How did the Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie class go?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have reached the ultimate goal in the NFL this season, winning the Super Bowl and hoisting the Lombardi Trophy (and in their stadium, no less).

While most of the pieces were already in place for the Bucs to build their championship squad, they secured significant contributions from their rookie class, knocking out their top two picks in the 2020 NFL Draft Class from the park.

How does Tampa Bay’s final draft class rank after its initial season in the NFL?

Here’s 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 top-notch offensive tackle prospects in last year’s draft class, and Wirfs was the last of them to leave the table, as the Bucs traded a fourth-round pick for no win only one place to ensure he landed. This turned out to be a price worth paying, as Wirfs played all the offensive snaps for the Bucs as a rookie, allowing only one sack and getting the highest rating of any player in the game. Pro Football Focus’s rookie offensive line in the NFL. Not bad for general choice # 13.

GRADE: A +

2nd round: S Antoine Winfield Jr.

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Winfield still had nothing to do on the board when the Bucs picked in the second round, which is why they snatched him away with the No.45 pick overall. A versatile and dynamic defenseman, Winfield was a perfect fit for Todd Bowles and the Bucs defense, and he proved it with a stellar rookie campaign. After landing a starting job in training camp, Winfield made some big plays throughout the year, including key plays at critical moments during the Tampa Bay playoffs. He capped his incredible first season in the NFL with a Super Bowl interception and gave Bucs fans one of the most iconic moments in franchise history. Winfield is already a star and he’s only scratching the surface of his potential.

GRADE: A +

3rd round: RB Ke’Shawn Vaughn

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It seemed to be a bit difficult during the draft, but the Bucs knew they wanted another talented return to pair with Ronald Jones II, especially one who could provide a pass-catching ability 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’s always shown flashes of potential as a runner and receiver, and with Fournette and McCoy both headed for free agency, Vaughn could be in line for a much bigger role next season. The Bucs could probably have found a player who would have had a bigger and more immediate impact this season with that pick, however.

GRADE: C-

5th round: WR Tyler Johnson

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After a brilliant college career, many were surprised to see Johnson fall until the fifth round, where the Bucs were happy to steal him. Despite being buried on Tampa Bay’s loaded depth chart, Johnson has still shown his high cap on several occasions, including huge playoff catches at key times. He has clearly earned Tom Brady’s trust throughout the season, which bodes well for his hopes heading into his second season, especially with Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown on expired contracts. Johnson was a good deal 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, appearing in only two games for the Bucs, spending most game days inactive. His athleticism is impressive and the team still have high hopes for him, but his place in the roster is not guaranteed as the 2021 season approaches. There is potential here, but we don’t have it. got to see a lot of Davis on the pitch during his freshman year. Expectations aren’t high for the sixth-round picks, however, Davis still has time to maximize his skills if he gives him a bigger opportunity next year.

GRADE: C

Round 7: LB Russell Chapel

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Russell didn’t make the final roster cups until Week 1, and although he did eventually come back and appear in 11 games, Russell bounced between the practice squad and the active roster. It was finally waived in January and was claimed by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Russell’s injury history has forced him to abandon the project, but if he remains healthy in the future, the Jags will likely reap the benefits of his promising talent.

GRADE: D

7th round: RB Raymond Calais

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Calais also didn’t make the final cuts to Tampa Bay roster after training camp, and although the team hoped they could hide it in their practice squad, it was ripped off by the Los Rams. Angeles. An undersized but explosive runner who excelled as a man back in Louisiana, the Bucs could have benefited from his presence on special teams this season. Instead, he didn’t play a single snap for the team that drafted him.

GRADE: F