Position-by-position takeaways from Buccaneers’ first unofficial depth chart

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are approaching their preseason opener against the New York Jets. It’s been an eventful offseason, to say the least, but the Bucs believe they’re entering the 2026 season with a much-improved roster ready to return to playoff contention.

With the season drawing closer, the Buccaneers released their first unofficial depth chart of the preseason. It’s important to note that it’s just that — "unofficial.” Tampa Bay will continue to tinker with its roster and depth chart throughout the preseason and all the way up until Week 1.

But this depth chart still means something. It represents how Tampa Bay views the pecking order as things currently stand based on how players have performed throughout OTAs and training camp so far. So, let’s comb through each position and see what stands out on the Buccaneers’ first unofficial depth chart of the 2026 season.

Observations from Tampa Bay Buccaneers' first unofficial depth chart

Quarterback

Baker Mayfield | Jake Browning | Connor Bazelak | Jalon Daniels

There are no surprises with Mayfield listed as the starter and Browning as the backup. But it’s somewhat surprising to see Daniels listed as the QB4 based on how impressed the organization has been with him this offseason.

Daniels is competing with Bazelak for the QB3 spot, and this preseason is a huge opportunity for him to lay the foundation as a developmental long-term backup quarterback in Tampa Bay.

Running Back

Bucky Irving | Kenny Gainwell | Sean Tucker | Josh Williams | Kadarius Calloway

Irving, Gainwell, and Tucker are the obvious top three running backs in Tampa Bay’s stable. It’ll be interesting to see whether Williams can impress the coaching staff enough to justify keeping a fourth running back, or whether he’ll make his way onto the practice squad instead.

Wide Receiver

McMillan, Godwin, and Egbuka will be the first-string group headed into the season while Hurst, Tez Johnson, and Sills are currently slotted as the second group.

It’s a bit surprising to see Sills leapfrog Kam Johnson for a spot on the second string, since Johnson has been in Tampa Bay for two seasons now and has contributed as a returner on special teams. But Sills’ experience in Zac Robinson’s offense has apparently given him an early edge.

Tight End

Cade Otton | Payne Durham | Ko Kieft | Devin Culp | Bauer Sharp/Kenny Fletcher Jr.

To nobody’s surprise, Otton is the clear No. 1 in this tight end room.

Durham being listed as the TE2 is intriguing, as it’s truly anybody’s game for the next spot behind Otton, but the coaching staff clearly likes what they’ve seen from Durham.

The biggest surprise here is Sharp being listed at the bottom of the depth chart, which won’t last for long. The rookie has had a strong offseason, and could catapult himself all the way up to the TE2 spot by season’s end. Culp is ahead of Sharp for now, but unless he changes the trajectory of what’s been an underwhelming offseason, all signs are pointing to Culp as a cut candidate in a crowded tight end room.

Offensive Tackle

LT: Tristan Wirfs | Ben Chukwuma | Paul Rubelt
RT: Luke Goedeke | Justin Skule | Marshall Foerner

It’s business as usual for Wirfs and Goedeke, who form one of the NFL’s best tackle duos.

Chukwuma being the team’s second-string left tackle after signing as an undrafted free agent last year is promising. He started two games last season, so he at least has some playing experience under his belt.

The return of Skule was a welcome offseason addition. The team missed his presence as a depth piece when injuries ravaged the offensive line last year, and the unit is better for having him back on the roster.

For the third-string group, Foerner is an undrafted second-year player who spent his rookie season in Indianapolis but didn’t appear in any games. Rubelt is an undrafted rookie with plus athleticism who stands at a massive 6-foot-10 and could carve out a spot in Tampa Bay as a developmental backup tackle.

Guard

There are no surprises with Tampa Bay's starting guards, as Mauch is entering his fourth season as the starter and Bredeson his third.

Haggard and Feeney both started multiple games for Tampa Bay last season, so their status as second-string make sense.

Hutmacher’s placement as the third-string right guard is one of the more intriguing developments on the depth chart. He spent last season as a defensive tackle before changing positions this offseason. He’s joined on the third string by rookie fifth-round pick, left guard Billy Schrauth, while undrafted rookie Lutovsky is an undrafted free agent who will likely be fighting for a practice squad spot.

Center

Graham Barton | Elijah Klein | Ben Scott

This is one of the least eventful positions in the depth chart. Barton enters his third season as the starting center, with no competition for the job.

Klein has yet to start a game through two seasons, and the team has him as the backup center despite being officially listed as a guard. Scott was signed as an undrafted free agent last season and made his way onto the practice squad. It’s likely that’s where he’ll end up again this year.

Defensive Line

Vea, Robinson, and Kancey are pencilled in as the three down linemen in Tampa Bay’s 3-4 scheme.

Nunez-Roches is no lock to make the roster, but his initial listing as the No. 2 nose tackle is a good sign for him. Rookie Capehart being listed as the second-string option is also an encouraging sign for his chances of getting on the field. Roberts showed flashes during his rookie year, and it would be great to see him get more reps this season.

The third-string players and beyond will have to show out during the season to fight for limited roster spots, or more likely, the practice squad.

Inside Linebacker

It’s a safe bet that Anzalone, Trotter, Dennis, and Rozeboom will enter the season as the top four inside linebackers.

It was a shock to see Dennis listed over Trotter, but the rookie has a chance to steal that starting job with a strong preseason. Trotter is already building momentum with his incredible training camp.

They’ll keep five at most, so the preseason battle between Jackson, Bullock, and undrafted rookies Fordham and Wright will be worth watching.

EDGE

Tampa Bay’s top four edge rushers are already set in stone with Diaby, Bain, Muhammad, and Walker.

It was a surprise to see Walker listed on the third string considering he’s been the biggest standout of any Bucs player throughout training camp, but it’s a safe bet he’ll join the second string on the next depth chart.

It looks as though Nelson and Braswell will battle for what will likely be the fifth and final OLB spot, with Nelson currently holding the edge.

Cornerback

Parrish gets the initial nod over Morrison as the starting outside cornerback opposite McCollum.

Tampa Bay’s lack of proven depth is quite staggering, though. They could really use a veteran corner to add to the mix behind McCollum, Parrish, and Morrison.

Williams and Garnes have both had nice camps, so Hayes and Parodie will have a tall mountain to climb if they hope to earn a roster spot.

Safety

Another position group with no surprises. Winfield and Smith lead the way in the safety room.

Roberts, who stood out last offseason prior to his injury, is listed on the second string. Killebrew, who was largely brought to Tampa Bay to reunite with Danny Smith on special teams, holds down the backup spot behind Winfield.

It’s intriguing whether Tampa Bay will keep a fifth safety and if so, who earns the spot. The team just recently signed Melifonwu, who has more playing experience than either Banks or Wisdom, so he’d be the apparent frontrunner in that race.

Specialists

The final depth chart won’t stray too far from this, except for B.T. Potter, who has no chance of making the team. McLaughlin has been money as the kicker for Tampa Bay, and his job is in no danger.

If Kam Johnson, currently listed as the punt returner, fails to make the team as he’s currently listed as a third-string receiver, it seems as though Tez Johnson could find a role as the punt returner.

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