Emeka Egbuka made a strong impression in his first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, recording 25 catches for 445 yards and five touchdowns within the first five weeks of 2025. His early performance included being named NFL Offensive Rookie of the Month for September and a game-winning touchdown in Week One against Atlanta. Egbuka finished second among all rookie wide receivers in receptions and receiving yards that year, which was expected as he was drafted 19th overall.
Tez Johnson, another rookie receiver taken in the seventh round of the same draft, also became a key contributor after injuries sidelined veterans Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Jalen McMillan. Johnson ended his debut season with 28 catches for 322 yards and five touchdowns, making him an unexpected asset for Tampa Bay.
As the team prepares for changes ahead of the 2026 season, Buccaneers staff members Brianna Dix, Gabriel Kahaian, and Scott Smith have launched a series of weekly roundtable discussions on potential under-the-radar players who could make an impact next year.
Brianna Dix identified wide receiver Jalen McMillan as her choice. “For this prompt, I mulled over several possibilities but given the serious nature of Jalen McMillan’s injury last preseason, I believe he will catch some fans by surprise in 2026,” said Dix. She noted that McMillan returned late in the season after recovering from a significant neck injury suffered during preseason. He played only 138 snaps but had his first career 100-yard receiving game against Miami in Week 17. Dix praised McMillan’s ability to recover from injury and contribute immediately upon return.
Gabriel Kahaian selected outside linebacker David Walker as his pick to watch. “Improving their ability to bring down the quarterback is a top priority for the Buccaneers,” Kahaian stated. He referenced Walker’s college production at Central Arkansas—39 sacks over four seasons—and described how an ACL tear during training camp kept him out his entire rookie year. With possible roster changes due to free agency at outside linebacker positions, Kahaian suggested Walker could see more playing time if healthy: “I’m confident he will bounce back from his injury and play a key role in his second year.”
Scott Smith chose safety J.J. Roberts as an under-the-radar candidate for 2026. Smith highlighted Roberts’ collegiate record at Marshall—167 tackles across two seasons—and noted that he signed with Tampa Bay as an undrafted free agent before suffering a torn ACL during training camp last August: “It didn’t take long for him to show he belonged in the NFL after arriving in Tampa.” While recognizing depth at safety may limit Roberts’ opportunities on defense next season, Smith indicated special teams could be Roberts’ entry point onto the active roster.
The roundtable is part of an ongoing series running through March discussing offseason needs, free agency targets, draft priorities and predictions regarding Tampa Bay’s roster development into next season.