Kyle Trask
Kyle Trask spent the 2024 season as Baker Mayfield's primary backup and threw one pass against the Carolina Panthers when Mayfield entered the blue medical tent to be evaluated. The Bucs signed quarterback Teddy Bridgewater to add depth to the room while Michael Pratt deals with a back injury sustained earlier in the offseason. Trask will compete for the No. 2 role in Preseason Week One and will receive significant reps. He possesses stellar arm strength and touch on shots downfield. Trask will aim to take advantage of reps on Saturday against the Titans' defense.
Jacob Parrish
In the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers selected Jacob Parrish out of Kansas State. He primarily served as the left cornerback in college and transitioned to nickel for third-down packages. Parrish brings inside-outside versatility to the Bucs' defense and has made an impact throughout rookie minicamp and training camp with his ball production. He has fluid movement skills and has the speed element to stay with deep threats. Parrish pairs balanced footwork with quick reactive skills that make him effective inside at nickel against slot weapons. With a loaded room including Jamel Dean, Zyon McCollum, Bryce Hall and Banjamin Morrison, Parrish will strive to make his mark against the Titans on Saturday.
Devin Culp
Devin Culp, the second-year tight end speedster, has showcased his ability to make acrobatic catches downfield in training camp. He creates a size advantage against defensive backs and is a talented pass-catcher, providing Mayfield with a safety blanket. Culp has shown his body control in contested catch situations and is adept at picking up yardage after the catch. Throughout the offseason, Culp has prioritized his route-running, including baiting defenders at the top of routes, working on his release package and tempo variations. As he continues to refine his craft, Culp's snaps will increase. After making several splash plays throughout camp, Culp will look to do the same against Tennessee.
Chris Braswell
Chris Braswell, the Buccaneers' second-round pick in the 2024 draft, will vie to collapse the pocket during the team's first exhibition game. He played 329 snaps last year as a part of the rotation as he continued to develop and with most of the starters resting for Preseason Week One per Todd Bowles, Braswell will have an opportunity to get after the quarterback. After becoming more comfortable with the playbook at the end of the 2024 season, Braswell's play ascended. He has focused on getting leaner through a regimented diet, which has allowed him to play faster. Bowles praised his work ethic and the second-year player is flying off the ball. Braswell has outstanding acceleration to flatten the pocket and uses his length to his advantage.
Sterling Shepard
With no Mike Evans and Chris Godwin and likely limited playing time for Jalen McMillan and Emeka Egbuka on Saturday, more opportunities will arise for Rakim Jarrett, Sterling Shepard, Ryan Miller and Dennis Houston. Behind the main trio last season, Shepard played the next highest amount of snaps at 509. In 2024, he inked a one-year deal with the Buccaneers last June before the start of mandatory minicamp, reuniting him with Mayfield, his former Oklahoma teammate. Much like Mayfield, Shepard ignites the sideline with his moxie and friendly trash talk. Shepard combines outstanding route quickness – quickly hitting the gas pedal out of breaks – and has the capability of running an expansive route tree out of the slot.
