As the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gear up for the 2025 NFL season, several under-the-radar players turn heads at rookie and mandatory mini-camp. Each year, there are players overlooked who showcase their talents and position themselves for potential roster spots. Here’s a look at three underdogs who could make a case for a place on the 53-man roster for the team.

Shilo Sanders, Safety

The undrafted rookie from Colorado has been turning heads with his impressive performances at rookie mini-camp. Head coach Todd Bowles has praised Sanders for his intelligence, vocal leadership, and quick grasp of the scheme. With the Buccaneers’ secondary being thin at safety, Sanders’s standing out and strong work ethic could earn him a valuable depth role in the defensive backfield behind Tykee Smith, who may get looks at safety, and possibly a special teams role.

Desmond Watson, Defensive Tackle

A hometown favorite from the University of Florida, Desmond Watson is impossible to miss literally and figuratively. At over 400 pounds, Watson is a massive presence on the defensive line, but he’s been working hard to improve his conditioning and explosiveness. What makes Watson a true underdog story is how he’s transformed from a novelty-sized lineman into a viable interior force. If he continues showing progress in camp and continues on his fitness journey, the Buccaneers may find room for his unique skill set, especially in early-down run defense packages next to stonewaller Vita Vea.

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Rakim Jarrett, Wide Receiver

Jarrett, a former 5-star recruit out of Maryland, signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2023. Despite flashes in his rookie year, he’s still fighting to carve out a bigger role in a deep receiving corps that features Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. Jarrett brings explosive speed and yards-after-catch ability, and if he can stand out on special teams or take advantage of injuries ahead of him on the depth chart, he could force the Bucs to make a tough decision come final cuts, even with the additions of Emeka Egbuka and Tez Johnson.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 3 Underdog Bucs players who could make the roster during camp