Tampa Bay’s depth strategy gets an exclamation point in 2025 as three undrafted rookies—John Bullock, Benjamin Chukwuma, and Josh Williams—make the 53-man roster after standout camp showings. Licht has long mined UDFA gems like Christian Izien and Sean Tucker, and this year reinforces the Buccaneers’ blueprint: players earn genuine opportunities regardless of draft status, building a flexible, competitive roster as the season opens.

Bullock’s Nebraska speed, Chukwuma’s raw strength and versatility, and Williams’s physical running and receiving package underscore Licht’s eye for high upside. The veteran approach isn’t just about stockpiling bodies; it’s about sustainable competition that bolsters special teams and provides depth in key spots, setting up Tampa Bay for meaningful contributions from players other teams overlooked in April.

Magnetizing UDFA success translates to fantasy and betting relevance too. As these rookies develop, they could creep into rotation snaps, with Williams perhaps handling early-down duties and return roles, while Bullock and Chukwuma add interior versatility. The Buccaneers’ 2025 roster, shaped by Licht’s zeal for under-the-radar talent, promises a deeper, more unpredictable unit that could tilt weekly matchups in late-season fantasy lineups and divisional showdowns.

The Buccaneers could roll with four running backs this season, propelled by Josh Williams’ standout preseason kick returns. Williams totaled 108 yards on three kickoff returns versus Buffalo, including a 42-yard burst that flipped field position and injected energy. That elite level of return play adds a unique weapon TB hasn’t reliably possessed, potentially nudging Williams ahead of others on the roster.

With Bucky Irving, Rachaad White, and Sean Tucker in the mix, Williams’ added value as a pass catcher and a blocker, plus the NFL’s kickoff-rule revamp boosting return opportunities, Give TB the rare luxury of extra depth. The question now is whether the club would sacrifice depth elsewhere to keep Williams as a game-changing returner and RB4.