Buccaneers training camp notebook, Day 2: All units play with confidence

USA Today

3 days ago

The Bucs roster has reported to Tampa Bay, and as a result, they have started their journey into the 2025 season. It starts at home in Tampa Bay, but they hope it ends on the road in Santa Clara, where they have a chance to raise the Lombardi Trophy for the second time in five years.
Todd Bowles and Jason Licht have returned, both with contract extensions. Liam Coen is no longer part of the coaching staff, having left to lead the Jacksonville Jaguars. In his place is Josh Grizzard, who has been promoted from passing game coordinator to offensive coordinator. All in all, the coaching staff remains essentially unchanged, just as the roster does, which means there is some continuity.
The second day of training camp has wrapped, though, for the team, and there is a lot to break down. We did our best to decide what was worth sharing and discussing, as a lot happened, we narrowed it down to three key points. Of course, we rounded up some quick hitters as well for your enjoyment.
Rookies standout on both sides of the ball
The biggest rookies in the Bucs' 2025 NFL Draft class are wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and cornerback Benjamin Morrison. Both came into camps with questions, albeit different types, that they had to answer for both the coaches and fans during training camp. In two days, things are already looking up for the pair, and they may end up being the best one-two punch of the class, regardless of team.
Emeka Egbuke stole the show with a nice catch in the back of the endzone, where he showcased body control and awareness. He is going to work his way very nicely into the good graces of Baker Mayfield while Chris Godwin Jr. is rehabbing his ankle injury. Look for him to get peppered with targets throughout camp and the preseason.
On the other side of the ball, Benjamin Morrison finally made his debut with the Bucs after missing OTAs and minicamp due to his rehab from a hip injury. Questions around his hip caused him to fall down the NFL Draft, and he made it to the Bucs in round two. If he had been healthy, he would have been a top ten pick most likely. Now, healthy and playing for the Bucs, Morrison showcased himself in man and zone coverage assignments on Thursday and impressed during both.
Charlie Heck has the full support of the offense
Keeping your franchise quarterback safe is a team's most important priority. In the case of the Buccaneers, they will be without their franchise tackle, Tristan Wirfs, for an undetermined amount of time. In his place, the team has backup Charlie Heck, who signed with the team this offseason, set to start.
Todd Bowles hinted at the Bucs perhaps adding to their tackle group during his media session today, but nothing seems imminent. They did have former Seahawks tackle George Fant in for a workout, but no deal was made at the time. For the time being, though, Baker Mayfield is behind his new blindside protector, telling the media, ". . .We trust Charlie [Heck]. He's here for a reason, so still trying to instill a faith in him that he's more than capable of doing his job at the left tackle spot. . ."
Haason Reddick has backup on the team
Haason Reddick arrived in Tampa Bay with a certain amount of baggage following him from his 2024 season with the New York Jets and Philadelphia Eagles. He held out all offseason for a new contract and it led to him being traded and then playing like a shell of his former All-Pro self. Now, in Tampa Bay with a one-year prove-it deal signed, Reddick is ready to start over, and his teammates are taking notice.
Baker Mayfield talked about the new Bucs edge rusher during his media session when he was asked how he was fitting in.
Mayfield explained, "I think he fits right in as a guy. People wanted to put some labels on him for whatever happened in the past. He's extremely hungry, got a little chip on his shoulder. I think this building as a whole appreciates that. We understand what type of talent we are getting out of him. The veteran leadership he brings as well, just adds on to that."
Getting the seal of approval from your team's veteran leader is always a help. During minicamp, when Reddick arrived, the former Temple Owl shared he was working with fellow edge Yaya Diaby, and they were working in tandem on edge moves and making each other better. It is early, but all signs are pointing to Reddick fitting right in with the pewter.
Quick hitters