Bucs 2024 Draft Class Review

Round One (26): Graham Barton, Duke

Graham Barton, the Bucs' first overall pick out of Duke in 2024, settled into his new role. He tied for fourth in fewest sacks allowed among centers in 2024 with Miami's Aaron Brewer and Buffalo's Connor McGovern at 2.0. Barton, who served as a three-year starter at left tackle for the Blue Devils, made a smooth transition to the interior for Tampa Bay. He had five starts at center during his freshman year due to injuries, earning freshman All-America honors. The explosive drive blocker found his new home in 2024 for the Buccaneers as security for Baker Mayfield. Barton handled a heavy load, including blitz/stunt adjustments, setting protections and getting linemen set with proper assignments based on defensive looks. Barton's athleticism, high-effort, tough disposition and sound technique set the tone at the line of scrimmage.

Round Two (57): Chris Braswell, Alabama

Alabama product Chris Braswell contributed 329 snaps in a rotational role in 2024. Braswell showcased his burst off the snap and strategic maneuvers to flatten the pocket. With outstanding acceleration and length to slip by blockers, Braswell gained familiarity with the Bucs' system and came into his own. He has an effective speed-to-power conversion and is another player for Todd Bowles to unleash in pressure packages. General Manager Jason Licht has said this offseason that he is anticipating a second-year leap from Braswell.

Round Three (89): Tykee Smith, Georgia

Tykee Smith posted 612 snaps in 2024 and took ownership of the nickel spot. The Georgia product nabbed two interceptions, seven pass breakups, three forced fumbles, 54 tackles, four tackles for loss and two quarterback hits in six game starts (13 games played). Smith was the officer patrolling the middle of the field for Tampa Bay, disrupting slot receivers underneath. His cerebral approach to the game and high football IQ spurred his success at jumping routes. Smith has the flexibility to cross-train at safety and plays with the physicality of a linebacker in the box. He has outstanding short-area burst and was one of four players in 2024 with three-plus forced fumbles, five passes defensed and two-plus interceptions, alongside Jessie Bates III, Fred Warner and Zaire Franklin.

Round Three (92): WR Jalen McMillan, Washington

Jalen McMillan emerged as the number-two guy on the depth chart behind Mike Evans, after Chris Godwin was placed on Injured Reserve (dislocated ankle). McMillan helped supplement the production of the Bucs' YAC-artists and hit several rookie milestones. He had five receptions for 74 yards and a receiving touchdown against the Saints in Week 18, which marked McMillan's fifth-straight game with a receiving touchdown, tied for the second-longest streak by a rookie in NFL history, trailing only Randy Moss (seven games). McMillan's seven touchdowns over his final five games of the regular season were tied for the most by any Buccaneer over a five-game span in club history, joining Mike Evans and Jimmie Giles.

He became the second player to record seven-or-more touchdown catches over a five-game span in 2024, joining Ja'Marr Chase. McMillan's eight receiving touchdowns are the third-most by a Buccaneer rookie in franchise history, trialing Mike Evans (12 in 2014) and Mike Williams (11 in 2010). His eight receiving touchdowns ranked second among all rookies this season, trailing only Brian Thomas Jr. (10). McMillan put up a stellar Training Camp debut that drew eyes and developed throughout the duration of the 2024 slate. He stepped up as injuries plagued the receiver corps. and became the chief at creating space mid-route with fakes. McMillan has an innate feel for route running and long-striding speed. His body control and ability to adjust tempo/vary releases helped elevate the Buccaneers' aerial attack in 2024.

Round 4 (125): Bucky Irving, Oregon

First-year phenom Bucky Irving sparked revitalization on the ground for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay's 5.3 rushing yards per attempt in 2024 set a new franchise record as did its 2,536 total rushing yards. Irving made his presence known on the field and led all rookies in scrimmage yards (1,514), rushing yards (1,122) and rushing touchdowns (eight) in 2024. He came in fourth in Offensive Rookie of the Year voting and had eight games with at least one rushing touchdown - the most such games by a rookie in franchise history. Irving finished first in the NFL in forced missed tackle percentage (37.1%) and led all rookies with 76 forced missed tackles.

After finishing last in rushing the previous two seasons, the Bucs finished fourth in the NFL in 2024 with Irving making magic off counter traps. Irving was rarely brought down on first contact and possesses the elusiveness, vision and lateral movement skills to maneuver around congestion. He quickly shuffles his feet then gets vertical, leaving defenders grasping at air. Irving has an understanding of defensive schemes, how they attack, and the angles linebackers will pursue. On counters, Irving stays in-phase with the pullers and quickly accelerates off the puller's block as they make contact. In one of the most impressive rookie performances in franchise history, Irving became the steal of the 2024 draft.

Round Six (220): Elijah Klein, UTEP

With the five primary starters entrenched, Elijah Klein provided depth at right guard in 2024. Klein only had nine total snaps on offense this past season but provides the Bucs with insurance. At Texas-El Paso, Klein was adept as a move blocker and made an impact with length and upper-body strength. Klein was adept at picking up twists and adds versatility to the mix as a valuable reserve.