The Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached the final goal of the NFL this season, winning the Super Bowl and lifting the Lombardi Trophy (and in their stadium, no less).
While most pieces were already in place for the Bucs to build their champion team, they received some significant contributions from their rookie class, eliminating their first two choices in the 2020 NFL draft class.
How does Tampa Bay’s newest recruiting class rank after their initial NFL season?
Here is our take on the return the Bucs got from their draft picks this season:
1st Round: OT Tristan Wirfs
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There were four potential players for a first-rate offensive attack in last year’s draft class, and Wirfs was the last one to leave the board, as the Bucs exchanged a choice in the fourth round to move up just one position to ensure they would catch him . That turned out to be a price worth paying, as Wirfs played each offensive snap to the Bucs as a rookie, allowing only one sack and earning the highest score of any new NFL striker in the Pro Football Focus. Not bad for general choice No. 13.
DEGREE: A +
2nd Round: S Antoine Winfield Jr.
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Winfield still had no business at the table when the Bucs chose in the second round, which is why they picked him up with choice number 45 overall. A versatile and dynamic defender, Winfield was the perfect choice for Todd Bowles and Bucs’ defense, and he proved it with a stellar stellar campaign. After winning an initial job on the training ground, Winfield made great plays throughout the year, including some important plays at critical moments during the Tampa Bay playoff race. He ended his incredible first NFL season with a Super Bowl interception. , and gave Bucs fans one of the most iconic moments in the franchise’s history. Winfield is already a star and is still only scratching the surface of his potential.
DEGREE: A +
3rd Round: RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn
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This seemed a little difficult during the draft, but the Bucs knew they wanted another talented back to pair with Ronald Jones II, especially one who could provide pass-catching skills on third downs. That was before the Bucs signed Leonard Fournette and LeSean McCoy, veteran additions that left Vaughn inactive for much of the season. He even showed flashes of potential as a runner and receiver, and with Fournette and McCoy going to the free agency, Vaughn could be in line for a much bigger role next season. The Bucs probably could have found a player who would have made a bigger and more immediate impact this season with this choice.
DEGREE: C-
5th round: WR Tyler Johnson
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After a stellar university career, many were surprised to see Johnson fall to the fifth round, where the Bucs were happy to steal him. Despite being buried in the Tampa Bay loaded depth chart, Johnson still showed his high ceiling on several occasions, including some big catches in the playoffs at important times. He clearly gained Tom Brady’s trust throughout the season, which bodes well for his prospects in his second season, especially with Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown on expiring contracts. Johnson was a bargain on Day 3 and he has a bright future in Tampa Bay.
GRADE A
6th Round: DL Khalil Davis
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Davis didn’t have much of a chance to shine as a rookie, only appearing in two games for the Bucs, spending most of the game days inactive. His athletic build is impressive and the team still has high hopes for him, but his place in the squad is not guaranteed in the 2021 season. There is potential here, but we didn’t get to see much of Davis on the pitch during his debut year. Expectations are not high for choices in the sixth round, however, Davis still has time to maximize his skills if he has a bigger opportunity next year.
DEGREE: C
7th Round: LB Chapelle Russell
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Russell did not make the final cuts to the squad before Week 1, and although he eventually returned and appeared in 11 games, Russell jumped between the training squad and the active squad. He was eventually dismissed in January, and was claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Russell’s injury history forced him to fall into the draft, but if he remains healthy in the future, the Jags will likely reap the benefits of his promising talent.
DEGREE: D
7th Round: RB Raymond Calais
(AP Photo / Chris O’Meara)
Calais also did not make the final Tampa Bay squad after the training camp, and although the team was hopeful that he could put him in his practice squad, he was caught by the Los Angeles Rams. A small but explosive runner who stood out as a returning man in Louisiana, the Bucs could have used his presence on special teams this season. Instead, he did not throw a single snap at the team that chose him.