The NFL Draft has come and gone, and teams must be happy with their rosters going into the new season. Some teams may be happier than others, while others will be left scrambling, looking to make some last-minute moves as we get closer to training camp.
Yes, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a loaded roster, but will any of their draft picks start in Week 1 in 2025?
Their roster had some needs that needed to be addressed heading into the draft, and they did hit on those. That being said, the Bucs coaching staff has shown that they are tough on rookies but will play them if they can earn it. For the 2025 rookie class, we only see two players starting in Week 1.
Emeka Egbuka, Wide Receiver
The Bucs have three great wide receivers, Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Jalen McMillan, on the roster, but Jason Licht went and added another in Emeka Egbuka in the first round. As much as McMillan showed out in the final five weeks of the season in 2024, Egbuka is a much better, polished player than McMillan. I would expect him to be playing a meaningful role in Week 1.
Not saying that McMillan won’t play a good amount either, but I think we will see Egbuka looking to make an immediate impact.
Benjamin Morrison, Cornerback
The Bucs have moved Tykee Smith from cornerback to safety, which leaves the door open for Benjamin Morrison to play day one. He is coming off an injury, yes, but the talent has never been the question for Morrison. His 2023 film would have him being a top ten pick, but the hip injury he suffered in the middle of 2024 tanked his draft stock.
The Bucs got a value in the Notre Dame defender and look for him to show that in Week 1.