Young Bucs Look To Shine In Jacksonville
Graham Barton, Center
The first player to watch is rookie center Graham Barton. Duke rookie split series with Robert Hainsey against the Bengals. Barton moved mountains in the run game, allowing rookie Bucky Irving to score their first career touchdown. PFF graded Barton the highest 2024 Offensive line draft pick preseason Week 1 with an 80.1 pass blocking and 87.3 run block. Not a single pressure in 18 snaps. While Barton is still listed as the backup behind Hainsey at this time, a solid showing against the Jaguars should propel Graham to start ahead of week one for the Buccaneers.
Jalen McMillan, Wide Receiver
Buccaneers preseason has allowed rookie McMillan to be the star of the show, consistently getting open and making dazzling catches. Head coach Todd Bowles has been quick to praise Jalen for his fluidity and poise. While McMillan did not see the field much against the Bengals, his shifty footwork and route running were on display. Washington rookie ended his day catching two passes for 23 yards in his debut. One was a curl route where McMillan slipped but was able to adjust and complete the catch despite the corner having leverage. The other was a dig route which popped him free for a chunk of YAC. Seeing as his day was done after the second drive, McMillan is making the case to secure WR3 away from second-year receiver Trey Palmer. Look for McMillan to continue his connection with Baker this preseason.
Bucky Irving, Running Back
My top prospect in players to watch this preseason is Bucky Irving. Against the Bengals, Irving flashed his shiftiness and speed. On his first NFL touchdown, Irving darted up the gut to tie the game early on. The Oregon rookie would finish his day with six rushes for 28 yards and the lone touchdown, 4.7 yards per carry. Irving will look to be the primary backup to stud Rachaad White. Bucky could see the field not only as a running back but also the possibility of returning kickoffs under the new kick return rules.
J.J. Russell, Linebacker
Buccaneers backup Russell was all over the field against the Bengals. Quickly leading the team with seven tackles most of which came in the first quarter, Russell was a man on a mission. Flashing in the 2023 preseason as well earning him a spot on the 53 man roster. While Russell has not seen the field much, he’s made the most of his opportunities with seven tackles and a sack. Devin White moved on to Philadelphia and Russell could see the field more in 2024.
Jose Ramirez, Outside Linebacker
Second year linebacker fell victim to the depth at outside linebacker last season. Jose was behind 2023 first round pick YaYa Diaby, Shaq Barrett, and Joe Tryon Shoyinka. Shaq Barret’s retirement and the Buccaneers declining Tryon-Shoyinka’s 5th year option this may be the chance to make a statement. Unfortunately Saturday’s preseason stat sheet against the Bengals won’t wow you. However Ramirez showed impressive combinations to create multiple pressures against Bengals backup QB’s. Subsequently Ramirez followed up the strong start with two sacks in Wednesdays joint practices with the Jaguars. Ramirez is my late game players to watch.
Main Photo Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
