3 Rookies to watch during Bucs' training camp in 2026

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been hitting at every level of their draft classes in recent years. General manager Jason Licht and his staff have been on fire in their evaluations, and as a result, there is a young base on this team poised to open its own Super Bowl window after the departure of key veterans.

In 2026, the rookie class of the Bucs could make the biggest impact yet of any class. Headlined by Rueben Bain Jr., they have a chance to make this defense reach another level they have been aiming for in recent years but always fell short of.

To give one final look at the class ahead of rookies reporting next week, we wanted to share the three rookies we are most looking forward to seeing. Defense will have the majority, but the one offensive player we are highlighting has a chance to step into a big role that was left behind by Mike Evans.

.@GeorgiaStateFB WR Ted Hurst made a crazy adjustment to make this catch

2026 NFL Combine on @nflnetwork
Stream on @NFLPluspic.twitter.com/IaQmqoAmeC

— NFL (@NFL) March 1, 2026

With the departure of Mike Evans now in the rearview mirror, the Bucs will need to replace his deep-threat role in the offense. Ted Hurst is not Mike Evans, but he could fill the role with some success right off the bat as a rookie. He ran a 4.42 40-yard dash at the combine, and his film showcased him as someone who can make plays downfield.

With Chris Godwin in the slot, and Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan working on the outside, there is a chance for Hurst to come in on various play designs to make a splash. We will see early on in camp, one would expect, where he fits into it all.

The Bucs lost Lavonte David to retirement this offseason, and they have not benefited from the play of SirVocea Dennis. The linebacker group was a detriment to the defense in 2025, but in 2026, they are poised for fresh legs with the arrival of Alex Anzalone and rookie Josiah Trotter. The rookie out of Missouri plays with SEC speed in his game to cover sideline to sideline, and he has quick feet and hips to drop back in coverage.

He and Anzlone should be able to contain opposing running games better than the unit did in 2025, while also providing better pass coverage on top of it all. The play of this unit will drive a lot of how the season goes, so deservedly so, all eyes will be on them, and Trotter especially.

FUMBLE

WHAT A PLAY BY KEIONTE SCOTT #PMSCFPpic.twitter.com/Fv8WpfkI8f

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) December 20, 2025

While his teammate Rueben Bain Jr. is going to get a lot of the attention, it is actually Keionte Scott, his fellow Hurricane, who we are highlighting. Last year, we saw Jacob Parrish play very well in the nickel role, but now he will pivot to the outside while Scott steps into the role. In college, Scott thrived in the Hurricanes’ defense as their nickel and brought a linebacker mentality to things. He can be used anywhere and any way by Todd Bowles, which will make watching him in training camp a joy to watch unfold.

This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 3 Rookies to watch during Bucs’ training camp in 2026