Grading the Buccaneers’ 2026 Draft Class at Midseason

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter their bye week sitting third in the NFC South with a 3-6 record. The Carolina Panthers currently lead the division at 3-5, leaving Tampa Bay with plenty of ground to make up.

With the 2026 season reaching its midway point, it’s time to evaluate the contributions of Tampa Bay’s draft class. Several young players have already become important pieces, while others continue developing behind the scenes.

Josiah Trotter and Keionte Scott Leading Rookie Class

Two rookies have particularly strengthened Tampa Bay’s defense this season. Inside linebacker Josiah Trotter and nickel cornerback Keionte Scott have earned significant playing time under Todd Bowles.

Trotter has appeared in 452 defensive snaps, accounting for 82.18% of the team’s defensive plays. Scott has recorded 349 defensive snaps, representing 63.45% of the total.

Trotter has been particularly impressive since entering the starting lineup. He leads Tampa Bay with 70 tackles and has recorded a team-high in six of his eight appearances.

His production has also placed him in the franchise record books. Trotter surpassed Lavonte David’s 67 tackles from 2012 for the most through a player’s first nine career games in Buccaneers history.

He also passed Devin Lloyd’s 68 tackles in 2022 and Jacob Rodriguez’s 69 in 2026. Those totals rank 10th and ninth, respectively, among players through nine career games since 2000.

Trotter has become increasingly comfortable in Bowles’ defensive system. He’s strengthened the middle of the defense while establishing himself as a physical presence against the run.

His ability to track outside runs and attack downhill has been particularly impressive. Trotter also brings an aggressive approach as a blitzer, giving Bowles another weapon within his pressure packages.

Scott has similarly established himself as an important defensive contributor. He’s taken ownership of the nickel position and is tied with Caleb Downs for the most defensive stops among rookie defensive backs, with 14.

His speed allows him to close passing windows quickly and attack underneath routes. Scott also plays with impressive urgency near the line of scrimmage.

His ability to change direction and close on ball carriers makes him particularly effective against the run. Despite his size, Scott delivers powerful tackles and consistently finishes plays.

Grades: 

Josiah Trotter: A
Keionte Scott: B+

Rueben Bain Showing Progress Along Defensive Line

First-round selection Rueben Bain has experienced a learning curve transitioning to the NFL. However, the young defensive lineman has shown encouraging progress in recent weeks.

Bain has recorded 248 defensive snaps, accounting for 45.09% of Tampa Bay’s defensive workload. His production includes 10 combined tackles, one sack, one tackle for loss, three quarterback hits, and one pass defended.

His first NFL sack came against Aaron Rodgers in Week Six. Since then, Bain has continued working his way into opposing backfields.

Bain brings an explosive punch and impressive bend when attacking offensive tackles. His physicality at the point of attack also gives Tampa Bay another promising presence along the defensive front.

The Buccaneers will need more consistent production from their first-round selection. However, his recent development provides reasons for optimism moving forward.

Grade:

Rueben Bain: C

Ted Hurst and Bauer Sharp Providing Offensive Support

Tampa Bay’s offensive rookies have experienced different roles during their first NFL season. Wide receiver Ted Hurst and tight end Bauer Sharp have both contributed while adjusting to professional football.

Hurst has accumulated 299 offensive snaps, representing 50.59% of the team’s workload. He’s recorded 11 receptions for 168 yards and one touchdown.

The Buccaneers have found considerably more success running the football than throwing it. That has limited opportunities for the rookie receiver to establish himself within the passing attack.

However, Hurst possesses several intriguing physical and technical qualities. His long stride allows him to accelerate quickly and challenge defenses vertically.

He’s also shown the ability to create separation on comeback routes and hitches. His footwork allows him to plant, change direction, and uncover underneath.

Sharp has played a different role within the offense. The rookie tight end has logged 65 offensive snaps, representing 11% of the team’s offensive workload.

He’s primarily been utilized as an in-line blocker, helping create running lanes for Tampa Bay’s backfield. Sharp has also recorded 166 special teams snaps, accounting for 67.76% of the team’s workload.

His low pad level and powerful strike have helped strengthen the Buccaneers’ blocking efforts. He’s particularly effective on down blocks and pulls, providing another contributor to Tampa Bay’s rushing attack.

Grades:

Ted Hurst: C-
Bauer Sharp: C+

Buccaneers Still Developing Fifth-Round Selections

Not every rookie has found an opportunity to contribute during the first half of the season. Fifth-round selections DeMonte Capehart and Billy Schrauth have yet to record a regular-season snap.

Both players have frequently appeared on the inactive list while providing additional depth. Their lack of playing time doesn’t necessarily indicate a lack of potential, particularly this early in their professional careers.

Tampa Bay has already received meaningful contributions from several members of its rookie class. Trotter and Scott have become important defensive pieces, while Bain continues developing along the defensive front.

Hurst and Sharp have also shown encouraging qualities in their respective offensive roles. With eight games remaining, the Buccaneers still have opportunities to get more production from their young players.

Grades:

DeMonte Capehart: D-
Billy Schrauth: D-

Information in this article came from buccaneers.com.