Buccaneers 2025 training camp preview: Will Tampa Bay lean on rookies to be Week 1 starters?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2025 training camp begins Wednesday and runs through August 11th at the AdventHealth Training Center. The camp will conclude with joint practices at the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 13th and 14th. Rookies reported early on Monday.

Key injuries impact the start of the season: All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs is expected to miss the beginning after arthroscopic knee surgery, and Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin (recovering from a dislocated left ankle) might also start on the PUP list. This places greater responsibility on quarterback Baker Mayfield. The defense, led by coach Todd Bowles and featuring new additions like Haason Reddick, is generating excitement.

First-round pick wide receiver Emeka Egbuka, initially seen as a luxury, has seamlessly filled Godwin's slot role during OTAs and minicamp, impressing with his natural ball skills and burst. However, his immediate impact remains uncertain despite a strong camp.

Linebacker Haason Reddick, coming off a single-sack season marred by a holdout with the Jets, is described as "upset" and "pissed off," which the coaching staff welcomes. The Bucs hope his speed, paired with Yaya Diaby's power, will revitalize their pass rush.

Offensive tackle Charlie Heck, signed to replace Justin Skule, is expected to step in for Wirfs. He brings experience with 23 starts and solid pass block win rate (85.4%) over 50 career games.

Undrafted rookie defensive tackle Desmond Watson, listed at 449 pounds and 6-foot-6 (making him the heaviest NFL player ever), needs to reach a healthy playing weight before a specific role is defined.

Position battles are highlighted: Second-round cornerback Benjamin Morrison, recovering from hip surgery, is pushing starters Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean. Third-round pick Jacob Parrish is competing for the nickelback role, primarily against Christian Izien, following Tykee Smith's move to safety.

For the third consecutive season, the Bucs have a new offensive coordinator, Josh Grizzard (a first-time playcaller). Grizzard, hired from Miami in 2024, helped the Bucs lead the NFL in third-down efficiency (50.9%) last season, earning praise from players like Wirfs and Evans for his problem-solving abilities. His readiness will be tested during simulated game situations in camp.

A partial 53-man roster projection includes Quarterbacks Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask, and Wide Receivers Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, and Tez Johnson.