The Buccaneers are confident they addressed needs at five positions in the NFL draft

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers aren’t afraid to rely on young, inexperienced players to help them stay on top of the NFC South.

“Do you want to count on rookies or second-year guys all the time? Maybe not,” assistant general manager John Spytek said.

“But when they’re the right kind of kid and going to go about it the right way and you can trust them,” Spytek added, “then I don’t really have any worries about it.”

The three-time defending division champions drafted running back Rachaad White and tight end Cade Otton two years ago.

The 2023 draft yielded three more starters — defensive lineman Calijah Kancey, right guard Cody Mauch and linebacker Yaya Diaby.

Now, the Bucs think they’ve landed another group of prospects — headed by center Graham Barton — capable of making the roster stronger.

In addition to addressing the interior offensive line in the NFL draft, Tampa Bay addressed needs for an edge rusher, third receiver, slot cornerback and running back.