Buccaneers vs. Saints: 3 rookies that can step up big time

Khalil Davis

The top half of the Buccaneer rookies catch the majority of the attention from the media. In addition to the two previously mentioned players, Tyler Johnson and Ke’Shawn Vaughn are also significant focuses of reporting, leaving Khalil Davis as an extremely underrated draft pick.

Davis is currently pegged to provide depth on the defensive line behind the dominant starting trio. When Ndamukong Suh and William Gholston come out of the game, Davis has a great chance of earning some reps early on.

While a backup defensive lineman isn’t always a matchup focus, Davis has the athleticism to be a starter in the NFL eventually. Having quality depth along the defensive line will allow Tampa Bay to chip away at the Saints offensive line, which could pay dividends for the starters when they return from their rest.

Davis may not even play double-digit snaps on Sunday, but making the most of the snaps gives him the best chance to impact the game.

The rookie from Nebraska will have to rely on his athleticism to give an edge against the opposing interior linemen, and fans should expect Davis to make a name for himself early on in the season.