TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2025 training camp runs from Wednesday through Aug. 11 at the AdventHealth Training Center, with joint practices being scheduled at the Pittsburgh Steelers to wrap things up Aug. 13 and 14. Rookies also got a head start, as they reported Monday.
With All-Pro left tackle Tristan Wirfs now expected to miss the start of season (and be on the PUP list) after undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery and Pro Bowl wide receiver Chris Godwin (who also might start the season on the PUP list) still recovering from a dislocated left ankle, even more onus falls on quarterback Baker Mayfield to take this team to the next level. But don't overlook the role recently extended coach Todd Bowles' defense will play, with some new faces such as Haason Reddick generating excitement during OTAs and minicamp.
Here's a closer look at what we are watching at camp -- and a 53-man roster projection:
Can first-round pick Emeka Egbuka help fill the void of Chris Godwin if he's not ready to go?
The selection of Egbuka in the first round felt like a luxury pick until it was clear that Godwin would not participate in OTAs or mandatory minicamp because of his injury, which he suffered in Week 7 last season. Then it felt like a really smart choice. Egbuka has slid into Godwin's slot really pretty seamlessly so far. The ball finds him naturally and he has great burst once it's in his hands, with franchise scoring leader Mike Evans likening him to a running back. But as we saw with wideout Jalen McMillan last year, a strong camp doesn't guarantee an immediate impact -- as it took the former Washington wideout half a season before things really clicked. Egbuka's proximity to the ball in the short passing game should help get him going early.
Three players to watch
LB Haason Reddick. Outside linebackers coach Larry Foote said of Reddick's single-sack season that was marred by a holdout as a member of the New York Jets last year: "He's upset, and we like it. ... He's pissed off." The Bucs' pass rush has lacked the last couple of seasons, but they are hoping that Reddick can be the answer, as they can pair his speed with Yaya Diaby's power.
OT Charlie Heck. After losing backup Justin Skule in free agency, the Bucs signed Heck to serve as their swing tackle, so he's expected to step into Wirfs' role. He registered an 85.4% pass block win rate in 50 career games withy 23 starts, allowing 16 sacks and a run block win rate of 70%.
DT Desmond Watson. The former Florida Gator signed with the Bucs as an undrafted free agent this offseason and became the heaviest player in NFL history -- with him being listed at 449 pounds at 6-foot-6. Their plans for him are very general at this point: Get him to a healthy playing weight and ensure he can stay there before carving out any type of role.
Key position battles
Outside cornerback. The Bucs selected Benjamin Morrison in the second round in April to push starters Zyon McCollum and often-injured Jamel Dean. Could he find his way into a starting role after undergoing hip surgery during his final season ay Notre Dame? His collision with Egbuka to break up a pass showed he's ready to make an impact.
Nickelback. The Bucs double-dipped in the draft at corner like they did in 2019, selecting Kansas State's Jacob Parrish in the third round. At 5-10, his height can be limiting on the outside, but the Bucs have lined him up in both places and he recorded multiple interceptions this spring. With Tykee Smith moving to safety, Parrish's biggest competition will come from previous starter Christian Izien, who was the ultimate secondary utility man last season -- lining up at nickel, safety and even outside corner.
Keep an eye on: The new OC
For the third straight season, the Bucs have a new offensive coordinator in Josh Grizzard. Like now-Carolina Panthers head coach David Canales, Grizzard is also a first-time playcaller. The Yale graduate, who was plucked from Mike McDaniel's staff in Miami in 2024, helped the Bucs become the league's top third-down offense last year (50.9%), with Wirfs calling him a "wizard" and Evans praising his ability to find a solution for every situation. He'll demonstrate his readiness when Bowles simulates game situations in camp.
53-man roster prediction
Offense
QB: Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask
WR: Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Jalen McMillan, Emeka Egbuka, Tez Johnson
OL: Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch, Luke Goedeke, Charlie Heck, Elijah Klein, Jake Majors, Sua Opeta, Ben Chukwuma
RB: Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, Sean Tucker
TE: Cade Otton, Devin Culp, Payne Durham, Ko Kieft
Defense
DL: Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall, Greg Gaines, Elijah Roberts, Desmond Watson
OLB: Haason Reddick,&nbsstrop;Yaya Diaby, Anthony Nelson, Chris Braswell, David Walker, Jose Ramirez
ILB: Lavonte David, SirVocea Dennis, Anthony Walker Jr., Deion Jones
CB: Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum, Benjamin Morrison, Bryce Hall, Jacob Parrish, Kindle Vildor
S: Antoine Winfield Jr., Tykee Smith, Kaevon Merriweather, Christian Izien, J.J. Roberts
Specialist: Chase McLaughlin (K), Evan Deckers (LS), Riley Dixon (P)