The arrival of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rookies at the AdventHealth Training Center on Thursday, as the team prepared to open its rookie minicamp, also provided an opportunity for some contract work to get done. The Buccaneers didn't waste any time, getting contracts signed with four of the six players they selected in the 2025 NFL Draft two weeks ago.
The players who inked their initial NFL contracts were third-round cornerback Jacob Parrish, fourth-round outside linebacker David Walker, fifth-round defensive lineman Elijah Roberts and seventh-round wide receiver Tez Johnson. All received the standard four-year deals extended to all players selected in the second through seventh rounds.
That leaves only two Tampa Bay draft picks unsigned: first-round wide receiver Emeka Egbuka and second-round cornerback Benjamin Morrison. Egbuka and Morrison are still eligible to participate in this weekend's minicamp and the rest of the offseason program but would need a signed contract to report to training camp in late July.
Parrish, the 84th overall selection in the draft, was chosen is part of the Buccaneers' stated efforts to add depth to the cornerback position, along with Morrison. Parrish will compete for playing time on the outside or in the slot. Boasting elite speed, great change-of-direction skills and a nose for the football, the Kansas State product had five interceptions and 21 passes defensed over the past two seasons.
Walker was an extremely productive edge rusher at Central Arkansas, racking up 31.0 sacks over three seasons, plus another 8.0 in one year at Southern Arkansas. Eager to produce more pressure off the edges to complement the productive interior duo of Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea, the Buccaneers will give Walker every opportunity to carve out a big role in the team's OLB rotation.
Roberts also has strong pass-rush credentials with 17.5 sacks over the past two seasons at SMU, and while the Buccaneers view him primarily as an interior-line player he also has the versatility to move outside as needed. Walker and Roberts were the 121st and 157th players drafted overall, respectively.
Johnson's 5-10, 154-pound frame likely allowed him to be available at pick number 235 in the seventh round, but he was an explosive and highly-productive pass-catcher at Oregon who specializes at creating separation. He'll work to find playing time in a deep Tampa Bay receiving corps but could also make an impact right away as a punt returner.
