With Dean possibly finding a new opportunity in free agency, there will definitely be some snaps available at outside cornerback, and Bowles said both second-year rookies are in the running.
"They'll both play outside," said the coach. "They'll definitely battle outside in the spring and the summer. We think we've got two good ones there, but Parrish will definitely go back in the nickel as well when it's time to go in there."
Two other recent draftees – 2023 fifth-round linebacker SirVocea Dennis and 2024 second-round outside linebacker Chris Braswell – will be battling for significant roles as well. Dennis just finished his first season as a starter and is one of just two off-ball linebackers the Bucs have under contract for 2026, but there will be additions to the unit, obviously, which will lead to competition for playing time.
"He can be a starter if he cleans up his open-field play," said Bowles. "He played well against the run; he gave up some things in the pass game that we didn't like. It was his first full year starting, so we're looking for him to get better. But he'll definitely have competition."
Dennis tied Smith for second on the team with 100 tackles and was second to Yaya Diaby with 10 tackles for loss while also recording 3.0 sacks, but the coaching staff would like to see him take a step forward in pass coverage. Meanwhile, Braswell heads into his third season with a total of 2.5 sacks but an opportunity to step up with more playing time.
"He's just got to come off the ball consistently," said Bowles. "I thought Chris made great strides last year, especially with what we asked him to do. He's got to take it over this year. He really has to take it over this year. He showed flashes but not fast enough flashes. I think if we gave him a chance, I think he'll do a lot better job this year.
Finally, there are a couple of Buccaneers whose main task in the spring will be to get healthy. That includes second-year edge rusher David Walker, who missed his rookie season due to an ACL tear sustained during the preseason. Prior to the injury, he was reportedly having a very strong camp and was expected to see significant playing time in the OLB rotation. A healthy Walker in training camp would almost be like getting an extra draft pick in the mix.
"He's coming along," said Bowles. "We'll see in the spring. He's doing a lot better. He's kind of working out and doing some things. I'll see exactly what he can do in the spring. So hopefully he'll be full-go by summer."
The Buccaneers will be adding players to all of those positions through free agency and the draft in the months ahead. Obviously, they will continue to play their cards close to the vest as exactly which free agents and draft prospects they are interested in, but Bowles did mention one specific trait he's looking for in this year's addition: size.
"I think we need to get bigger," he said. "From a team standpoint I think we need to get bigger. We were smaller at some positions, from a size standpoint. I'd like to get bigger regardless of what position it is. I think that will be a little bit more of an emphasis this year."