Buccaneers: Five quick impressions from preseason game two

Play of some of the Rookies

O.J. HOWARD and CHRIS GODWIN:

The draft picks did very well with O.J. Howard starting one tight end with the ones playing on 24 of the 45 snaps (53%) with the starters while catching two passes for 28 yards.

His first reception came on the team’s first drive for fifteen yards and getting the Bucs down to the two where Martin punched it in for a touchdown.

His second catch came on the third series with the starters that was good for thirteen, showing his ability to run after the catch and that he can play in the slot, on the line, or on the outside.

Chris Godwin also played a little with the starters playing fourteen of the 45 snaps (31%), and catching one pass on the fifth offensive drive for fifteen yards. He also played heavily during the second half and was targeted a few times but only managed to catch one pass from Ryan Fitzpatrick for fifteen yards.

KENDELL BECKWITH:

Third round pick Beckwith started at the Sam linebacker position with the injury to Devante Bond and after coming back from an ACL tear in November played very well making four total tackles including two tackles for loss.

He might now have the edge on Bond for the Sam linebacker spot if Bond doesn’t recover from his injury quickly and show some flashes on the field.

RILEY BULLOUGH:

“Joe Dirt”, or as his mom is calling him “Fabio”, of HBO’s Hard Knocks fame played with the threes and continued to look like a leader out there and make some plays had five tackles. Since being featured on Hard Knocks he has become a fan favorite and is playing very well to earn a backup spot at linebacker.

Overall the draft picks played very well although not much was heard from second round pick safety Justin Evans as he played mainly with the backups, and has to improve to win a starting job out of the gate.