The calendar has flipped to May, and for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, that means one thing: rookie minicamp is here. Beginning this Friday, the team's newest additions -- along with a handful of tryout players -- will take the field at the AdventHealth Training Center for their first official NFL practices. While the pads won't be on and the install will be relatively basic, this weekend is a critical first step in shaping the 2026 roster.
General Manager Jason Licht and Head Coach Todd Bowles have assembled a fascinating group of incoming talent. Between the draft picks, undrafted free agent signings, and a few familiar faces returning on tryout contracts, there's no shortage of intrigue. Based on the current roster, here are three things to watch closely as the Bucs open minicamp.
1. How Does the Secondary Shake Out After a Loaded Draft?
The Buccaneers entered the 2026 NFL Draft with a clear need in the defensive backfield, and they didn't waste any time addressing it. The team selected cornerback Benjamin Morrison out of Notre Dame in the first round, a savvy, instinctive cover man who many analysts had rated as a top-15 talent. He's joined by fourth-round pick Jacob Parrish from Kansas State, a versatile nickel/safety hybrid with excellent ball skills. Add in Keionte Scott (Auburn), Jy Gilmore (South Carolina State), and several undrafted rookies, and the Bucs suddenly have a logjam at cornerback.
But here's the thing: rookie minicamp isn't just about the draft picks. The Bucs also brought back cornerback Kemon Hall and added Chase Lucas as veteran depth. These two will likely serve as mentors and competition for the young players. However, the real spotlight will be on Morrison and Parrish. How quickly can Morrison pick up the defensive backs coach's terminology and alignments? Does Parrish look more comfortable inside or outside? And can any of the undrafted corners -- particularly Scott, who had a productive senior season -- force the coaching staff to keep an extra defensive back on the 53-man roster?
I expect the defensive backs coach to rotate Morrison and Parrish heavily through the first two days of camp, giving each extended work in different coverage shells. The Bucs have built a versatile, attacking defense under Todd Bowles, and depth at cornerback is a prerequisite for running the zero-blitz and Cover 1 schemes they love.
2. The Battle for Backup Running Back Gets a Preview
Let's be honest -- the Bucs' backfield will feature one of the most compelling position battles in training camp. Starter Bucky Irving is coming off a breakout sophomore season in which he surpassed 1,200 scrimmage yards and confirmed himself as a legitimate three-down back. Behind him, the team signed veteran Kenneth Gainwell in free agency, who brings pass-protection reliability and receiving skills to the table. But the Bucs also have Sean Tucker, Michael Wiley, Josh Williams, and Owen Wright all competing for what is likely two or three roster spots.
Rookie minicamp provides the first glimpse of these undrafted rookies and tryout backs, but the more fascinating angle will be how the Buccaneers plan to use this depth. Will they keep four running backs? Could they stash an extra runner on the practice squad? Or will someone like Williams -- who has flashed in limited preseason action -- finally seize a roster spot?
I'll be watching the running back drills particularly closely. Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson is known for designing run concepts that stress the second level of the defense, and backs who demonstrate sharp cuts and quick north-south running in these unpadded drills will earn early trust. While rookie camp won't decide the No. 2 job, it will set the initial pecking order heading into OTAs.
3. What Do the Undrafted Free Agents Bring to the Table?
Every year, at least one undrafted free agent turns heads at rookie minicamp and forces the front office to make a tough decision. This year, the Bucs have a handful of intriguing names worth watching.
At wide receiver, Garrett Greene (Florida State) and Ted Hurst (Marshall) stand out as interesting projects. Greene was a college quarterback who transitioned to receiver late in his career, but he has explosive speed and natural route-running ability. Hurst is a bigger-bodied target at 6-foot-2 who competes well for 50-50 balls. With Chris Godwin Jr., Emeka Egbuka, and Jalen McMillan already locked into the top three spots, plus Tez Johnson as a proven slot option, the competition for one or two more receiver spots is fierce.
On the defensive line, the Bucs added Deshawn McKnight (Fresno State) and DeMonte Capehart (Clemson) as undrafted rookies. The defensive line room is already deep with Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, A'Shawn Robinson, Jayson Jones, and Nash Hutmacher, but Bowles loves rotating his front. If McKnight shows consistent gap discipline and can hold the edge, he could push for a roster spot.
At linebacker, Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) and Josiah Trotter (Missouri) are names to remember. Bain was a highly productive pass rusher in college who might project as a situational edge rusher in Bowles' hybrid scheme. Trotter is a hard-hitting run defender who may need a year on the practice squad to develop.
The real story is at tight end. The team has Cade Otton, Payne Durham, Devin Culp, and Bauer Sharp on the roster, but undrafted rookie Bauer Sharp (Oklahoma) has a unique skill set. A former wide receiver who added weight to become a move tight end, his ability to flex out and create mismatches could carve out a significant role. If he impresses in minicamp, don't be surprised to see the offensive coordinator install specialized packages for him during training camp.
Final Thoughts
The Buccaneers enter the 2026 season with legitimate playoff aspirations. The core of the team -- Baker Mayfield, the receiver trio, an improved offensive line, and a ferocious defensive front -- is strong enough to compete for the NFC South crown. But the margin for error in the NFL is razor-thin, and the development of this rookie class will play a massive role in determining whether the Bucs are a one-and-done wild-card team or a true contender.
Rookie minicamp is, by nature, the most basic level of evaluation. There will be players who look like stars on Friday only to struggle when the pads go on next month. But the foundation is laid here. For Morrison and Parrish, it's about learning the defense. For the undrafted backs and receivers, it's about making every rep count. And for the Bucs' front office, it's the start of evaluating which rookies can help them make an immediate impact in Week 1.
I'll be in Tampa for the full weekend, notebook and camera in hand. Follow along on SI for updates after each practice session. The Bucs have a plan -- and it starts Friday.
