Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Young Talent Needs To Step Up In Playoffs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have gotten great production from their young players throughout the season, now its time to step it up in the playoffs.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have gotten significant contributions from their 2023 and 2022 draft classes this season. In a year strapped with nearly $80 million in dead money, the team needed to add an influx of young talent and they stepped up to the call. The team’s drafted rookies combined for 3,171 non-special teams snaps this year. While the undrafted rookies added 1,091 snaps. 

The Bucs found immediate starters in Calijah Kancey, Cody Mauch, and Christian Izien. While Yaya Diaby was elevated into a starting role in Week 10.

Trey Palmer found himself as wide receiver three on the roster and Kaevon Merriweather started two games at safety. The Buccaneer received contributions from linebacker Sirvocea Dennis who started a game and tight end Payne Durham who started three games. As well as key snaps from Josh Hayes, Markees Watts, and Rakim Jarrett.

CBS Sports Releases Score Prediction for Buccaneers-Eagles Playoff Matchup

Not to be overshadowed, the 2022 class shined in their own light as well. Led by over 1,500 all-purpose yards from running back Rachaad White who proved he can be a number one back In the league. After a failed season at left guard, Luke Goedeke moved back to right tackle and was quietly a top-25 tackle in the NFL. And Logan Hall took a jump forward and anchored the left side of the defensive line.

Cade Otton proved he could be a top option at tight end and improved his blocking in the latter half of the year. While Zyon McCollum started nine games due to injury and sure up his tackling playing better than both starters at times. Jake Camarda averaged 50 yards per punt and Bucs 2022 undrafted free agents showed up in Deven Thompkins and J.J. Russell.

Now, with the season on the line they need to do it again on the grandest stage. While the 2022 class made the playoffs last year the team was blown out by the Cowboys and weren't at the forefront with starters ahead of them. This year it's their time to shine and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. is making sure they understand the gravitas of the game.

“I [have] to make sure the guys know that now it’s win or go home," Winfield said. "Everything is heightened, we [have] to do more, whatever it is we have to do to win this game. We have to do extra because that’s what it comes down to. Focus and just basic fundamentals is really what it comes down to these last games. So really since I’ve been through it, I’m able to tell the younger guys, ‘Y’all have to get [your] minds right because it’s going to be a big game.’”

For the rookies, it is their first trip to the dance. Bucs linebacker Lavonte David is on his fourth straight playoff trip but before that, he didn't make it into the postseason in his first eight seasons. His advice to the rookies is to take advantage of the opportunity.

“All I do is just tell them my story," David said. "I tell them my story [and] hopefully that scares them. [You] don’t want to be in the position I was in my first eight years. When you get these opportunities, you want to take advantage of it. They’re very, very hard to come by. I always say you’ve got to be grateful to be in this position. Don’t take it for granted. A lot of people would love to be in our shoes right now today. Just come out, stay focused, stay the course and whenever you get a chance to do it, you’ve got to make the most of it.”

Saints’ Cam Jordan Fires Back at Buccaneers’ General Manager Jason Licht

The Bucs' young players need to stay focused on the task at hand, which is beating the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football and advancing to the Divisional round. With help from some of the team's veteran leaders, they are sure to know the importance of what's at stake. 

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.

Follow BucsGameday on Twitter and Facebook