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NFC South draft watch: Buccaneers rookie class stands tall
Tampa Bay Buccaneers RB Bucky Irving Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports

NFC South draft watch: Buccaneers rookie class stands tall

By Eric Smithling  |  Last updated Aug 21, 2024 5:40 PM ET

Entering the final week of preseason, teams are still determining whether they have rookies who can become immediate difference-makers. Here's how each rookie class in the NFC South has fared thus far:

Atlanta Falcons

One game was all the Falcons needed to know that first-round (No. 8 overall) quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was their future — and possibly their present should starting quarterback Kirk Cousins, who tore his Achilles in 2023, suffer another injury.

The former Washington quarterback was 9-of-16 for 104 yards in his preseason Week 1 debut. Per data from Pro Football Focus, Penix Jr.'s time to throw (2.14 seconds) was the second-fastest in the preseason among 76 quarterbacks with at least 14 dropbacks, trailing only Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels (1.91 seconds).

It's an incredibly small sample size, but head coach Raheem Morris' decision to sit Penix Jr. in Week 2 and likely again in Week 3 speaks volumes about the team's comfort with him leading the first-team offense if needed.

Running back Jase McClellan received more snaps in Week 2 of the preseason. He was solid against the Ravens, finishing with 11 carries, 55 yards and a touchdown.

Defensive lineman Ruke Orhorhoro, selected in the second round (No. 35 overall), appears on his way to being a force on passing downs. Against the Ravens, he recorded his first preseason sack on an inside pass-rush, using a stutter step and quick move to blow past offensive lineman Andrew Vorhees.

Penix Jr.'s college teammate at Washington, 3-4 outside linebacker Bralen Trice (third round, No. 74 overall), suffered a season-ending ACL injury in preseason Week 1. 

Linebacker JD Bertrand (fifth round, No. 143 overall) and defensive tackles Brandon Dorlus (fourth round, No. 109 overall) and Zion Logue (sixth round, No. 197 overall) have received ample playing time and could be valuable rotational pieces. Wide receiver Casey Washington (sixth round, No. 187 overall) has struggled, recording three receptions on 15 targets for 27 yards. | Complete class from ESPN

Carolina Panthers

Carolina's top two draft picks, wide receiver Xavier Legette (first round, No. 32 overall) and running back Jonathon Brooks (second round, No. 46 overall), are dealing with injuries that have made it impossible to assess their development.

On Thursday, the team traded its preseason standout rookie linebacker, Michael Barrett (seventh round, No. 240 overall), to the Seahawks for defensive back Michael Jackson.

He had the team's second-highest defensive grade by PFF through two games. The Panthers' third-round pick, linebacker Trevin Wallace (No. 72 overall), has also had a promising start, receiving the defense's 11th-highest grade, which should dull the pain of losing Barrett. | Complete class from ESPN

New Orleans Saints

The Saints have been cautious with tackle Taliese Fuaga (first round, No. 14 overall) and cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry (second round, No. 41 overall) after injury scares.

New Orleans might need to put its entire class in bubble wrap.

Times-Picayune Saints reporter Matthew Paras shared the sorry state of affairs for New Orleans' rookie class. All seven of the team's 2024 draft picks have suffered an injury at some point since being drafted.

Quarterback Spencer Rattler (fifth round, No. 150 overall) is the biggest name in the class but might have fallen behind second-year pro Jake Haener for the backup quarterback job. He struggled against the 49ers, going 4-of-8 for 27 yards and losing a fumble in a 16-10 loss. | Complete class from ESPN

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The three-time defending NFC South champs have gotten the best return on investment from their rookie class in the division. The Bucs announced first-round pick Graham Barton (No. 26 overall) will start at center and running back Bucky Irving (fourth round, No. 125 overall) has flashed potential for a running game that needs a spark. 

Head coach Todd Bowles gushed over third-round wideout Jalen McMillan (No. 92 overall), declaring he's "everything we thought he'd be." 

Defensive back Tykee Smith (third round, 89th overall) has been described as "cerebral," with teammate and 2023 First-Team All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield praising the "phenomenal job" he's done transitioning from college to the pros. 

3-4 outside backer Chris Braswell (second round, 57th overall) has had a slower start, but his path to a roster spot opened up this week when the team cut Randy Gregory after he declined to report to training camp. | Complete class from ESPN

Eric Smithling
Twitter/X Muck Rack

Eric Smithling is a writer based in New Orleans, LA, whose byline also appears on Athlon Sports. He has been with Yardbarker since September 2022, primarily covering the NFL and college football, but also the NBA, WNBA, men’s and women’s college basketball, NHL, tennis and golf. He holds a film studies degree from the University of New Orleans

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