5 Buccaneers on defense to watch during the 2025 training camp
David Walker, Linebacker
The Buccaneers used a fourth-round pick on Walker, an FCS standout from Central Arkansas who won the 2024 Buck Buchanan Award as the top defensive player in the subdivision. While his college résumé is stacked, his small-school background means he enters camp without the spotlight of top-tier prospects. Walker possesses natural pass-rushing skills, a high motor, and the ability to cover sideline-to-sideline. In a linebacker room still sorting out its depth behind Lavonte David and SirVocea Dennis, Walker could force his way into sub-packages or special teams early.
C.J. Brewer, Defensive Lineman
Brewer isn't a new name in Tampa. He's spent time with the team previously and appeared in limited game action. The Coastal Carolina product brings versatility to the defensive front and possesses the kind of motor and hand technique that coaches value in rotational linemen. While others fight for reps behind Kancey and Vea, Brewer could slide into a valuable backup role if he shows consistency in one-on-one drills and live tackling periods.
Eric Banks, Defensive End
Banks has bounced around several practice squads since entering the league, but now gets a real shot at making the Buccaneers' final roster. He was a productive player in college at UTSA, where he totaled over 20 tackles for loss and flashed disruptive ability off the edge. What he lacks in NFL production, he may make up for in technical polish and effort. With the Bucs likely to keep depth at multiple spots along the defensive line, Banks is a name to monitor during training camp.
Christian Izien, Defensive Back
Izien started ten games for the Buccaneers last season before landing on injured reserve. As a former undrafted free agent, he has already proved he can step into a starting role. However, after missing time and with the team adding depth in the secondary, he finds himself in a camp battle once again. Izien brings toughness, intelligence, and the ability to contribute in the slot, deep coverage, or as a box safety. If healthy, he'll be one of the most versatile defenders on the roster.
Shilo Sanders, Safety
The son of Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, Shilo arrives in Tampa as an undrafted rookie from Colorado. Though his name garners attention, his path to the 53-man roster is far from guaranteed. What he brings to camp is a high football IQ, vocal leadership, and a knack for takeaways. Early reports from OTAs and rookie minicamp indicated that Sanders impressed coaches with his positioning and communication.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Black America Web
an hour ago
- Black America Web
100 NFL Players Busted For Selling Super Bowl LIX Tickets, Social Media Snitches
Source: Kevin Sabitus / Getty Super Bowl LIX was a hot ticket. Maybe too hot for some NFL players and employees. More than a hundred are set to be fined and/or lose their allocation for the next two Super Bowls after league sources revealed they sold their tickets for more than face value. 'Our initial investigation has determined that a number of NFL players and coaches, employed by several NFL Clubs, sold Super Bowl tickets for more than the ticket's face value in violation of the policy,' NFL chief compliance officer Sabrina Perel said in a memo sent out to all 32 NFL teams. The 100 players represent a little over 6% of the entire NFL player rosters. But per an ESPN report, there are team employees, including coaches, who are among the number who sold their tickets. 'This long-standing League Policy, which is specifically incorporated into the Collective Bargaining Agreement, prohibits League or Club employees, including players, from selling NFL game tickets acquired from their employer for more than the ticket's face value or for an amount greater than the employee originally paid for the ticket, whichever is less,' the memo continued. Players and team personnel sold the tickets to 'bundlers' who were working with resellers, per the memo. Penalties will increase for anyone deemed to be working with the bundlers to help facilitate sales. Fines would be one and a half times what the player or employee sold the ticket for, and they would lose the chance to acquire them for the next two Super Bowls. There could also be suspensions involved. Some of the players involved have already elected to pay the fines. Those who lose their allotment would only be able to purchase tickets if they are playing in the Super Bowl. The league would not release names of players, coaches or team personnel who were part of the crackdown. Tickets for Super Bowl LIX in New Orleans, which resulted in a 40-22 win for the Philadelphia Eagles vs. the Kansas City Chiefs, ranged in cost from $2,588 to nearly $3,500 for the cheapest seats. On the high end, some tickets were more than $10,000. See social media's reaction to the bust below. 100 NFL Players Busted For Selling Super Bowl LIX Tickets, Social Media Snitches was originally published on
New York Post
an hour ago
- New York Post
Jaxson Dart looks more at home in best Giants training camp day yet
Jaxson Dart looked the part. The rookie first-round quarterback had his best day on an NFL field so far Sunday as he was accurate and aggressive down the field — a noticeable change from holding the ball too long when he wasn't getting off short, quick passes. 'I can definitely feel a difference in the first day [last Wednesday] to even today,' Dart said. 'Just that the game's starting to slow down a little bit the more that I get comfortable with the plays and the system.' Dart is adjusting to running first-time plays and mixing in with different receivers — all of whom require different timing. 'I felt confident in the different installs that we had [Sunday], and I felt at the same time the coaches gave me a lot of freedom,' Dart said. 'So I was able to make some checks that I wanted to, and I feel like that just allowed me to play just faster and be able to make quicker decisions.' Dart led a 12-play move-the-field drive that included a third-down completion and a couple of designed quarterback runs. Perhaps most significantly, he used a hard count — after clapping his hands to get the ball at Ole Miss — to draw the defense offside. 3 Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) looks to throw during Training Camp at the Quest Diagnostics center, Sunday, July 27, 2025, in East Rutherford, New Jersey. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST 'I don't want to play like a robot,' Dart said. 'I think that's just my play style. When I'm on the field, I'm going to be aggressive in any situation. A quote that we go by in the quarterback room is, 'Being aggressive but not reckless.' So, when you have opportunities to put the dagger in, that's what you have to do. And, at the same time, you can't be reckless.' Dart's philosophy during training camp is to get the mistakes out on the practice field and don't make the same error twice. It sounds like an extension of head coach Brian Daboll's philosophy. 3 Jaxson Dart (6) looks on during Training Camp at the Quest Diagnostics center, Sunday, July 27, 2025. Corey Sipkin for the NY POST 'Just trying to take advantage of the opportunities that I get. Trying to study late as much as I can,' Dart said. 'I'm learning every second.' John Michael Schmitz's trio of errant snaps in Friday's practice were a red flag. His best chance to atone comes Monday, when linemen put on pads for the first time. 3 Michael Schmitz Jr. (61) on the field during training camp. Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Go behind the scenes with Big Blue Sign up for Inside the Giants by Paul Schwartz, a weekly Sports+ exclusive. Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters 'We don't want to have those high snaps, no question,' Daboll said. 'John Michael has been a good leader for us.' Daboll lauded Brian Burns for his chase-the-ball hustle on the play that led to a collision with Wan'Dale Robinson in Friday's practice. Burns only participated in limited drills Sunday while dealing with soreness. 'He's had a number of those this camp,' Daboll said. 'His effort has been outstanding.'
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Travis Hunter outlines his preparation at Jaguars training camp to play both on sides 'Back Together Weekend'
Jacksonville Jaguars wide receiver and defensive back Travis Hunter breaks down how it is to prepare for two different positions on opposite sides of the ball while at Jaguars training camp.
