The Tampa Bay Buccaneers
spent the offseason adding more youth to their roster, and it did not take long for that rookie class to get an opportunity to contribute. According to data shared by SFdata9ers, Buccaneers rookies accounted for 14.3 percent of the team's total snaps in Week 1, the third-highest percentage in the NFL. Only the Miami Dolphins at 27.2 percent and the Cleveland Browns at 16.7 percent had a larger share of their snaps played by rookies.That is a significant number for a Tampa Bay team that has become increasingly comfortable putting young players on the field early in their careers. Several members of the Bucs' rookie class were thrown directly into the mix against Cincinnati. First-round pick Rueben Bain Jr. was part of the defensive
front rotation, while linebacker Josiah Trotter Jr. and defensive backs Keionte Scott and Benjamin Morrison were also among the young defenders Tampa Bay relied on.
The offensive side featured rookie involvement as well, but the bigger story has been how quickly Tampa Bay has been willing to trust its young defensive players. There will be growing pains that come with that approach. The Buccaneers allowed 33 points against the Bengals, and a defense featuring several inexperienced players will naturally have some mistakes to clean up. At the same time, giving those players meaningful snaps immediately could pay off as the season progresses. It also continues a trend under general manager Jason Licht. Tampa Bay has built much of its current roster through the draft rather than relying heavily on outside additions, and the organization has rarely been afraid to give its draft picks an opportunity if they show they are ready. The Bucs are asking their young players to contribute immediately rather than simply develop from the sideline. How quickly that group adjusts to the NFL could play a meaningful role in how Tampa Bay's season unfolds.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Bucs had third most rookie snap count week 1
