3 Buccaneers To Keep an Eye on During Training Camp

By admin — In News — July 26, 2026

   ​There are intriguing players to watch every year during training camp, and for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, it’s youth that is the focus.Tampa Bay added two standout rookies in linebacker Rueben Bain Jr. and wide receiver Ted Hurst III. Both have an opportunity to contribute immediately, and ESPN’s Jenna Laine tabbed them as players to keep an eye on.Bain was touted as a top-10 pick in this year’s draft, but he fell to No. 15. His historically short arms (30 7/8 inches) and reports of his involvement in a 2024 fatal car accident played a role in his fall.Despite those concerns, the former Miami Hurricane was a no-brainer selection. He fits the aggressive defensive scheme coach Todd Bowles employs, often blitzing the quarterback to force turnovers.Opposing college quarterbacks saw Bain pressure them frequently. The ACC Defensive Player of the Year led the FBS in pressures (83) and recorded 9.5 sacks, two coming in the College Football Playoffs en route to the national championship game.Bowles’ defense desperately needed a pass-rush upgrade. Since arriving in Tampa Bay, Bain has drawn consistent praise from Bowles.He complimented his efficiency, noting that he wastes no steps when rushing the passer. Most importantly, he picked up the defensive playbook quickly, which surprised Bowles. Bain could be the first Buccaneers rookie to reach 10 sacks since Marcus Jones accomplished that feat in 2000.With the departure of Mike Evans for the San Francisco 49ers, Hurst could help fill the void he left. Tampa Bay lost size in the receiving room, as Evans was 6-foot-5. The former Georgia State Panther is two inches short.Hurst isn’t expected to replace Evans; no one can, but he provides new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson with more flexibility. He tallied 1,965 yards in his final two seasons with 16 touchdowns.Benjamin Morrison rounds Laine’s list as a second-year player. His challenge isn’t showing improvement; it’s staying healthy.Morrison underwent bilateral hip surgery going into the 2025 draft. He was sidelined for seven games last season, and Bowles said he was dealing with a leg injury during OTAs.The 2025 second-round pick could earn a starting position in training camp, but injuries are limiting his availability. Cornerback was one of the weakest positions for Tampa Bay, as Morrison and Zyon McCollum couldn’t stay healthy.Training camp starts next Tuesday. It’s the perfect time for Bain, Hurst and Morrison to impress the coaching staff and carve out significant roles as contributors to the team’s success.Join our ROUNDTABLE community! It’s free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.Download the free Roundtable APP, (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/roundtable-rtb/id6450423049) and stay even more connected!  

Content Source: Yahoo News

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