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Which rookies have a chance to start? A look at how the Bucs' draft class fits the roster
Jenna Laine covers the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for ESPN. Follow Jenna on Twitter: @JennaLaineESPN. TAMPA, Fla. -- With the NFL draft completed, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers gearing up to hold a two-day rookie minicamp starting Friday, here's a closer look at the Bucs' draft class and how each player fits onto the roster. Last year's rookie class saw seven players earn a combined 61 starts between the regular season and two postseason games, and the expectations are equally as high for this year's group.
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Tampa Bay Draft Picks
Graham
Barton
1
Rnd
26
Pk
OL
Position
- Draft Grade: A
- Pre-Draft Rank: 12
- School: Duke
- Height: 6' 5"
- Weight: 313
Expert Commentary
Barton is a stud offensive lineman who can play all five positions up front. He was announced as a center, so he may wind up on the interior after playing left tackle at Duke, but he’s well-equipped for the move. He’s the most versatile lineman in the draft and the Buccaneers may have just gotten a steal.
Chris
Braswell
2
Rnd
25
Pk
LB
Position
- Draft Grade: C+
- Pre-Draft Rank: 67
- School: Alabama
- Height: 6' 3"
- Weight: 251
Expert Commentary
Braswell is a solid, if unspectacular edge rusher. He’s got some burst up the field, but projects more as a tertiary rushing option rather than a lead dog. Still, a nice player to have on your roster even if he’s not a star.
Tykee
Smith
3
Rnd
25
Pk
DB
Position
- Draft Grade: B
- School: Georgia
- Height: 5' 10"
- Weight: 202
Expert Commentary
Safety depth here is a solid pull for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay has a solid third safety or depth safety to pair with Antoine Winfield Jr. for the long term.
Jalen
McMillan
3
Rnd
28
Pk
WR
Position
- Draft Grade: A
- Pre-Draft Rank: 57
- School: Washington
- Height: 6' 1"
- Weight: 197
Expert Commentary
The third Washington wide receiver is off the board, giving the Huskies six offensive players drafted from their national runner-up team. McMillan is a strong get for the Buccaneers and should compete for starting 11 personnel reps off the bat.
Bucky
Irving
4
Rnd
25
Pk
RB
Position
- Pre-Draft Rank: 87
- School: Oregon
- Height: 5' 9"
- Weight: 192
Elijah
Klein
6
Rnd
44
Pk
OG
Position
- School: UTEP
- Height: 6' 4"
- Weight: 319
Devin
Culp
7
Rnd
26
Pk
TE
Position
- School: Washington
- Height: 6' 3"
- Weight: 231
NFC South Standings
| W | L | T | Pct | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | |
| 9 | 8 | 0 | .529 | |
| 7 | 10 | 0 | .412 | |
| 2 | 15 | 0 | .118 |
- y
- - Clinched Division
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