5 Buccaneers facing crucial 2023 training camp

When the Bucs kick off training camp a little later this summer, some players will need to show up more than others

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kyle Trask, Baker Mayfield
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kyle Trask, Baker Mayfield | Julio Aguilar/GettyImages
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Kyle Trask, QB

Two years ago, the Bucs selected Kyle Trask in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Fast forward now, to the post-Tom Brady era, and Trask still doesn't have a clear shot at the starting quarterback job. Instead of getting a sure fire chance, Trask now has another veteran to compete with in Baker Mayfield.

At one point, Trask was in the Heisman conversation. Yet, that doesn't always translate to the NFL, and here we are. Trask was taken with high draft compensation, but he looks to be, at best, a backup for a third-straight year.

This summer is crucial for Trask, not just for his future as a guy who yearns to start at the pro level, but for his future in this league in general. If he isn't good enough to beat out Mayfield, but solidifies himself as the team's backup over John Wolford, he knows he has a future in this league.

Let's not completely discount the fact that he doesn't end up starting, either. Mayfield hasn't had a strong season in the NFL since his his 2020 campaign. If Trask lights it up during camp, and even the preseason, he could give the former number one overall pick a run for his money.