Bucs Midseason Rookie Report Card: Day Two Edition

While many in Bucs fandom have already labeled him a bust, the truth is more unwritten. Much like Hall, the path to the starting role was one that was predicated on an injury that put him out over his toes (pun intended) before he was ready. Coming out of a MAC program, switching from tackle to guard and moving from the right side to the left, Goedeke should never have been on the field this year to begin with.

If given the same path that Hainsey was the last year, Goedeke most likely could have impressed the fanbase in 2023 with a full year to get his body and technique right. Alas, that has not happened, and Goedeke has been the culprit of many a-busted play for a struggling offense that has failed to score enough points.

Factor in the performances of other rookie guards taken after Goedeke and things get even worse for the young blocker. Ed Ingram, who was taken just two picks after Goedeke, has graded out well as a starter for Minnesota, while Dylan Parham, Cordell Volson, and Spencer Burford have all performed better than the Bucs’ rookie guard as well. Personal draft crush Jamaree Salyer has performed admirably (albeit as a tackle after injuries forced him outside) as well.

There are two potential saving graces for the much-maligned offensive lineman. First, he was objectively solid in his most recent outing against the Carolina Panthers. Secondly, Leverett has impressed in Goedeke’s absence due to injury. Hopefully the Bucs coaching staff recognizes that Leverett is the better option right now and name him the starter going forward this season, giving the rookie the opportunity to improve in the background as Hainsey did last year. This would allow him to focus on improving his game without the pressure of having to perform at an extremely high level in what could be quarterback Tom Brady’s final season in Tampa Bay.

Overall Grade: D-

RB Rachaad White

White was a training camp darling for Bucs media and fans alike. Showing a fantastic combination of speed, burst, explosiveness and hands, he had a skillset many were salivating for. And to start his rookie campaign, the Arizona State product has shown flashes of each of those tools and more. After working his way up the running back depth chart from fourth to second during training camp, each week he makes a case to chip into incumbent starter Leonard Fournette’s workload.

White’s 3.0 yards per carry may leave the average box score watcher scratching their head as to why there is so much hype surrounding the electric rookie, but those who watch can see he is a dynamic playmaker waiting to be unleashed. And if you don’t believe me, here is a clip of just what I am talking about.