Training Camp Takeaways: Day 6

On Friday, Robert Hainsey remarked, “I’m ready,” at the podium after taking first-team reps at center stepping in for Ryan Jensen. Over the past year, Hainsey has earned the trust of players and coaches alike with his cerebral approach. “His film study is outstanding,” Bowles described last week. “He’s very smart. He can see defenses; he can help the quarterback that way, can help the offensive line. He’s diligent about it, and he wants to be good.” A year ago, Hainsey had never played center with just 31 offensive snaps on his resume accumulated during his rookie campaign, but the hard work has paid off. On Tuesday during one-on-one pass rush drills, Hainsey had a stellar rep against Vita Vea in which he drove him backward – a noteworthy feat. Again, during the team period, Hainsey won the matchup at the line of scrimmage with Vea, keeping Brady clean in the pocket. He immediately received recognition from coaches, a confidence booster as Hainsey strives to win the vacant center job.

The top four receivers on the Bucs’ depth chart are set with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin (recovering from ACL), Russell Gage and Julio Jones. The last two receiver spots are up for grabs and Tyler Johnson has turned heads throughout camp, garnering praise from both Evans and Bowles. “He came in in great shape,” Bowles stated. “I think he’s learned the offense a little more so he’s playing a lot freer than he was the last two years. This is a great camp and he’ll get a lot of playing time and we’ll get to see what he’s really doing.” Johnson has received plenty of reps, making catches over the middle. He made a highlight grab downfield during the move-the-ball drill on Tuesday, warranting cheers from the crowd. The third-year pro has embodied the mindset, “control what you can control” and get “one percent better every day.” There is an embarrassment of riches in the receiving corps in Tampa Bay and Johnson studies his…