When it comes to building a competitive NFL roster, few general managers have shown a better touch with undrafted free agents than Tampa Bay Buccaneers GM Jason Licht.
While most teams use undrafted players to round out the offseason roster, Licht has consistently uncovered high-impact contributors from the league’s overlooked pool. That trend has continued into 2025, with three more undrafted rookies—linebacker John Bullock, offensive tackle Benjamin Chukwuma, and running back Josh Williams — earning spots on the Buccaneers’ 53-man roster following impressive training camp performances.
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This isn’t new territory for Licht. In recent years, he’s helped turn undrafted players like Christian Izien and Sean Tucker into key contributors.
Izien, a 2023 undrafted safety out of Rutgers, made waves by earning a starting role in his rookie season and showing immediate promise in the secondary. Tucker, a bruising running back from Syracuse, also signed with Tampa Bay in 2023 and carved out a role as a dependable rotational piece in the backfield.
Now, the spotlight shifts to Bullock, Chukwuma, and Williams, three rookies who beat the odds to make the final roster in 2025. Bullock, a rangy linebacker out of Nebraska, quickly made a name for himself with his sideline-to-sideline speed and strong instincts during the preseason.
Chukwuma, a versatile lineman, impressed coaches with his raw strength and talent, despite having played football for only a few years, while Williams, a physical runner with solid pass-catching and return skills, stood out in joint practices and preseason matchups.
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Licht’s knack for finding diamonds in the rough has given Tampa Bay added roster flexibility and depth year after year. More importantly, his belief in UDFA talent fosters a culture where every player, regardless of their draft status, is given a genuine opportunity to contribute. As the 2025 season kicks off, the Buccaneers’ roster once again reflects Licht’s sharp eye for underdog talent.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Jason Licht remains one of the best at finding UDFA talent