The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Five storylines to follow throughout training camp

By Bailey Adams

TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - NOVEMBER 27: Head coach Dirk Koetter of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks on from the sidelines during the second quarter of an NFL game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 27, 2016 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /
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No. 5: First Look at the 2017 Rookie Class

The Bucs got their first look at the 2017 rookie class during rookie mini camp back in May. However, August’s training camp will be the first chance for fans to get a real look at the new crop of guys added to the roster in April. There’s a good mix of fresh talent on both offense and defense, so it’ll be fun to watch these rookies transition into their new roles. This is when excitement from the draft can start being validated.

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The rookie that will likely get the most attention is first-round pick O.J. Howard. Most were utterly shocked to see the former Alabama tight end fall all the way to Tampa Bay, which held the No. 19 pick. Once he did, selecting him was a no-brainer. Out of all Buccaneer rookies, he will generate the most buzz once camp gets underway. That’s not to say the rest of the rookie class won’t get attention. Third-rounder Chris Godwin will open plenty of eyes during camp, as he was a major steal in April’s draft.

Even apart from Howard and Godwin, there will be a lot to look forward to. It will be worth watching how second-round safety Justin Evans develops during camp, while it will be interesting to keep an eye on the rehab process of third-round linebacker Kendell Beckwith. Of course, there’s also fifth-round running back Jeremy McNichols and seventh-round defensive lineman Stevie Tu’ikolovatu. That doesn’t even take into account the potential emergence of undrafted free agents such as wide receiver Jesus Wilson and tight end Antony Auclair. It will definitely be a treat to watch the development of the 2017 rookie class during this year’s camp.

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