At the team’s training camp, first-round pick Emeka Egbuka and seventh-round selection Tez Johnson have shown considerable promise with their individual skill sets. Egbuka, mostly operating in the slot position, has effectively exploited the short-to-intermediate passing lanes through precise tempo and sharp route stems. The Ohio State alumnus demonstrates excellent timing moving back to the ball, establishing himself as a dependable target for quarterback Baker Mayfield. Johnson, on the other hand, has stood out with his quickness after catches and ability to accelerate in open space, creating momentum for gains downfield. Their performances have drawn positive reviews from the coaching staff.
Emeka looked really sharp today running routes and it was not even so much the catches,
said Head Coach Todd Bowles.
He was crisp on his route running coming out of breaks and is really starting to settle down and blend in. He is a very smart guy and Tez is as well. They play fast when they know what they are doing and Tez is learning the system very well and I am happy to see him keep progressing.
Bucky Irving Sets His Sights on Success Beyond Rookie Year
Following a standout rookie season, running back Bucky Irving made a dramatic impact by revitalizing Tampa Bay’s rushing attack, which was previously ranked last in the league over the past two seasons. His elusive running style and sharp cuts helped the team produce a franchise-best average of 5.3 yards per rush attempt in 2024, while total rushing yards surged to 2,536. The Buccaneers crossed the 100-yard rushing threshold in 14 of 17 games last year, a significant improvement from previous years. Irving’s 37.1% missed tackle rate topped the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL, and with 76 missed tackles forced, he led all rookies in this category. His inclusion on the 2024 PFWA All-Rookie Team was bolstered by his league-leading totals in scrimmage yards (1,514), rushing yards (1,122), and rushing touchdowns (eight).
Irving’s 5.4 yards per carry is ranked third-highest ever among NFL rookies with over 200 rushing attempts in a single season, trailing only legends Adrian Peterson and Clinton Portis. His 1,514 scrimmage yards rank as the second-best rookie output in franchise history, just behind Doug Martin’s 1,926 yards in 2012. Despite the impressive statistics and growing fan enthusiasm, Irving remains focused on the present and future.
One day I want to be one of the greats that played this game and leave my legacy,
noted Irving.
I am not really a guy that sets goals. I just go out there when my number is called and when I have the ball in my hands, I try to help my team win in any fashion…It is always on my mind to do better because I am not satisfied.
Antoine Winfield Jr. Resumes Impactful Defensive Plays
After missing the first four games of the 2024 season due to a knee injury, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. has started to reestablish his presence as a defensive game-changer. In the nine games he played last year, Winfield Jr. recorded three pass breakups, two sacks, four quarterback pressures, and 60 tackles. His 2023 campaign set a high standard, with Winfield Jr. achieving the highest player grade from Pro Football Focus at 91.2. That season, he posted six sacks, three interceptions, twelve passes defended, six forced fumbles, four recoveries, six tackles for loss, 122 total tackles, and eight quarterback hits, solidifying his status among the NFL’s elite safeties.
Despite the setbacks in 2024, the 2025 offseason has seen Winfield Jr. return to form, highlighted by two interceptions during Wednesday’s practice and a powerful pocket collapse stopping a potential blitz on Friday. His agility and ability to make impactful plays have been prominent once again, hinting at his potential to reclaim dominance this coming season.
I have to continue to build off that [two interceptions] and at least make one splash play a day,
described Winfield.
I know that when it comes game time, I am going to be trying to do that the whole time so I have to continue to make those splash plays.
What This Means for the Upcoming Season
The return of Antoine Winfield Jr. with his signature splash plays, combined with the promising development of rookies Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson, provides a reinvigorated outlook for the team’s season ahead. Meanwhile, Bucky Irving’s determination to build on a historic rookie campaign adds to the optimism surrounding the offense. Together, these players create a blend of experienced talent and emerging skill that could shape the team’s identity in 2025. As training camp progresses, all eyes will remain on Winfield Jr.’s continued impact and the seamless integration of new talent during the regular season kickoff.