The roster cut deadline has passed and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers officially have their first 53-man roster of the 2025 season. Of course, this roster will change throughout the year, and will likely see some changes in the coming days with waiver claims and other roster movement. Still, there are some takeaways for the initial 53 men the Bucs decided to keep.
One takeaway is that three undrafted rookies made the roster. First-year players who sign as undrafted free agents always have an uphill battle, but history has shown they can make rosters and develop into impact players. This year, the three undrafted rookies who made the roster are running back Josh Williams, offensive lineman Benjamin Chukwuma, and linebacker John Bullock.
Coincidentally, all three guys were walk-ons at their respective colleges. Bullock, was a walk-on at Nebraska, just like Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht. The two will now be able to bond over that special connection, as Bullock prepares for his first NFL season.
Feel-good stories on cutdown day: the Buccaneers had three undrafted free agents — RB Josh Williams, OT Benjamin Chukwuma and LB John Bullock — earn spots on their 53-man roster. Bullock was a former walk-on LB at Nebraska like Bucs GM Jason Licht.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) August 26, 2025
Three undrafted rookies make Buccaneers’ initial 53-man roster
Bullock will contribute to Tampa Bay’s linebacker room, currently listed as the second-team left inside linebacker behind SirVocea Dennis. The former Cornhusker had a great camp and preseason, and will look to carry that momentum into the regular season.
The same goes Benjamin Chukwuma, who came to Tampa Bay after playing college football for Georgia State. The offensive tackle, who plays on the left side, will be an important depth piece for the Buccaneers as Tristan Wirfs works to get healthy. Chukwuma won’t start while Wirfs is out, but he will be the No. 2 left tackle.
Then there’s Josh Williams, who somehow made the active roster in Tampa Bay’s crowded running back room. The Buccaneers already had Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, and Sean Tucker, making up one of the best backfields in the league. Still, Williams did his job by making it tough on the team to waive him. His efforts were rewarded with a roster spot, and he’s now one of three undrafted rookies on the 53-man roster.