5 Bucs to Watch at Rookie Minicamp

The Buccaneers’ 2025 rookie class arrived at the AdventHealth Training Center on Thursday. Since the NFL’s three-day draft spectacle in Green Bay, the Bucs’ brass has received a favorable report card from various media outlets, praising the team’s selections in building for the future. After its fourth straight division title, Tampa Bay ushers in its newest acquisitions – six players taken in the 2025 NFL Draft. The Bucs selected receiver Emeka Egbuka (19, first round), cornerback Benjamin Morrison (53, second round), cornerback Jacob Parrish (84, third round), outside linebacker David Walker (121, fourth round), defensive lineman Elijah Roberts (157, fifth round) and receiver Tez Johnson (235, seventh round). Throughout rookie minicamp, there will be several intriguing position battles and competition will spark between the hash marks. As the newest Bucs hit the field, here are five players to watch:

The Buccaneers began the draft by taking Ohio State’s Egbuka in the first round. His skillset, which is similar in nature to that of Chris Godwin, was too intriguing for the Bucs to pass up. Egbuka will join a talented receiving room led by Godwin and Mike Evans, bringing his own dimension to the mix. Todd Bowles confirmed that Egbuka will get work at all three receiver spots and will be utilized across the formation to provide juice in the team’s offensive juggernaut. Egbuka played primarily out of the slot at Ohio State and finished his collegiate career with the most receptions (205) and ranked second in receiving yards in program history. He runs routes with precision and understands how to manipulate coverage with tempo and footwork variations at the stem. He commands the catch point and will be another friendly target for Baker Mayfield. He quickly finds voids in zone and works back to the football with ease on crossers. Egbuka is also a willing blocker and will be one to watch when he hits the practice field for the first time as a Buccaneer.

The Buccaneers double-dipped at corner in the 2025 NFL Draft, with the second selection going to Kansas State’s Parrish. The Bucs addressed one of the biggest concerns on the depth chart, solidifying the position and adding competition to breed success. At Kansas State, Parrish played outside cornerback and also transitioned to nickel on third-down packages. Parrish led the team in passes defensed as a junior and as a sophomore, setting the tone in the…