Tampa Bay’s defense surged with energy Saturday, flashing a faster, more dynamic frontline as Bowles challenged his young edge rushers to grow. Chris Braswell Jr. stood out, delivering the kind of early impact the Buccaneers’ depth has chased all offseason. The unit’s speed contrasted with an offense missing key pieces, underscoring why TB prioritizes a versatile front seven. Bowles praised the quartet of Braswell, Jose Ramirez, Markees Watts and Warren Peeples Jr., while stressing that growth must be mental as much as physical. With the preseason finale against Buffalo upcoming, the spotlight remains on whether this young crop can translate practice tempo to real-game snaps and push the rotation forward.

The Buccaneers have quietly fortified edge and linebacker depth this offseason, building a squad capable of multiple looks. Skylar Thompson’s athleticism was noted as part of the performance against the Steelers, while Bowles emphasized the need for players to put together the complete package—mentally, then physically. Buffalo looms on the road as a stern test, and how TB handles the Bills’ high-powered offense could shape early-season expectations for the edge group. The takeaway: the next steps are clear, and the next game will be telling for this developmental cohort.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers head into training camp in 2025 with key players looking to prove their worth. Cornerback Jamel Dean aims to reclaim his status as a defensive anchor after a season marred by inconsistency and injuries. With Carlton Davis III gone, Dean faces fierce competition from younger corners. Meanwhile, linebacker Chris Braswell, a second-round draft pick, strives to establish himself as more than a rotational player, seizing his chance to fill the void left by Joe Tryon-Shoyinka.

As training camp approaches, the Bucs' roster is poised for fierce competition, especially in the secondary where Dean must show he can bounce back from previous failures and silence doubts about his long-term viability. For Braswell, this is a pivotal moment to showcase his potential to elevate the Buccaneers' pass rush and secure a more prominent role in the defense.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are entering the 2025 season with significant pressure on their existing roster to elevate their performance. After finishing 16th in points allowed and 21st in yards per play last season, the focus shifts to the development of younger defensive players.

Key figures such as Chris Braswell, a second-round draft pick who struggled to make a mark in his rookie year, need to step up. With Joe Tryon-Shoyinka's departure, Braswell's role is paramount. The acquisition of Haason Reddick could provide additional support, but the Bucs need more from their young core. The importance of internal player growth cannot be overstated in a competitive NFC South.

At 35, Lavonte David, a pivotal figure for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers since his 2012 draft, remains a stalwart in the NFL. After a challenging start, including a lengthy playoff drought, David evolved into a Pro Bowl linebacker and Super Bowl champion. His dedication to the game and consistent performance have solidified his status as one of the franchise’s all-time greats.

With increasing speculation about his retirement, the Buccaneers are proactively scouting for his successors. David's leadership and skill set will be tough to replace, but the team has begun strategizing with the draft selection of Chris Braswell last season, signaling a future-ready approach that combines honoring his legacy while preparing for the next era.