The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a good idea of what the top three-quarters of their roster will look like heading into the 2026 season, leaving big decisions with the bottom 10-15 spots.
While some players may squeak onto the roster, others will use the opportunity to shock fans and maybe even their coaches. It's not uncommon for fringe players to make an impact no one saw coming, but this year, several players could do exactly that.
The question is: Which players will get the opportunity to show the coaching staff that they not only deserve to have a roster spot, but also prove they deserve to get on the field? The fight starts with climbing the depth chart.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers' players will get a chance to prove more than just roster value
Linebacker Jack Pyburn - UDFA - LSU
Pyburn is a physically gifted linebacker who will start his NFL career three players removed from Rueben Bain. The outside linebacker doesn't have the name, but he had a good career at LSU despite not being drafted. Pyburn is going to make his name in training camp and preseason. He can play both inside and outside if given the chance. He is a smart football player who has quick reaction time. Entering camp, Pyburn won't be considered a lock for the roster, but he will get a chance to show he deserves it. Then he will need to prove to the coaches that his special teams ability is worth getting him on the field.
Safety Marcus Banks - Mississippi State
Banks has been on and off the Buccaneers roster since 2024. Last year, he was elevated off the practice squad three times. This year, he will get the chance to take the next step and make the final 53. Tampa will likely carry four safeties into the season, so Banks has a lot of work ahead of him. His chief competition will be free agent Miles Killebrew, but Banks has the chops to make it a tough decision for the Buccaneers coaching staff.
Linebacker Mohamed Kamara - Colorado State
Kamara is an interesting player to watch. His NFL career is on the bubble, not just his roster spot. Kamara has the physicality to make an impact. He is quick off the snap and has good vision to dissect the play. Kamara is entering his third NFL season, and it's time to take a step forward. The only thing keeping him from being a big impact player is himself. If Kamara can step out of his own doubts, he could prove to be a valuable linebacker who will do more than just add depth to the defense.
Wide receiver David Sills - West Virginia
Sills has been in the NFL since 2019, but hasn't made much of an impact. He is on his fifth NFL team since he entered the league. On the surface, there isn't much to see, but Sills could shift inside as a slot receiver, where he might have a bigger impact. Sills runs good routes and has good hands, but he isn't a deep receiver, and that limits him as a boundary receiver. If he shifts inside, he could impress enough to take one of the potential six WR spots on the roster.
Running back Sean Tucker - Syracuse
The running back unit is all about Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell, but Tucker is going to get a chance to make an impact on the roster. Tucker is far from a lock as the third runner in the room, and he will have to hold off two other running backs hoping to steal a spot on the 53. Where Tucker could shine, however, is in the return game. He will compete with Gainwell for the kick return job, but given his speed and vision, Gainwell might get relegated to the sideline at some point, especially if Irving goes down again.
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