What Jersey Numbers Will The Buccaneers Rookies Wear?

The NFL draft is over and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have what looks like another very promising rookie class. We are all excited to see these future stars and role players take the field in their new Bucs uniforms. Fortunately, no one has to wait long as rookie mini camp is just around the corner. 

However, there is one point of anticipation that I just can’t wait to see. Something that will ultimately determine their success or failure in the national football league. That is, of course, their jersey numbers. 

These should be announced in the next week or so, so it won’t be a long wait to find out. But if you’re like me, not long is too long. So, because I’m impatient, I took my best guess as to what the Buccaneers rookie numbers will be.

Emeka Egbuka – 2

First round draft picks typically get the number they want. Especially if that number is open or assigned to a fringe roster player who may or may not belong in the NFL. I would firmly put Kyle Trask, the backup quarterback who currently wears that number, in that latter category. 

Even if Trask makes the team and is able to keep his number, let’s be honest he isn’t selling many jerseys with that number. I’m sure Egbuka will buy Trask a nice watch or something and get his number with the Bucs.

Benjamin Morrison – 21

Morrison wore number 20 while he was in college. Obviously, that number is essentially retired, having formerly belonged to Buccaneers legend and Hall of Fame cornerback Ronde Barber. So it’s a safe bet that Morrison won’t be wearing that in Tampa. 

The Bucs don’t have many open numbers in the 20s or 30s. And if you’re a cornerback who wears a number in the 40s then you can pretty much kiss your career goodbye. Of the available numbers out there, 21 feels like a good fit for Morrison. Also worth noting that he wore the inverse number in high school.

Jacob Parrish – 38

As I said before, there aren’t many numbers left in the 20s and 30s. And while I don’t think most players would want a number like this, Parrish seems like a different type of dude. He wore number 10 in college, so he’s used to rocking a unique number for a cornerback. 

Currently Trey Palmer has number 10. As someone who is battling to keep his place on the roster, I don’t anticipate him giving his number away. So I’ll give Parrish 38.

David Walker – 92

Walker is a thickly built powerful edge rusher. He’s based his game on overwhelming his opponent with strength, effort and good hand usage. In fact, he said he specifically emulates one player who also took the league by storm after attending a small school. 

James Harrison was the defensive player of the year in 2008. He was also a similar size as Walker (sub 6’1), which might all be reasons that Walker tries to emulate him. With Harrison’s number 92 available with the Bucs I wouldn’t be surprised if Walker gravitated to it. 

Elijah Roberts – 75

This one is the hardest number to guess at. Roberts wore number 5 at SMU (which Hasson Reddick owns now) and 99 at Miami (which is retired from Warren Sapp). So Roberts could really go in any direction. 

Personally, I miss the good old days when defensive linemen wore numbers in the 70s. And I know what you’re thinking, “but Raiqwon O’Neal already has 75”. Of course you’re right, but I just like Roberts’ odds of making the team more than O’Neal’s.

Tez Johnson – 84

Johnson comes off as a very confident guy. He wore number 15 in college and given his way I’m sure he’d want to get it in the pros. Unfortunately for him, Jalen McMillan already has that number.

So when I think of very confident, very electrifying wide receivers, there is one name that jumps to mind. I’m predicting Johnson to go full Randy Moss. With most of the numbers in the teens already accounted for, why not take the number of one of the all time great playmakers in NFL history.