Three Buccaneers Players Who Must Take A Step Forward In 2025

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are primed to be one of the best teams in the NFL this season. They return all of their starters from a top five offense in 2024 and have a revamped and healthy defense. It’s fair to say that the Super Bowl is the expectation for the Bucs this year.

To get there, they will have to take a step forward in 2025. Even if you account for injuries that hurt the Bucs last season, there are some players that didn’t inspire confidence that they will lead this team to the Super Bowl. No team is built on just superstars; they need good young talent to contribute for them to reach their ultimate goal.

The Bucs have lots of young talent at various stages in their career. Budding stars such as Calijah Kancey as well as exciting contributors such as Bucky Irving are a big part of the team’s plans this year. However, there are three players specifically that need to take the jump from relative unknown to quality starter in the NFL.

If these three players can take a step forward and be high end starters, then it will be very difficult to beat the Bucs this season. And while I won’t go as far as to say the season hinges on their development, these three players could be the difference between a good and great year. Here are my three Buccaneers players who must take a step forward in 2025.

SirVocea Dennis

Dennis has looked very good in limited NFL action. He appeared to be the Bucs best coverage linebacker last year before going down with a season ending shoulder injury. He also has a reputation going back to his college days of being a good tackler and an attacking style linebacker.

The key for Dennis this year will be staying on the field. We have seen the flashes of brilliance, but they are only flashes because injuries have plagued his young NFL career. If those flashes can turn into consistent high levels of play then this Buccaneers defense will be in great shape.

Graham Barton

The Bucs 2024 first round pick had an impressive rookie season. There were some growing pains as the college left tackle adjusted to playing center in the NFL, but there was a lot to like with what we saw. His physical run blocking, as well as his high level of intelligence lead me to believe that he can be a high-end starter in this league.

What Barton needs more than anything is experience. Adjusting to the speed of defensive tackles in his face, adjusting to the stunts and blitzes from linebackers. All these things will come with more playing time. Once he has the experience and wisdom to match his outrageous physical talent and aggressive demeanor we will be looking at an all pro caliber center.

Tykee Smith

Smith was able to step in on day one and make an impact as a rookie last year. The coaching staff raved about his intelligence and his physical play style translated well to the nickelback role. Now in an attempt to keep him on the field for more plays, the Buccaneers have moved him to the starting strong safety job.

All of the skills we saw last year should translate to this new role. However, similar to Barton, Smith will need to gain more experience in the NFL at his new position. He clearly has the mental capability to handle the job, but there’s a difference between knowing and understanding in this game. Once he understands the ins and outs of his new role, Smith can be the long-term running mate with Antoine Winfield Jr. on the back end of the defense.