It's time for another round of "Performance Preview," in which Staff Writer/Reporter Brianna Dix and I make our picks to click for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' next game. This is more than just a brief bit of game analysis, it's a competition. That's right: We're keeping score
The rules are simple: Bri and I each pick one Buccaneers player on Friday and explain why we think they are poised for a big game. We can't duplicate picks so order may matter; I picked first last week so that honor rotates to her this week. Since neither of us would be impartial enough to do the judging after the game, we've asked Team Reporter Casey Phillips to step in as the guest judge each week.
Last week for the San Francisco game, I picked safety Tykee Smith, who continued a strong season with six tackles and a pass defensed but unfortunately didn't turn in the sort of splash play that would catch a judge's eye. Meanwhile, Bri turned to the offense and picked out rookie wide receiver Tez Johnson, who had had a breakout game the week before in Seattle. Johnson was part of the solution to the loss of Emeka Egbuka in the second half of the win over the 49ers, and his dazzling fingertip catch of a 45-yard touchdown was the Bucs' second-biggest standout play on offense after the 15-yard Baker Mayfield scramble that came two snaps before it.
This is how Judge Casey ruled this week after my attempt to influence her decision backfired (I may have to resort to actual bribery):
"I need the fans to know that Scott is trying nefarious underhanded plots to sway my vote. This was his email to me to inform me of who they each chose for a pick to click… 'In this past game, my pick was Tykee Smith, who continues to dominate and now leads the Bucs in both tackles AND passes defensed, and Bri's pick was some 7th-round pick named Tez Johnson who had one catch.' Based solely on his attempt to influence me, I would have gone with Bri. But also it should be Bri anyway. I will admit, Tykee is absolutely dominating at this safety role and putting up some amazing numbers. But Tez Johnson, a 7th round pick as Scott so aptly pointed out, getting a deep TD catch so electric that it made him think he was getting MVP chants deserves all the flowers this week. It may not be an MVP, but at least he's a pick to click."
And, thus, our updated Performance Preview Scoreboard:
Brianna Dix: 4
Scott Smith: 1
Push: 1
I am awash in shame. Let's make our picks for Week Seven as I try to mitigate this ongoing disaster.
View photos of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' players participating in the student mentorship program with Tampa Bay Tech and Leto High School on Wednesday, October 15th 2025.
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71, Tight End Devin Culp #82, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Cornerback Bryce Hall #34, and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89 and Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, and Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71, Tight End Devin Culp #82, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Cornerback Bryce Hall #34, and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71, Tight End Devin Culp #82, Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Cornerback Bryce Hall #34, and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89, Outside Linebacker Markees Watts #58, Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71, Tight End Devin Culp #82, Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52, Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0, Safety Antoine Winfield Jr. #31, Cornerback Bryce Hall #34, and Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Tight End Devin Culp #82 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Jamel Dean #35 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Outside Linebacker Yaya Diaby #0 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Wide Receiver Dennis Houston #89 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Tackle Vita Vea #50 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Offensive Lineman Lorenz Metz #71 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Defensive Lineman C.J. Brewer #52 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Cornerback Bryce Hall #34 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
TAMPA, FL - October 15, 2025 - Session 2 of the Player-Student Mentorship Program with students from Leto High School and Tampa Bay Tech High School. Photo By Kyle Zedaker/Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Brianna Dix: Rachaad White
I am going to go with running back Rachaad White this week. Going up to the Lions' Den and facing a physical Dan Campbell squad, the Bucs need to match that physicality and do so with White. With an offense that has been decimated by injuries, White has played a pivotal role in igniting both the run and pass game. In Week Six against the 49ers, White tallied a season-high 86 yards from scrimmage in the form of 17 carries for 65 yards and a touchdown, while adding three receptions for 21 yards. With his touchdown, White surpassed Cadillac Williams for the sixth-most and tied Errict Rhett for the fifth-most touchdowns from scrimmage by a running back in franchise history. He plowed through the A-gap on a two-yard rush to give Tampa Bay a 7-0 lead against the Niners.
White bolstered the screen game with his durability as a pass-catcher and skills in the open field. He powered his way forward for extra yardage with rare contact balance and has the capability of running routes out of the slot. In 2025, he has played a key role in pass protection, routinely picking up free rushers and blitzers to provide Baker Mayfield with additional time to get the ball off. With Aidan Hutchinson across the line this week, he may be asked to help on chips, but I am predicting he has a big game, whether on checkdowns that turn into big gains, or runs that wear the defense down at Ford Field. Scott, who are you going with?
Scott Smith: Cade Otton
After a slow start to the season statistically for Cade Otton, largely because he was asked to do a lot of inline blocking to help an offensive line beset by injuries, the Buccaneers insisted that they wanted to get the fourth-year tight end more involved in the passing attack. And in the last two weeks, they have done exactly that, as Otton caught nine passes for 132 yards in wins over Seattle and San Francisco. I predict that trend continues in an upward direction this week.
Now, there may be a few reasons why you, the reader, might disagree. One, as Bri just noted, Aidan Hutchinson – he of the 4.5 sacks against the Bucs in Week Two last year – is looming on the other side of the line. That might prompt the Bucs to keep Otton in to block more often, or at least to chip Hutchinson or his fellow edge rusher before his route. Two, it looks like the Bucs may be getting Mike Evans back in the mix this week, and Baker Mayfield is surely going to want to get him the ball.
However, I actually think both of those situations could work in favor of Otton catching passes. After Emeka Egbuka went out with a hamstring injury last week, the Buccaneers started using more two-TE personnel packages, with Payne Durham joining Otton on the field. When both of those guys start out on the end of the line, I think that gives the Bucs more opportunities to spring Otton out into a route because Durham will still be there providing blocking help. And if Evans plays he's sure to draw a lot of attention from the Lions' depleted secondary, opening up more of the field for the Bucs' other pass-catchers. Including Otton.
Finally, the Lions will be without talented safety Brian Branch on Monday night because he will be serving a one-game suspension for starting a fight after the Lions' Week Six loss in Kansas City. Branch likely would have been heavily involved in covering the Bucs' tight ends, but now he's unavailable. That will only help Otton, who is going to help me get out of this Performance Preview free fall that is becoming embarrassing!
