Tampa Bay Buccaneers' rookies continue to shine as playoffs loom

TAMPA, Fla. - Devin Culp has been waiting patiently for his moment to come.

"It's really nothing new, honestly," Culp said. "Playing at Washington behind Cade [Otton] for a long time, that was the role I had to play. When your number is called, be ready."

Having been a healthy scratch for the Bucs' first 15 games of the season, the former seventh-round draft pick did a lot of waiting. But finally, his number was called during the Bucs' Week 17 win over the Carolina Panthers.

"It feels great, because there's a lot of work that goes into it, a lot of prayer that goes into it, and it just feels good when all that stuff comes to fruition," said Culp.

Since his professional debut, the rookie tight end has come through in the clutch for the Bucs, catching five passes for 88 yards. While those stats may look modest, Culp's quick rise from the bench to the field is a common theme the Bucs have seen from their rookie class this season.

"It's a testament to them and all their hard work," said tight end Payne Durham.

Jalen McMillan #15 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reacts after scoring a touchdown alongside teammates Ryan Miller #81 and Devin Culp #82 while playing the Carolina Panthers in the fourth quarter at Raymond James Stadium on December 29, 2024 in Tampa, F

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Whether it be Culp, Graham Barton, Jalen McMillan, Bucky Irving or Tykee Smith, the 2025 rookie class has been something to watch.

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"They came in ready to play and ready to show what they're about," Durham continued. "They've been amazing, and I'm proud of them. It's been fun to watch those guys."

For example, in Sunday's division-title-clinching win over the New Orleans Saints, rookies accounted for more than half of the Bucs' total yards on offense.

"When Bucky makes plays, I want to make plays. When Devin makes plays, everyone wants to make plays," said rookie wide-receiver Jalen McMillan.

With the regular season now behind the Bucs, however, this rookie class' trial by fire is officially over as they continue to be relied upon in big situations this season.

"Those guys have been stepping up big for us," said linebacker Lavonte David. "And we always tell them that after those first couple of games you're not a rookie no more, and they get that."

With the Bucs set to host the Washington Commanders in the wild card round of the playoffs on Sunday, the Bucs will look to see even more out of the rookie class that is proving to be the class of the NFL this year.

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