The third week of Bucs OTAs (organized team activities) kicked off on Tuesday morning at the AdventHealth Training Center under sunny Tampa skies. It was less humid than previous practices, with an occasional — and much needed — breeze.
Pewter Report’s Matt Matera and Adam Slivon were in attendance to cover the action, followed by press conferences from Bucs head coach Todd Bowles, quarterback Baker Mayfield, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey, and cornerback Bryce Hall. Here are Pewter Report’s observations from Tuesday’s practice.
Bucs WR Mike Evans Makes His Return
After not appearing at OTAs the previous two weeks, Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans was back out there today practicing and working with the offense. Evans was his typical self, guiding a young receiver room through drills while also showcasing his patented elusiveness and playmaking ability.
Although there was not much to garner from the open media window for photos and videos, it was encouraging to see the veteran wideout working alongside Chris Godwin again.
#Bucs WRs Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. New season, same duo. pic.twitter.com/YcoFEETa6s
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) June 4, 2024
Bucs QB Baker Mayfield Comments On LT Tristan Wirfs’ Contract Holdout
With Evans’ return, the only remaining Bucs who have not been at OTAs are defensive tackle Vita Vea, outside linebacker Randy Gregory, and left tackle Tristan Wirfs. Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. was not seen at practice. Cornerback Jamel Dean and tight end Ko Kieft were there but did not participate.
It does not appear these absences concern the team, especially as Vea has been training with an old pal and looking fantastic in general manager Jason Licht’s eyes. For Wirfs, while he is holding out for a new deal, quarterback Baker Mayfield was in a joking mood about it and sounded optimistic that his blindside protector will be paid soon enough. “Tristan’s still around, we’re not holding out on the friendship even though he’s holding out on us,” Mayfield said after practice.
#Bucs QB Baker Mayfield comments on Tristan Wirfs’ sitting out as he waits for a contract extension:
“Does he deserve to be paid? Absolutely, the guy’s a stud.”
He later jokes “We’re not holding out on the friendship just because he’s holding out on us.” 😂 pic.twitter.com/oU3Z1an3oB— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) June 4, 2024
Wirfs’ status heading into mandatory mini-camp is something to keep an eye on, but both he and the team still have plenty of time to work out a contract to make him among the highest-paid offensive tackles in NFL history. Mayfield and Wirfs have a one-of-a-kind bond, and it seems like it is only a matter of time until they’re back together on the field once again.
Graham Barton Getting Some Time In At Center With QB Baker Mayfield
While Bucs first-round pick Graham Barton has been getting some first-team reps at center, today was the most work Pewter Report has seen him have with quarterback Baker Mayfield.
A look at #Bucs C Graham Barton working with QB Baker Mayfield. pic.twitter.com/8hZAUY5cS7
— PewterReport 🏴☠️ (@PewterReport) June 4, 2024
Barton looked to be getting into more of a rhythm with the starting quarterback as he looks to take the reins of the starting center spot this season. Mayfield was complimentary of the work he has been putting in while acknowledging that it is a constant learning process.
“Playing center in the NFL is not easy,” Mayfield said. “There’s so many different looks, fronts, blitzes, and just the communication, it’s a whole different ballgame. I think he’s handling it really well, the physical aspects of Graham, he’s a stud. I mean, he can move people off the ball, he’s quick. Just the way he gets his feet up under him while he leverages blocks and understands what we’re trying to get done, that’s really special.
“I think for him he’s got all the physical tools that he needs, it’s why he got drafted that high, but it’s taking time to learn it and get the reps because it’s just going to take time for him. Luckily, he’ll be surrounded by good people though, and get to learn from some greats as well.”
Defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and center Graham Barton will be battling against each other in practice for years to come, and today Kancey shared what his first impressions are of Barton.
“I think he’s a great player,” Kancey said. “The team did a great job picking him in the first round. Very smart guy, picking up the offense as well. I think he’s been looking good at OTAs.”
Bucs UDFAs Making Plays
For the entire Bucs rookie class, this point of the offseason is all about making a good first impression in practice and showcasing why you belong in the NFL. While the players selected are working hard at getting playing time, the undrafted rookies are fighting to stick around and get roster spots.
Inside linebacker Kalen Deloach and cornerback Chris McDonald Jr. were two players making cases for more opportunities at Tuesday’s practice. Deloach, the former Florida State Seminole, had one scrimmage repetition in which he came off the edge with his blazing 4.47 speed and if players had been in pads, he would have had a sack on the play.
Deloach could be this year’s undrafted free agent steal and has the chance to make the 53-man roster. He will only strengthen his case with more impact plays.
For McDonald, he is competing in a completely overhauled Tampa Bay secondary that suddenly has plenty of depth. There are spots to be had further down the cornerback depth chart, and the Toledo product made his presence known this morning. Against the third-string offense, McDonald cut a route and intercepted a pass up the middle.
The Miami, Florida native had two interceptions in college last season, and getting one in practice is sure to be a confidence booster and something to build on with mandatory mini-camp on the horizon.
Other Highlights From Bucs’ OTAs
Wide receiver Jalen McMillan continues to make many catches with Mayfield throwing to him. It’ll only help their chemistry moving forward once the pads come on. The Bucs clearly have a lot of confidence in the wide receiver room outside of Evans and Godwin after waiving Deven Thompkins. It’ll be McMillan, Trey Palmer and Rakim Jarrett all picking it up in that room.
Defensive back Christian Izien made a nice pass breakup over the middle. He’s not ready to relinquish his starting nickel position. This will be one of the more intriguing battles in training camp with Izien, Tykee Smith and Tavierre Thomas playing that role.
Some other plays that stood out was quarterback Kyle Trask finding some rhythm with rookie tight end Devin Culp and undrafted free agent outsdide linebacker Shaun Peterson Jr. out of UCF getting a good pass rush that probably would’ve been a sack if it were a game. The Bucs have a lot depth at outside linebacker, but everybody has to start somewhere.
The Bucs will have mandatory mini-camp from Tuesday, June 11 through Thursday, June 13 of next week.
