Rookies Making An Impact Early for Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had a goal of getting faster and younger this season. Strapped with the massive cap hit of Tom Brady retiring and the dead money accelerations from paying down the "Super Bowl credit card" the Bucs had little choice but to round out their roster with young inexpensive talent.
A whopping 13 rookies made the team's 53-man roster, including six undrafted free agents. The Bucs have gotten three starters out of their 2023 draft class with key contributions coming from the rest of the group. Tampa Bay's brass was excited about the group they brought in and through two weeks it's easy to see why.
READ MORE: Buccaneers Running Back Likely Headed to Injured Reserve After Knee Injury
First-round pick defensive lineman Calijah Kancey hasn't had the start to his rookie season as he'd like dealing with a calf injury. He got his first start against the Vikings playing in 11 snaps before re-aggravating his injury but in his limited snaps, you could see the impact he can have on the defense when healthy.
Second-round selection Cody Mauch has been a starter from day one for the Bucs. In two games he hasn't looked like a rookie. He has been phenomenal as a pass blocker posting an 83.5 grade per Pro Football Focus. However, he has had some struggles in the run game but has not been a liability as a rookie making the switch from college left tackle to right guard.
READ MORE: Dallas Cowboys Release Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers Super Bowl Champion Running Back
Wide receiver Trey Palmer, whom the team drafted in the sixth round, has carved out a role on offense. He's edged out second-year wideout Devon Thompkins in snaps and recorded his first career touchdown in Week 1 against the Vikings.
Perhaps the biggest surprise has been undrafted safety Christian Izien. Winning the starting nickel job out of camp, Izien has recorded an interception in back-to-back games. He's been constantly around the ball and has made several key tackles. His play earned him a Rookie of the Week nominee in Week 2.
The Buccaneers have also gotten contributions from pass rusher Yaya Diaby on defense, as well as running back Sean Tucker and wide receiver Rakim Jarrett on offense. Safety Kaveon Merriweather, cornerback Josh Hayes and Derrek Pitts, and Linebacker SirVocea Dennis have all contributed on special teams.
Which rookie has stood out the most to you through the first two weeks? Tell us in the comments below!
You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL.
Stick with BucsGameday and the Locked On Bucs podcast for more coverage, news and analysis throughout the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 season.
