Buccaneers training camp starts next week, and the spotlight will be on these three players to perform.
3 Players Under the Most Pressure at Buccaneers Training Camp
For some players, training camp is a time to round into form for the upcoming season. It’s a time to prepare for live football, build chemistry with teammates, and work out any kinks before the preseason starts.
For other players, training camp is do or die. It’s a time when players rise up to become options the coaching staff trusts or fizzle out into a spot on the bench or practice squad.
Plenty of players at Buccaneers training camp will have that type of pressure on them next week.
Here are three players under the most pressure as Tampa Bay returns to the practice field.
Calijah Kancey (Defensive Lineman)
Calijah Kancey has always felt like a player who is on the cusp of turning into an elite force in the trenches.
The 2023 first-round pick was heralded as a potential breakout player by many before the start of last season.
But injuries have slowed Kancey’s progression. Last season, Kancey tore his pectoral muscle in Week 2 against the Texans, causing him to miss 14 games. In both the 2023 and 2024 seasons, Kancey sustained calf injuries in practice before the beginning of the season, causing him to miss three and four games, respectively.
So for Kancey, the biggest thing will be staying healthy during training camp because he’s been effective when healthy.
The 2024 season is when Kancey flashed the high production he was capable of. He led the team with 7.5 sacks and added 11 tackles for loss.
Kancey’s ability to rush the passer makes him invaluable to the Bucs. He and Texans edge rusher Danielle Hunter were the only players to record a quarterback hit in 10 straight games in 2024. His pass-rushing prowess makes him a good pairing with nose tackle Vita Vea up front.
Last season, Kancey battled his way back to play in the season finale, a 16-14 win over the Carolina Panthers.
If Kancey doesn’t impress at Buccaneers training camp, he could see his playing time decrease even if he’s healthy. This offseason, the Bucs signed veteran defensive lineman A’Shawn Robinson to a one-year deal, and he is expected to start alongside Vea. That leaves one starting spot up front, and while Kancey is expected to fill it, if he struggles, second-year defensive lineman Elijah Roberts, who showed impressive flashes last season in Kancey’s absence, could jockey for a starting spot.
Graham Barton (Center)
Graham Barton has started 33 of the 34 games possible since being drafted in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
However, that consistency hasn’t come without struggles. He has finished both seasons of his career with a Pro Football Focus grade lower than 62.
Barton struggled mightily in 2025. He allowed five sacks, four quarterback hits, and 36 pressures after allowing just one sack, two quarterback hits, and 24 pressures in 2024.
Some of his struggles can be attributed to his changing role during the season. He started the first three games of 2025 at left tackle with Tristan Wirfs injured before sliding back to center after Wirfs returned.
Barton also had to deal with a changing offensive line around him. Starters Cody Mauch, Ben Bredeson, and Luke Goedeke all missed multiple games.
The struggles of Barton, along with the changing unit, led the Bucs to rank 21st in the league in rushing a year after finishing fourth.
If Barton struggles at Buccaneers training camp, his starting spot isn’t guaranteed. Bredeson started multiple games at center last season and was effective. Tampa Bay also drafted interior offensive lineman Billy Schrauth in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Benjamin Morrison (Cornerback)
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers had high expectations when they drafted Benjamin Morrison out of Notre Dame in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Morrison did not live up to those expectations in Year 1.
He appeared in 10 games and made three starts in 2025. Morrison’s 47.0 Pro Football Focus defensive grade was the lowest among the Bucs’ secondary. He allowed 15.2 yards per completion and a 112.2 passer rating when targeted by opposing quarterbacks.
Morrison was banged up throughout the season. It started when he pulled his hamstring in training camp, causing him to miss the entire preseason and the Bucs’ season opener. The injury lingered and led to Morrison missing seven games in total in 2025.
Now Morrison heads into his second NFL season with a big opportunity. Tampa Bay’s top cornerback in 2025 was Jamel Dean. This offseason, Dean left the team to sign a three-year, $36.75 million deal with the Steelers. That leaves a starting outside cornerback position up for grabs, with Morrison likely competing with fellow second-year player Jacob Parrish for the spot.
Morrison was a lockdown cornerback in college, with opponents posting a 44.1 passer rating when targeting him during his time with the Fighting Irish. In 2023, Morrison was a Jim Thorpe Award semifinalist, recognizing him as one of the best cornerbacks in the country.
However, if Morrison can’t beat out Parrish for the starting spot, he will likely see limited playing time. Rookie Keionte Scott is primed to play the team’s nickel spot, meaning Morrison would be a full-time backup.
That would be a potentially disappointing reality for the once-heralded prospect if he can’t put together a strong training camp.
