necessarily need to find the end zone during camp and the preseason to catch the eyes of the Bucs' coaching staff, but some splash plays and steady day-by-day development could do the trick. That and a good showing on special teams, as is the case with DeLoach, would go a long way in keeping him in Tampa beyond August and would be worthwhile goals for the rookie linebacker.
#49 OLB Shaun Peterson: Last summer, the Buccaneers felt like one of their deepest positions in training camp was outside linebacker, and that prompted them to keep more players at that spot than they usually do, with six on the active roster and a seventh on the practice squad. Part of the reason for that was the better-than-anticipated camp showing of Watts, who as noted above had initially made the roster after a tryout in rookie minicamp. Making a similar impression this year would be a fantastic goal for Peterson, because the Bucs have clearly demonstrated that they don't want to let any real edge-rushing talent out of the building. Peterson has shown some of that since switching from running back to defense just two years ago at UCF, particularly with his team-leading 6.0 sacks in 2022. And despite the depth the Bucs retained at his position a year ago, there is some opportunity in 2024, with both Barrett and Cam Gill having since departed.
