Organized Team Activities, or OTAs, are the headliner of "Phase III" during the offseason training program. The first week of OTAs is officially underway for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the squad hit the practice fields at the AdventHealth Training Center for Day One on Tuesday. Although voluntary, the Bucs had a significant turnout, including quarterback Baker Mayfield. The session featured position and team drills, and ensuing media availability with Head Coach Todd Bowles, Center Graham Barton, Cornerback Zyon McCollum and Wide Receiver Jalen McMillan.
SirVocea Dennis Interception
Last season, SirVocea Dennis contributed 104 snaps before the Bucs placed Dennis on injured reserve in October after he aggravated a shoulder injury in the team's Week Four contest with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Pittsburgh product was initially expected to miss a few weeks, but the injury required surgery, prematurely ending his campaign. Dennis played in the club's first four games of 2024, splitting snaps with K.J. Britt opposite Lavonte David. In order to maximize his coverage skills, Dennis primarily came onto the field in third-down passing situations to solidify the middle of the Bucs' defense. He posted 20 tackles, one tackle for loss and a sack in his 2024 sample and Dennis sparked cheers from the defensive sideline during the first OTA practice. No.8 showcased his prowess in coverage over the middle of the field, diagnosing then moving across the field to jump a route for the football. Dennis plays with outstanding play recognition, effectiveness at dropping into coverage off play-action and timely blitzes.
"We have a lot of trust in Voss [SirVocea Dennis] as corners and he reminds me of Fred Warner as a linebacker who can speak and get everybody lined up and is really good against the pass," said Zyon McCollum on Dennis. "He is a really smart, savvy guy and I love playing with him because he just brings a new energy and is always in the huddle hyping guys up. He is always smiling, and you know that he is going to be where you expect him to be."
Graham Barton Mental Reps
Graham Barton, the Bucs' first overall pick out of Duke in 2024, helped anchor the Bucs' line last season. Barton tied for fourth in fewest sacks allowed among centers last season with Miami's Aaron Brewer and Buffalo's Connor McGovern with 2.0. Barton, who served as a three-year starter at left tackle for the Blue Devils, made a quick transition at the pro level. As a rookie, Barton took on a heavy responsibility, including setting protections and making blitz adjustments. He spurred runs with proficient second-level climbs and in 2025, Barton is focused on the mental aspect of the game and making sure he is on the same page as quarterback Baker Mayfield in understanding front structures.
"Just getting the mental side of football right and really understanding defenses and tendencies of different coordinators and what families they come from," noted Barton. "So, when you get into season, you know they like to jet up the field as opposed to playing gaps and this is how they like to roll their safeties and stuff like that is a big part of it. Obviously, the physical aspect I think is going well – lifting, running and trying to get stronger – build a better base and then, from a leadership standpoint, I have to step up and do more now that I am not a rookie. I want guys to be able to trust me on the field and when there is chaos, I can direct."
Jalen McMillan Adding Strength
Jalen McMillan emerged last season as a go-to target for Baker Mayfield, helping to supplement the production of Chris Godwin and Mike Evans while the tandem was injured. McMillan hauled in five receptions for 74 yards and a receiving touchdown against the Saints in Week 18, marking his fifth-straight game with a receiving touchdown, tied for the second-longest streak by a rookie in league history, trailing only Randy Moss (seven games). His seven touchdowns over the 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. McMillan became the second player to record seven-or-more touchdown catches over a five-game span this season, joining Ja'Marr Chase. McMillan developed down the stretch of the season and is focused on building strength in 2025.
"Get stronger, get faster, get smarter and keep my circle tight," McMillan described on his upcoming goals for 2025. "I think I was on a great run last year so just continuing that…Gain muscle. I want to look the part too. I feel like last year I was kind of skinny. Lots of protein powder."
