The Buccaneers’ rookies flashed in the preseason, fueling a defensive turnaround Bowles sought by forcing more turnovers. Jacob Parrish, a Kansas State product, is pushing for Week 1 nickel duty after showing elite speed and ball skills despite a compact 5-10 frame.

Laine's review underscores Parrish as the fastest on the roster and capable of nickel and outside work, offering a welcome playmaking lift for Tampa Bay’s secondary. If his explosiveness translates to on-field impact, the Bucs could lean on a faster, more versatile defense in 2025.

The Buccaneers snapped a tight preseason opener into a win over the Steelers, riding a wave of efficient plays from their QB room and sharp moments from a handful of youngsters to push for roster spots. Teddy Bridgewater stepped into a reliable No. 2 role, orchestrating two crisp scoring drives and showing veteran poise. Rookie Jacob Parrish teased with decisive ball skills, while Emeka Egbuka flashed with his first NFL TD. Zyon McCollum grabbed an INT and looked more confident in coverage, Kindle Vildor anchored the secondary with a pick and key breakups. On the flip side, Jamel Dean had a rough sequence, Charlie Heck struggled in protection, and Kyle Trask’s 3-for-10 night fed HC questions about the QB2 competition. The game underscored depth chart conversations in a crowded roster battle, while Baker Mayfield stood behind Bridgewater as the veteran engine for the offense.

For fantasy bettors, Bridgewater’s solid efficiency bodes well for a reliable late-round QB2, especially given Mayfield’s starter role. Parrish’s special-teams/coverage flashes could translate into regular defensive depth looks, while McCollum and Vildor offer intriguing rotational upside in a secondary that’ll lean on playmakers this season. Egbuka’s polish and a continued uptick in McCollum’s reads signal growing day-one contribution potential. Trask and Heck remain on a tight leash, with Trask needing a cleaner outing to defend a potential QB2 chase. Overall, the Bucs showcased a path to flexibility in August, with several players stepping into fantasy-friendly roles.

The Buccaneers flashed both promise and concern in their Pittsburgh tuneup. Bridgewater operated with veteran poise, finishing 6-of-11 for 85 yards with two touchdowns and guiding two scoring drives, keeping QB2 chatter alive behind Mayfield. Trask struggled, hinting at deeper questions about TB’s Week 1 depth chart. Injuries to Godwin Jr. and Wirfs tightened the backfield calculus and underscored the need for more robust line play and running production.

Playmakers stepped up: Emeka Egbuka landed TB’s first NFL TD on a clean route, Zyon McCollum flashed lockdown potential with an early INT, and Kindle Vildor added an interception and sticky coverage. Jacob Parrish reinforced his growing cornerback ceiling, while Charlie Heck’s edge discipline and Wirfs’ looming return frame TB’s strategic decisions. The ground game lagged, and the defense will face steeper tests as injuries shape the next game plan.

In all, TB’s preseason flow suggests a competitive QB2 race, with Bridgewater’s steadiness potentially nudging Trask into a more defined role. Injuries and pass rush issues demand a closer look at O-line depth and backfield balance. The Steelers will be ready to test TB again, but early returns point to a capable, evolving depth chart that fantasy players should watch closely as rosters trim.

The Buccaneers opened the 2025 preseason with a 29-7 win over the Titans, and a night off for most starters turned the spotlight to the depth chart. Sean Tucker seized his chance after Rachaad White tweaked his groin, flashing a brisk, decisive style that suggested a real shot at supplementary work if White misses time. Kyle Trask handled a big stage in the first half, delivering 12-of-16 for 129 yards and threading a tight window to a bold target down the sideline. Ryan Miller stood out as a reliable option with 5 catches for 63 yards before the game paused for a concussion evaluation. On defense, Jacob Parrish showed early-life ink, snaring two PBUs in his first preseason action. Nick Jackson capped the night with a sack and an interception, a feat no Buc had done in preseason play since 2017. Owen Wright closed with a late TD, signaling depth and potential roster flexibility behind the big three-headed backfield. The result underlined how quickly a deep camp can translate into real roster pressure and fantasy relevance for a handful of players who weren’t on the radar a month ago.