Bucs Rookie Mini-Camp Insider: May 10

Several Bucs players who were on the practice squad last year, in addition to some newcomers who spent the 2023 season on practice squads elsewhere, were able to participate in Tampa Bay’s rookie mini-camp. Outside linebacker Jose Ramirez, a sixth-round pick last year, was in attendance, in addition to the likes of defensive tackle C.J. Brewer, wide receiver Cephus Johnson III, offensive tackle Silas Dzansi, offensive lineman Luke Haggard, wide receiver Ryan Miller and tight end Tanner Taula.

Ramirez looked like he really worked on his body in the offseason, shedding some excess weight and looking more svelte than pudgy like he did a year ago. Both general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles mentioned Ramirez as one of the young players who could vie for not only a roster spot this season, but also some playing time with a good showing in training camp and the preseason.

The Bucs signed a few young newcomers this offseason in defensive tackle Lwal Uguak and offensive tackle Lorenz Metz, who is an international player from Germany. Metz played collegiately at Cincinnati and the Bucs get a roster exemption because he’s an international player – allowing the team to carry 91 players to training camp.

Some New Familiar Faces – Sort Of

The Bucs had the sons of two former Tampa Bay defensive players from the 1990s in for the rookie mini-camp. Toledo defensive tackle Judge Culpepper, the son of former Tampa Bay nose tackle Brad Culpepper, was one of 16 undrafted free agents that the team signed. The elder Culpepper, who is a prominent Tampa-area attorney played for the Buccaneers from 1994-99 after a two-year stint in Minnesota with the Vikings as he entered the NFL as a tenth-round selection in 1992.

The other defensive lineman was Mayan Ahanotu, the son of former defensive end Chidi Ahanotu, who was a sixth-round pick of Tampa Bay in 1993. The elder Ahanotu played defensive end alongside Culpepper and Warren Sapp with the Bucs from 1993-2000, and then came back in 2004 for a brief stint with the team. His 34.5 sacks rank fifth in team history and he was the Bucs’ franchise player in 1998 after recording 10 sacks during the 1997 campaign.

His son, Mayan, played for former Bucs head coach Greg Schiano at Rutgers where he recorded 3.5 career sacks at defensive tackle. Mayan Ahanotu was signed to a try-out contract with the Bucs for this weekend’s rookie mini-camp.

Standout Moments From Bucs Mini-Camp Practice

When rookie mini-camp gets going, it’s a lot of teaching and getting players acclimated with no pads on or physicality. Most of the time it’s spent on special teams and individual drills before it gets to 11-on-11s, so there’s only a few moments to take away from the event.

The Bucs also spent two draft picks on offensive lineman with first-round pick Graham Barton and sixth-rounder Elijah Klein. There’s even less to see when blocking on air. What could be seen is why the Bucs fell in love with Barton because of his athleticism. Whether he was sprinting in warmups or getting off the ball to hit a pad, it was easy to see how quick he is. It almost felt as if every other lineman was in slow motion.

Klein’s personality really shined through when he spoke with the media before practice. He takes his craft seriously but doesn’t mind showing some of his fun personality as well. He lined up at right guard next to Barton at center. Klein looked gigantic with a wide base. He’s clearly fit to play guard.

In 11-on-11 drills, there were two things that were noticeable on offense and two on defense. Third-round pick Jalen McMillan was used all over on the offense. He lined up outside, inside and was put in motion. He made a really nice play about 15 yards down the right side of the field on the numbers, jumping up to make a leaping catch. His athleticism was on display.

Seventh round tight end Devin Culp will have to rely on his speed to make this team. That speed was very present on a catch that was also down the right side of the field, creating separation and getting a big gain. Hopefully he can hold his own as a blocker because the Bucs might be able to use him as a receiving tight end.

Defensively, inside linebacker Julius Wilkerson, a camp invite out of Davenport, made the first interception of the afternoon. He dropped back in zone coverage and the ball was essentially thrown right to him, but at least he made the play. Inside linebacker could be a position where an undrafted free agent can make the team, so it was nice to have a moment in front of the coaches early.

The highlight play of the whole practice came from third round safety Tykee Smith with an interception he had later during the session. The Bucs had Smith lining up at nickel and safety throughout the drills. On this particular play, the ball was thrown around 15-20 yards over the middle of the field. That’s where Smith made a break on the ball, jumped up, extended his arm as high as he could making a great play where he tipped the ball to himself and then caught it for an interception.

It was everything that was advertised when it came to why the Bucs drafted Smith. In one play we saw the football I.Q., instincts and playmaking ability to have the interception. We’ve been told by Bucs coaches before that Antoine Winfield Jr. is a great player because he makes those same plays we all see on Sunday during practice, too. That’s what Smith did on day one.

There’s a long way to go, but many of the Bucs draft picks had a good start to their early career in Tampa Bay.

Pewter Report’s Matt Matera contributed to this report.