Georgia State wide receiver Ted Hurst should be an immediate downfield and red-zone threat for the Bucs.
Rookie minicamps are the NFL version of a cattle call, a chance to trot out prized picks from the draft such as Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and Missouri linebacker Josiah Trotter. Both players are likely Day 1 starters for the Bucs.
There also are 16 undrafted free agents and legions of tryout players who only have a couple days to confirm why they are worthy of a spot on the 90-man training camp roster.
Players such as running back Sean Tucker, receiver Kameron Johnson, and defensive backs Christian Izien and JJ Roberts all made the 53-man roster as undrafted free agents.
The attention will be on the Bucs’ draft class and rightfully so. Bain was never expected to last until the No. 15 overall pick as one of the nation’s best edge rushers. Trotter could fill an immediate need at inside linebacker after the retirement of Lavonte David.
How do the Bucs see their other draft picks fitting into their plans for 2026? And which undrafted free agents or tryout players may open some eyes this weekend? Let’s take a look.
WR Ted Hurst, Georgia State
At 6-foot-3, 206 pounds, this third-round draft pick isn’t quite as big as Mike Evans. But he provides a true X receiver for the Bucs after losing their future Pro Football Hall of Fame receiver to the 49ers.
Although he rebuffed offers to move on from tiny Georgia State to larger Division I programs, Hurst’s size, speed and leaping ability provide an immediate downfield and red-zone threat.
“That’s more of playing multiple sports, playing basketball,” Hurst said. “I’m a big fan of basketball and just being a guy who can go up and get the ball as a rebound.”
Hurst patterns his game after Tee Higgins (Bengals), Justin Jefferson (Vikings) and George Pickens (Cowboys).
“I want to come in and have immediate success,” he said. “I’m a big body, X receiver but I can also play anywhere on the field.”
DB Keionte Scott, Miami
Miami defensive back Keionte Scott "is a really good blitzer" and "cover player," according to Bucs assistant GM Rob McCartney.
Scott (5-11, 193) may have been the most underrated player in the NFL draft. A playmaker behind Bain with the Hurricanes, he has an innate ability to blitz and likely will begin playing at nickel back. However, inside linebacker on passing downs, cornerback and safety are possible.
“Keionte Scott is a really good blitzer, he’s a really good cover player, too,” assistant general manager Rob McCartney said.
Scott was probably a steal in the fourth round, and a chess piece head coach Todd Bowles can move around the board, especially since Jacob Parrish may move outside to replace Jamel Dean, who signed with the Steelers.
“I try to pride myself on being an old-school cat,” Scott said. “Not being afraid to stick my nose in anything and playing fast.”
DT DeMonte Capehart, Clemson
Logan Hall is gone, having signed as a free agent with the Texans. Capehart (6-4, 313) is another big body who can help anchor the defensive line with guys such as Vita Vea and Calijah Kancey.
Capehart, a fifth-rounder, was disruptive for Clemson and coach Dabo Swinney but had only three sacks and 13.5 tackles for loss.
“I think Capehart is probably going to be a better rusher at this level,” McCartney said. “I’m not saying that’s the reason we drafted him but I think we can unleash him a little bit more.”
OG Billy Schrauth, Notre Dame
The Bucs hope they'll have the luck of the Irish with Notre Dame offensive lineman Billy Schrauth.
GM Jason Licht is uncanny in his drafting of offensive linemen on the second or third day. He may have found a good one in Notre Dame’s Billy Schrauth (6-4, 310), another fifth-rounder.
“It was like, ‘Oh, yeah. This guy fits the room,’” McCartney said. “Character aside, the way he plays is what we aspire to be. And the character backs it up as the captain at Notre Dame.”
Both Cody Mauch and Ben Bredeson return, but the Bucs are going to want to find depth and some younger players at offensive guard. Schrauth has a nasty streak and played hurt in a rivalry game versus Southern Cal.
“There’s not many sports you can express yourself like that and get after people,” Schrauth said. “I never feel more like myself then when I’m playing football.”
TE Bauer Sharp, LSU
Sharp (6-4, 249) is a converted quarterback who can do a multitude of things at tight end as a blocker or receiver. A former converted high school quarterback, he processes things quickly.
“Just conceptually, knowing the game, seeing the picture, just kind of knowing everything helped me out … it’s kind of slowed it down for me, I’d say," said Sharp, who the Bucs took in Round 6.
Cade Otton signed a three-year, $30 million extension and rarely comes off the field. But new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson used two tight ends about 38% of the time in Atlanta. He’ll fight for playing time with Ko Kieft, Payne Durham and Devin Culp.
3 undrafted free agents to watch
QB Jalon Daniels, Kansas
Kansas' Jalon Daniels should be competition for Connor Bazelak at the No. 3 Bucs QB spot.
The strong-armed passer with 49 games played at Kansas has demonstrated elite arm talent and mobility. He passed for 9,282 yards with 67 TDs and 31 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,445 yards and 23 scores. He would battle for the No. 3 spot with Connor Bazelak.
G Henry Lutovsky, Nebraska
This is another offensive linemen who may be a Licht find. Lutovsky did 34 reps of 225 pounds and started 28 games for the Cornhuskers.
WR Eric Rivers, Georgia Tech
After a 1,172 receiving yard season at Florida International, Rivers transferred to Tech and caught 46 for 658 yards.
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