The Tampa Bay Buccaneers wrapped up mandatory minicamp last week, offering a first true introduction to the 2026 team.
The competition for roster spots and starting jobs will be stiff all summer. Some players wasted no time making their impact felt, while others fell behind.
Winners & Losers from Bucs mandatory minicamp
Winner: WR Tez Johnson
Tez Johnson caught a pair of touchdowns during minicamp, and seems to be picking up where he left off after a strong rookie season in which he caught five touchdowns.
The Bucs’ wide receiver room is crowded with Emeka Egbuka, Chris Godwin Jr., Jalen McMillan, and Ted Hurst.
Johnson is fighting for the WR5 spot, but there are other capable players in the mix such as David Sills and Kam Johnson. Making some splash plays early helped Johnson get a much-needed jump on the competition.
Winner: TE Bauer Sharp
Bauer Sharp seems to have been winning over the organization from the moment he stepped in the door after being picked in the sixth round.
“This guy’s turning out to be a hidden gem on Day 3,” said Pewter Report’s Scott Reynolds of Bauer.“He’s drawing some rave reviews with how he goes about his reps and how fluid he is with the ball in his hands.
Sharp has earned a reputation dating back to college as a high-motor competitor and violent blocker. He’s bringing the energy and effort to Tampa Bay, and it’s turning heads.
He caught a touchdown pass during minicamp, and could be laying the foundation toward carving out a role as a rookie.
Loser: TE Devin Culp
With Sharp quickly emerging and climbing the depth chart, Devin Culp could be on the outside looking in at a roster spot.
The Bucs currently have Cade Otton, Ko Kieft, Payne Durham, Bauer Sharp, and Culp. There isn’t going to be room for five tight ends on the roster, so the pressure is on for the few names on the bubble.
With Sharp and Durham both getting on the board with touchdown catches during minicamp, Culp is on the clock to start making his presence felt. He got injured on the first day of OTAs, and as a result he’s sidelined and missing out on valuable reps.
Right now, he seems to be on the chopping block, and he’ll need to take things up a notch when training camp starts in July.
Winner: RB Kenny Gainwell
With Bucky Irving continuing to recover from a shoulder surgery, Gainwell has taken the bulk of first-team reps this offseason.
Gainwell is quickly building rapport with the starting offense, and has also earned major praise from head coach Todd Bowles for his leadership.
The Bucs knew Gainwell would be an impactful player when they signed him in free agency, but even they might’ve underestimated what he can bring both on the field and in the locker room.
Tampa Bay wasn’t thrilled to lose Rachaad White in free agency, but if early impressions are any indication, Gainwell could prove to be an upgrade.
The Bucs running back trio of Irving, Gainwell, and Sean Tucker could be downright dangerous this upcoming season.
Winner: CB Jacob Parrish
After a strong rookie season as the starting nickel cornerback, Parrish is being given the opportunity to compete for the starting outside cornerback job opposite Zyon McCollum.
He’s competing with Benjamin Morrison, who hasn’t been practicing due to a leg injury. Morrison already missed seven games last season due to injury, and the trend seems to be continuing into year two.
Parrish is making the most of his reps with the first-team, showcasing his versatility by lining up both inside and outside, and building on an impressive rookie campaign. He’s also been durable, playing in all 17 games last season, which is an added bonus. Right now, he has the upper hand over Morrison by a long shot.
Loser: CB Benjamin Morrison
As mentioned above, Benjamin Morrison is losing serious ground in the outside cornerback competition.
The best ability is availability, and Morrison just hasn’t been available enough early in his career. For every practice he misses, he’s giving Parrish more opportunities to convince the coaching staff he’s the man for the job.
Morrison is on the verge of entering bust territory, as the oft-injured second-round pick could find himself as a backup entering his second season.
Morrison is far from a lost cause, and there’s plenty of time for him to change the narrative, but right now he’s one of the bigger disappointments of the offseason.
Add us as a preferred source on Google