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.
Round 1, 26th Overall: Graham Barton
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-
Round 2, 57th Overall: Chris Braswell
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-
Round 3, 89th Overall: Tykee Smith
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 the NFL should the Bucs decide to keep him there.
Post Draft Grade: B-
New Grade: B+
Round 3, 92nd Overall: Jalen McMillan
With the Bucs second third round pick, they elected to take Jalen McMillan and it was a pick that the Bucs would have to be patient for it to pay off. McMillan shined early on in training camp and was making highlight play after highlight play. He even started off the season hot, scoring a touchdown on his first career catch.
Jalen McMillan makes his first NFL catch.
Touchdown. pic.twitter.com/KuEJmqVt7t
— 32BeatWriters (@32BeatWriters) September 8, 2024
After hitting a bit of a lull mid-season, the injury to Chris Godwin opened the door for McMillan to get more opportunities and he took advantage of those chances. He had seven touchdown catches in the final five games of the regular season and proved that he belonged. McMillan has the ceiling of a solid WR2 and hopefully he continues to progress.
Post Draft Grade: B+
New Grade: A-
Round 4, 125th Overall: Bucky Irving
I will come right out and say it, in terms of production and value of where they were picked, Bucky Irving was easily the best draft pick of the Bucs 2024 class. The Oregon product was electric this entire season and it was a season in which he only technically started three games, but he was so good that Tampa Bay couldn’t ignore his ability to transform this offense.
Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
Irving had 1,122 yards rushing, eight rushing touchdowns and he also had 47 catches for 392 yards. Irving was a star for Tampa Bay and was an electric piece to the puzzle. In all honesty, Irving probably is best suited as the lead back in a committee, not necessarily a bell cow type player but the talent is undeniable. I said this in my post draft grade “It isn’t a bad pick, but I personally had some backs a bit higher on my board” it’s safe to say I was wrong on that one.
Post Draft Grade: B-
New Grade: A+
Round 6, 220th Overall, Elijiah Klein
Klein was essentially red shirted by Tampa Bay in his rookie season. Sixth round picks are typically just shots in the dark and Klein may very well be that. It will be interesting to see if Klein gets a shot in the future at being a starting guard in the NFL. He has some traits to like and Tampa Bay will likely keep trying to develop him as time goes on. It’s a fine pick, so can’t really change the grade and I still see the upside.
Post Draft Grade: B+
New Grade: B+
Round 7, 246th Overall: Devin Culp
Tampa Bay ended their draft with a developmental tight end that actually did end up contributing late in the year. Culp played in five games and ended up with five catches over the final two games for 88 yards. He showed some flash and that’s all you can really hope for out of a 7th round tight end.
Post Draft Grade: C+
New Grade: B-
The Bucs 2024 draft class was a strong one that helped them win the NFC South once again. Let’s see how they continue to develop because it has a chance to be a truly special class for this team for years to come.