Rookie class led by Bucky Irving and Jalen McMillan helps the Buccaneers reach the playoffs
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Bucky Irving scores a touchdown between New Orleans Saints defensive end Carl Granderson (96) and cornerback Will Harris (5) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Tampa, Fla. The Buccaneers won 27-19. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)[ASSOCIATED PRESS/Jason Behnken]
TAMPA, Fla. (AP) — Baker Mayfield had the best statistical year of his career, Mike Evans topped 1,000 yards receiving again and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are NFC South champions for the fourth straight time. But it would be safe to say that the Bucs wouldn’t be in the playoffs for a fifth year in a row without the contributions of a solid rookie class. Bucky Irving, Jalen McMillan, Graham Barton, Tykee Smith and Chris Braswell have helped the team withstand key injuries and rebound from a four-game skid to go 6-1 over the final seven weeks of the regular season. The Bucs host the Washington Commanders in a wild-card game on Sunday night.
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