4 Buccaneers UDFAs with the best chance of securing a roster spot at training camp
As training camp begins, a few undrafted rookies are in prime position to secure roster spots
By Josh Hill
Training camp is finally here, and it's time for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to start sorting out what the final roster will look like.
This year the Bucs brought around 20 undrafted free agents to training camp, part of a youth movement that includes a grand total of 28 rookies fighting for a roster spot. That number has already been cut into with the release of linebacker Jeremy Banks at the start of camp, but it goes to show how different the final roster might look from last year.
Among those UDFAs the Bucs are bringing to camp, there a few sho stand out as potential sleepers to steal a roster spot when all is said and done.
That's not to suggest there isn't already talent at their position, rather Tampa Bay has such a strong rookie class all around that it's going to be fun to watch a few guys rise to the occasion.
. Syracuse. 4. 445. player. Tucker. . Running Back. Sean Tucker. Sean Tucker
A theme with some of the UDFAs with high potential to make the final roster is that they play at positions where the Buccaneers are super thin. Running back doesn't appear to be one of those positions, as Rachaad White is assuming RB1 duties with Chase Edmonds and Ke'Shawn Vaughn behind him.
It's a crowded room, which is why it's already impressive that Sean Tucker is finding ways to stand out.
He's coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons at Syracuse, with 23 touchdowns over that time to boot. His draft stock was hurt by a heart condition that ultimately held him out of being able to practice up to this point in the offseason, but he's been cleared to return to action at training camp.
Despite not having been able to fully show the Bucs what he's capable of, Tucker is already winning over his teammates. Earlier in the offseason White noted that Tucker has already been given a nickname that suggests he's in for big things if he can deliver.
“Then you see Sean too – they’ve been calling him ‘Baby Nick Chubb’ now around here,” White said during minicamp. “He don’t really like that, but it was just funny, joking with him. You can tell he’s ready to be out there.”
It's worth pointing out the humbleness of not liking the nickname as if you needed another thing about Tucker to like.
Tampa Bay apparently had a mid-round draft grade on Tucker, so that's the sort of talent they believe they landed as part of a strong UDFA class this year. Keep an eye out for highlights of Tucker as he begins to crank the wheel and show everyone what 'Baby Nick Chubb' is capable of.