Buccaneers’ Rookies Shine In OTAs

The phrase was repeated several times during the Buccaneers press conference: “he’s working,” “he’s learning,” “he’s getting in shape.” But there was something else: the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ rookies are shining in OTAs, and Todd Bowles hasn’t been short on praise… or warnings. Let no one relax, but some names are already starting to emerge in the earliest stages of the preseason.

One of them is SirVocea Dennis, who already stood out in the first week of OTAs and is once again being mentioned as the most consistent performer. “He’s had four very good days,” Bowles acknowledged. His knowledge of the system and current physique position him as one of the potential defensive leaders in 2025. Veteran Lavonte David has even said that Dennis could “take the car keys” when he retires.

It was also a positive day for rookie CB Benjamin Morrison, who broke up a pass intended for Emeka Egbuka. The rookie receiver seems to be adjusting well, although Bowles offered a warning: “We have to keep him upright.” Was it a physical touch or just a scare? The coach dismissed it matter-of-factly: “He got up fine.”

Winfield Jr. and Cade Otton, silent leaders

Another positive aspect of the OTAs has been seeing Antoine Winfield Jr. in great shape. “He’s here almost every day, working hard,” Bowles said. Winfield himself emphasized the importance of improving communication in the secondary and stressed that turnovers are a matter of training: “It has to be muscle memory. You practice it and repeat it until it becomes your own.”

On offense, Cade Otton stood out not only for his consistency but also for his social involvement, participating in the “Cut and Color Funds The Cure” charity event. On the athletic front, Otton praised the continuity of the tight ends group and the leadership of Josh Grizzard, the new offensive coordinator.

Rotations and depth

The day of training camp also served to continue fine-tuning the rotations between rookies and veterans. Bowles was clear: “We don’t protect them. If they have to face Winfield or Wirfs, they do it.” The key is for them to arrive at training camp “on a level playing field.”

Asked about the deepest groups, the head coach highlighted the receivers and running backs room on offense, and the linebackers and cornerbacks on defense. As for the reinforcements, Desmond Watson continues to improve, and Shilo Sanders has already identified Winfield as his role model.

Will there be joint training sessions?

Although still unconfirmed, the Bucs are negotiating possible joint preseason workouts. “It would be good for us to play another team,” Bowles said. The goal, as always, is to arrive at camp with the team in top shape and the young players ready to compete.

Rookies shine in OTAs, but the battle is just beginning. Mandatory minicamp arrives next week, and as Bowles said: “It’s mandatory. Everyone should be here.”