Bucs Nation
Now that the 2024 season is over, let’s take a look at how the Bucs rookies fared
The Buccaneers 2024 season was filled with a lot of ups and downs but one thing that remained consistent throughout the season was the production they got from their 2024 rookie class.
Back in April, I graded each draft pick the Bucs made and now with a full season under their belt, it feels like the perfect time to take a revision of those grades and see how the rookie class actually did.
Barton was the team’s first round pick out of Duke and was the starting center for Tampa Bay from day one. While he experience his fair share of ups and downs, I would say his rookie season was far more positive than negative.
There are certainly things he can improve on as penalties were an issue for him and he also had some trouble with snapping the ball at times but the sky is the limit for his ceiling. Barton is far from a finished product, but he has all the makings of a top center in the NFL for years to come.
Post Draft Grade: A
New Grade: A-
Tampa Bay decided to address their pass rush in round two with Braswell out of Alabama and his rookie season was a tad underwhelming for a second rounder. To be fair, Braswell did not play a whole lot in his rookie season and he had some moments, but I’m sure the Bucs were hoping for a bit more out of a guy they invested a premium pick in.
Braswell finished the year with 18 total tackles and 1.5 sacks including a forced fumble. I’m not saying Braswell is a miss. There is plenty of time and opportunities that he will receive in the future to prove this pick to be the correct one, but right now the results are the results.
Post Draft Grade: B
New Grade: C-
When Tampa Bay made this pick, I think a lot of people were initially caught off guard because he was listed as a safety by many media outlets but Smith played an important role as the nickel corner for Todd Bowles’ defense.
The former Georgia Bulldog appeared in 13 games for the Buccaneers and started in six of them. He had 54 combined tackles as well as two interceptions. Tampa Bay went a long drought without getting an interception this season which stretched from the New Orleans Saints game in week six to the Las Vegas Raiders game in week 14 and coincidentally, Tykee Smith was the one who had both picks.
He can play a bit of safety and that contributes to his value but his role as nickel corner should not be overlooked. If Smith continues to develop, he could end up being one of the better nickels in...
