The rookies on this seasons Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster are Kendell Beckwith, O.J. Howard, Justin Evans, and Chris Godwin.
Although the sample size is only one game, the rookies didn’t have much of a chance to showcase their abilities. Kendell Beckwith and O.J. Howard did play fairly well last week, but again, the successes were few.
Beckwith saw his first regular season action vs the Bears, and although he wasn’t outstanding, he did show what he is capable of in the time he was actually on the field. Beckwith played both, middle linebacker and strong side linebacker during the game and proved he can be more then efficient at handling both positions. He finished the game with 5 solo tackles, one pass defended, and was able to stuff the running back behind the line of scrimmage. The coming contest against the Minnesota Vikings will give Beckwith his best chance to shine as he will be filling in for the injured Kwon Alexander.
O.J. Howard saw his first action of the season and was targeted 3 times, finishing the game with 1 reception for 17 yards. Despite playing more in last week’s game than any other Buccaneers tightend, he is off to a slow start, but don’t expect that to be the norm going forward.
Chris Godwin, oddly enough, was not a big part of the Buccaneers offense last week, something I’m sure we would all have liked to see. Hopefully, he is given more opportunity to play this Sunday, vs the Vikings because I believe Godwin has what it takes to become a premiere receiver in this league.
Justin Evans is another rookie who got off to a slow start and was not been able to showcase his skillset in the first game of the regular season. His time is coming Bucs fans, and when it does, look out NFL!
Despite no Bucs rookies making Kiper’s list, Beckwith and Howard both were listed as next in line by Kiper which is fine in my book. I have a feeling once he season is all said and done, Kiper will need to admit he missed on more then a few stars.
Edited by: Harmeet Kapur
