Bucs Rookie Mini-Camp Insider: May 10

The Bucks opened rookie minicamp on Friday, May 10, under hot and humid conditions at the team’s Advent Health Training Center. All members of Tampa Bay’s 2024 draft class participated in the first day of rookie minicamp.That includes running back Bucky Irving, the team’s third-round pick, and guard Elijah Klein Both sixth-rounders from Tampa Bay signed rookie contracts on Friday.

Here are some of Pewter Report’s observations from the first day of Bucks rookie minicamp.

Familiar faces appear at Bucks rookie minicamp

Bucks OLB Jose Ramirez – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR

In addition to several rookies who spent the 2023 season on the practice squad elsewhere, several Bucs players who were on the practice squad last year were able to participate in Tampa Bay’s rookie minicamp. Outside linebacker Jose Ramirez, a sixth-round pick last year, was in attendance, as well as defensive tackle CJ Brewer, wide receiver Cephas Johnson III, offensive tackle Cyrus Zansi, offensive lineman Luke Haggard, wide receiver Receivers Ryan Miller and Tite were in attendance. Finish Tanner Taula.

Ramirez appeared to have strengthened his body in the offseason, losing some extra weight and looking more slender instead of the stocky figure he was a year ago. General manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles have mentioned Ramirez as a young player who could earn not only a roster spot this season, but also playing time if he performs well in training camp and the preseason. .

The Bucks signed several young rookies this offseason, including defensive tackle Lewal Uguak and offensive tackle Lorenz Metz. The Mets play collegiately in Cincinnati, and the Bucks receive a roster exemption because he is an international player, allowing the team to bring 91 players to training camp.

Several new Familiar faces – in a way

Bucks DT Judge Culpepper – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR

The Bucs had the sons of two former Tampa Bay defensive players in the 1990s attending rookie minicamp. Toledo defensive tackle Judge Culpepper, the son of former Tampa Bay nose tackle Brad Culpepper, was one of 16 undrafted free agents signed by the team. Culpepper, a prominent Tampa-area attorney, entered the NFL as a 10th-round pick in 1992 and played for the Buccaneers from 1994-99 after spending two years with the Vikings in Minnesota.

The other defensive lineman was Mayan Ahanotu, the son of a former defensive end. Chidi Ahanotu The older Ahanotu played defensive end with Culpepper and Warren Sapp for the Bucs from 1993 to 2000, before briefly rejoining the team in 2004. His 34.5 sacks rank fifth in team history, and he became the Bucks’ franchise player in 1998 after recording 10 sacks during the 1997 season.

His son, Mayan, played for former Bucs head coach Greg Schiano at Rutgers and totaled 3.5 sacks at defensive tackle. Mayan Ahanotu has signed a tryout contract with the Bucks ahead of this weekend’s rookie minicamp.

Great moment at Bucks minicamp practice

Bucks G Elijah Klein – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR

When rookie minicamp begins, players are often coached and acclimated without pads or physical presence. Most of the time is spent training special teams and individuals all the way up to 11-on-11, so you only get a few moments from the event.

The Bucs also spent two draft picks on offensive linemen, first-round pick Graham Burton and sixth-round pick Elijah Klein. If you block it on air, there’s even less to watch. You can see why the Bucks fell in love with Barton because of his athletic ability. It was easy to see how fast he was, whether he was sprinting in warmups or coming off the ball and hitting the pads. It felt as if all the other linemen were in slow motion.

Klein’s personality really shined through when he spoke to the media before practice. Although he takes his craft seriously, he doesn’t mind showing a little bit of his fun personality as well. He lined up at his right guard next to Burton at center. Klein looked huge with his wide base. He’s clearly suited to play guard.

During the 11-on-11 practice, two things stood out on offense and two on defense. Third-round pick Jalen McMillan was used across the board offensively. He lined up outside, inside, and started moving. He made a really great play, jumping up and making a jumping catch about 15 yards on the right side of the field. His athletic ability was on display.

Seventh-round tight end Devin Culp will have to rely on his speed to make this team. That speed was very much on display on catches on the right side of the field, creating separation and big gains. The Bucs could use him as a receiving tight end, so hopefully he can maintain his status as a blocker.

Bucks DB Tykee Smith – Photo by Cliff Welch/PR

Defensively, inside linebacker Julius Wilkerson, who was invited to camp by Davenport, made the first interception of the afternoon. He dropped into zone coverage and the ball was basically thrown directly at him, but at least the play was successful. Inside linebacker can be a position where an undrafted free agent can join the team, so it was nice to get a moment in front of the coaches early on.

The highlight of the entire practice was third-round safety Tykee Smith’s interception late in the session. The Bucs lined up Smith at nickel and safety throughout practice. On this particular play, the ball was thrown about 15-20 yards over the middle of the field. There, Smith made a great play by breaking the ball, jumping up and extending his arm as high as possible, tilting the ball towards him to catch and intercept it.

As for why the Bucks drafted Smith, that was all that was advertised. One play showed his football IQ, instincts, and playmaking ability to make an interception. In the past, Bucks coaches have told me that Antwon Winfield Jr. is a great player because he makes the same plays we see during Sunday practice. That’s what Smith did on his first day.

There’s a long way to go, but many of the Bucs’ draft picks got off to a good start in their early careers in Tampa Bay.

Matt Matera of Pewter Report contributed to this report.