Despite the Bucks’ overall disappointing performance in their second preseason game against the Jaguars, there was still a lot to like about their game. 2024 NFL Draft Class “Several of the players in this class are going to be key contributors, so as we approach the regular season, it’s important that these players continue to show they’re growing and improving. And this generation continues to show that.”
C. Graham Burton
Buccaneers C Graham Barton – Photo: Cliff Welch/PR
Burton set another record to show he can start as a strong addition to the offensive line. While his performance wasn’t as dominant as his Week 1 win over the Bengals, it was still a shutout for the Duke product. He didn’t allow a single pressure in his eight pass-blocking snaps in the game.
Burton also helped the Buccaneers’ running game improve to 7.2 yards per carry on the night. Though it wasn’t flashy with fewer pancake blocks and getting to the second level, Burton helped the Buccaneers execute their zone concept well by moving in sync with his linemates to keep the defense from penetrating and allow the running backs to find space and lanes.
NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger featured Barton for the second straight week in his X (formerly Twitter) clip, “Baldy’s Breakdowns.”
.@Buccaneers Three rookies are playing on the interior O-line. Graham Burton 53 translation: #Xavier Delgado They got the job done. I’ve never seen three rookies play this well inside all preseason. #coaching #ValdezBreakdown pic.twitter.com/AzgBKiqVT6
— Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) August 18, 2024
OLB Chris Braswell Jr.
Braswell was praised by Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles ahead of the game against the Jaguars:Braswell He’s been doing great since he came here with Joe. [Tryon-Shoyinka] Yaya [Diaby] “He’s had some down times. His experience and the way he’s improved exponentially every day has been one of the most pleasant surprises since he’s been here in Jacksonville. He just keeps getting better. I love what he’s doing and where he is.”
Those improvements didn’t translate into a standout performance Saturday night. Pro Football Focus Braswell’s grades were among the lowest of any Buccaneers defender and he never had a pressure during the game. I don’t think he “exploded,” but I’d disagree with both of the scoring sites’ findings. Check out the video of Jose Ramirez’s first sack of the night.
Jose Ramirez sack #1. DB pressure off the edge + LG double-shooting the nose gives him an easy lane to the QB. Kudos to Ramirez for taking advantage with a quick jump. pic.twitter.com/1a1nqJ3CaK
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) August 19, 2024
Look at the other side of the pocket. Braswell shows off a nice rush that pushes the right tackle back to the quarterback. But even against the reserves, the repetitions were minimal. Braswell needs to improve his timing and hand placement to increase his effectiveness as a pass rusher. He showed some good repetitions in coverage and keeping the gap as a run defender. But I would say he needs to improve his overall strength and fitness as a run defender to really keep up with the rest of the Buccaneers outside linebackers.
Last week I noted that Braswell was by far the most raw prospect in the Buccaneers’ draft class, and his performance against the Jaguars showed that still holds true.
WR Jalen McMillan
McMillan only had one catch for six yards in the second preseason game. 1.0 yards/rr isn’t too bad considering he only ran six routes. Also, the fact that he was targeted on half of his routes suggests he was open and quarterback Kyle Trask was comfortable taking him.
His footwork is very smooth. pic.twitter.com/63YremygJc
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) August 18, 2024
The clip above shows Trask and one of two targets where he missed. McMillan was probably supposed to sit on an open route, so the pass was behind him. Still, despite the miss, McMillan showed smooth movement, crisp route, and a penchant for getting open. Additionally, he was an effective blocker. If he turns out to be a more physical player than I thought he was coming out of college, his potential is much higher.
DB Tykee Smith
Smith was more consistent in his second game than his first. Against the Jaguars, he was penalized, was solid in coverage, and played his role well in zone coverage. He was targeted just once for a short gain on 18 total plays. He was also outstanding as a pass rusher, nearly sacking Jaguars quarterback Mac Jones on a play that ultimately resulted in Jones popping out of the pocket and throwing the ball away. He was the closest player to Smith in coverage on Parker Washington’s touchdown, but on the reverse Cover 2 the Bucs were running on that play, his responsibility was over the outside receiver, and the coverage breakdown that led to the score was not his fault.
As for Marcus Banks, he has a really bad reputation overall. pic.twitter.com/Q7ZeTQpDP8
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) August 19, 2024
RB Bucky Irving
Irving had another solid game, showcasing his ability to slip through gaps left by the offensive line. He gained 26 yards on six carries and forced two missed tackles. His ability to contort parts of his body when running into defenders other than a head-on attack helps him gain extra yards that enhance his effectiveness. That, along with his nifty change of direction skills, gave the young running back another strong performance. He also made his only pass protection pass for the second straight week, displaying the most important trait for a team to trust him to be on the field in the regular season.
Great job by Buckey sensing the sell to the inside by the DE and knowing when the inside lane was clogged Walton could block off the outside and find the light. pic.twitter.com/TVViXubHXQ
— Joshua Queipo (@josh_queipo) August 18, 2024
I’d love to see Irving speed up his processor in terms of deciding to step into the crease sooner and see if he really has the final gear to make 30-40 yard runs when they’re possible, but overall I’d be confident to say he would be an upgrade over whoever the team has had at the RB2 position thus far.
OL Elijah Klein
Buccaneers OL Elijah Cline – Photo: Cliff Welch P/R
Klein continues to perform well despite being a relative unknown before being selected by the Buccaneers in the sixth round of April’s draft. This week, the team tasked him with playing right tackle, a position he never played in his six years at UTEP. The results were predictable: He was not accustomed to the deep pass sets required to be successful on the outside, and he lost time and time again. Also, his footwork was a little too slow to keep him on base and balanced, as defenders had more space to attack against him.
But back at right guard, he picked up right where he left off last week. Klein’s game is NFL-ready. He has a strong base and a strong anchor that makes it hard for defenders to break through him. He combines that with a killer punch and strong handwork and isn’t afraid to get in a fight with anyone. Klein made a case for putting him on the field sooner rather than later, potentially adding depth to the Buccaneers at a position that was once considered one of their biggest weaknesses.
Elijah Klein has played well this preseason and it will be hard to keep him off the field this year. His timing, placement and independent hand use were great in this practice and he also looked good at RT in this game. pic.twitter.com/HlrMgtsbcO
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 19, 2024
TE Devin Culp
Buccaneers TE Devin Culp – Photo by Cliff Welch P/R
Culp was drafted in the seventh round, primarily due to hand issues, despite his excellent athleticism. In college, he had a 15.5% drop rate. So the fact that he caught two targets and averaged 8.0 yards after the catch helps highlight his strengths (his athleticism after the catch) and also shows that he may be improving in his ability to hold onto the ball. Add in a solid blocking effort and he’ll be a strong candidate for a spot on the final roster.
Culp has much higher potential than current TE3 Ko Kieft, who is a plus blocker but limited athlete. Culp has shown he can at least match Kieft in terms of assignment solidity, and adds a more dynamic element as a pass-catching playmaker who can attack defenses.
