Pads are on and players have taken to the practice fields as organized team activities are under way. This is a great chance for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to integrate their new players and coaches. It’s also a good measuring point as we prepare to head into the offseason.
It’s been several months since we last saw the team take the field. In that time, players have been healing their bodies and taking some well deserved time off. Of course they have also been hitting the gym and doing the things that they need to do to get ready for next season.
The team will be counting on several young players to take a step forward in 2026. Internal growth is a critical part of the Bucs identity and what can propel them to success at the highest level. Without this growth the team would remain stagnant or even take a step backwards from what we saw last year.
While a step up from every player would be wonderful, there are some that need it more than others; both for their individual careers and team success. So what players are the most important to see growth from? Here are my three Buccaneers who need to show the most growth.
SirVocea Dennis
At this moment, Dennis is still the projected starter at linebacker for next season. Of course, we all expect rookie Josiah Trotter to take that starting job in due time. However, that does not lessen the importance of Dennis’ development.
Even if Trotter is excellent as a rookie and newcomer Alex Anzalone is the high end steady veteran that we expect him to be, there needs to be strong depth behind those guys. If one of those two were to be hurt for any amount of time then it would thrust Dennis right back into the starting lineup. And based on what we saw last year, that isn’t nearly good enough.
Now at 26, Dennis needs to recapture the flashes we saw early in his career. Specifically in terms of his coverage ability. If he is able to trim up and become more reliable vs the pass then he could still be the depth linebacker that this team desperately needs.
Benjamin Morrison
One of the hardest transitions from college to the NFL is with cornerbacks. Not only are opponents bigger, faster and stronger, but rookies are learning so much. And with a position that is so reactionary like corner, there is no time to think or even hesitate when on the field.
After missing a big part of training camp last year, Morrison started out behind. As a result, it took him longer to connect the mental and physical parts of the game. This led to up and down play as a rookie.
Now with a year of experience under his belt, we should expect Morrision to know everything that he needs to know. Now it’s just a matter of reacting and not hesitating. I still expect a few more growing pains from this young player, but there is every reason to expect that he will make a jump in year two.
Graham Barton
I believe that many of Barton’s struggles are for a similar reason to Morrison. Playing center is a mentally challenging position. Not only has he been learning all the nuances of interior offensive line play, but Barton has to worry about snapping the ball as well (plus any calls that have to be made at the line).
Now factor in having to move back out to left tackle to protect your quarterback’s blind side. It’s like un learning everything he learned as a rookie then having to jump back into it at the highest level. Remember, much like with corners, thinking too much will slow a center down just enough for an opponent to get the jump on him, so having to learn and unlearn and relearn was undoubtedly a factor in Barton’s struggles last year.
Now going into year three, this position should start to feel more natural. Barton needs to think less and fire off the ball more. If he can do that then I believe he has pro bowl potential and that would go a long way in making this offensive line a dominant unit.
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