For most NFL teams, having your rookie class contribute in some way, shape, or form in Year 1 is a big bonus, and for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, most of their 2025 draft class did just that.
Not only was it first-round pick Emeka Egbuka, but others in Benjamin Morrison, Jacob Parrish, and Tez Johnson all had their moments in 2025. So too, Elijah Roberts and Elijah Simmons.
As such, most can be expected to play key roles for Todd Bowles' team in 2026.
That is exactly what the franchise would have hoped for.
But how does the Buccaneers' draft class stack up against the rest of the NFL?
ESPN ranked all 32 teams' draft classes based on production, and the Buccaneers' came in at No. 16.
That'll do.
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Second-year leap coming from Bucs quartet
Egbuka started the season on fire, but faded towards the end of the season due to the many weapons at Baker Mayfield's disposal.
Much more is expected from him in Year 2. And the same can be said for defensive duo Parrish and Morrison. A second offseason to learn under Bowles will be invaluable.
Then there's Tez.
He stepped up well when the Buccaneers' receiver room was depleted, and became a genuine weapon, so that will bode well entering his second season.
If all four improve even just by five percent, the Buccaneers will be in good shape entering the 2026 season.
More Buccaneers news:
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- Why Buccaneers might have an Emeka Egbuka problem
- Buccaneers face huge contract decision with Super Bowl champion
- Stunning stat shows why Baker Mayfield is biggest loser of Bucs coaching change