5 UDFA rookies that can shake up the Buccaneers offseason, starting with rookie minicamp
The Buccaneers began Phase I of their offseason workouts a couple of weeks ago and now, rookie minicamp is up next. Here are five UDFAs that can start making a name for themselves with a strong showing.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers host the 2026 version of rookie minicamp on May 8-10 and it will be more than worthing monitoring when considering how well the draft went for Jason Licht and Co.
It’s not just the draft class, though. There are some undrafted free agents to get excited about, as well. No one is saying they’re going to come in and become perennial Pro Bowlers or anything like that. But, as we’ve seen, the Buccaneers have been able to find some guys in the past (Christian Izien, Sean Tucker, Nick Leverett, for example) that end up contributing effective snaps over time.
So, with all that being said, let’s dive in and talk about five guys to keep an eye on once Buccaneers rookie minicamp begins on Friday.
5 UDFA rookies to start monitoring once Buccaneers rookie minicamp begins
1. Caden Fordham, LB, North Carolina State
Fordham is quite familiar with Tampa Bay, as he became the first defensive player, ever, to earn the Gasparilla Bowl’s MVP award. He racked up 13 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss and an interception that was this close to becoming six points in the Wolfpack’s 31-7 win over the Memphis Tigers.
It was the perfect ending to the best year of the All-ACC and All-American’s career, where he finished with 143 total tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and three pass break-ups.
Fordham is a very instinctual linebacker who can roam sideline-to-sideline, but he’s quite undersized at 6-foot-1, 223-pounds. As we’ve discussed before, however, that doesn’t mean he’s unable to compete in camp.
That kind of production, along with the kid’s mindset, can certainly put him in a spot where he’s challenging for a final spot in the linebacker room. Much like John Bullock did, last year.
2. Javin Wright, LB, Nebraska
Like Fordham, Wright is coming off a productive final year. He racked up 86 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, one interception, and four pass break-ups. He was also awarded the school’s Tom Novak award, which “recognizes the senior who best exemplifies courage and determination in the spirit of former Nebraska All-America center Tom Novak”, per the school.
Wright fought through injuries and medical issues during his seven-year career, yet emerged as a central figure on the Cornhuskers defense. It’s a pretty cool story and I’m sure Wright’s perseverance will come in handy during the months ahead.
Wright is a hyper-athletic linebacker who turned in his best year, last year. He’s a tall, slimmer option at 6-foot-4, 232 pounds, so it’ll be interesting to see how he fits in the Buccaneers defense during rookie camp and everything else.
Regardless, he has the athleticism and determination to shake things up, and that’s a good combo to have.
3. Noah Short, RB/WR, Army
Short is going to be a lot of fun to watch over the next few months. He’s listed as a running back, but he’s a true gadget player that finished his career at Army with 2,156 total yards from scrimmage and 10 total touchdowns on 243 touches – good for 8.9 yards per touch.
Noah Short’s career stats
Short had a very four-year career at Army, starting out as a safety before mixing in at running back and wide receiver.
- Games played: 47
- Carries: 178
- Rushing yards: 1,148
- Yards per carry: 6.5
- Receptions: 67
- Receiving yards: 1,008
- Yards per catch: 15.0
Considering his ability to play multiple positions, he can really challenge the creativity of the Buccaneers coaching staff and what coach doesn’t like a good challenge?
He’s very athletic and fast, as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if Short put his name into the kick/punt returner ring and tries to make an impact there.
4. Henry Lutovsky, iOL, Nebraska
This is a total Jason Licht signing and not just because of Lutovsky’s alma mater.
He’s a giant at 6-foot-6, 319 pounds and he plays with one helluva mean streak. He can also move pretty well for his size. Licht is all about adding “glass-eaters” on the offensive line and Lutovsky definitely fits the bill.
Depth at the guard position isn’t locked in on the Buccaneers roster, by any means. If Lutovsky can put it together, there’s a world where makes the 53-man roster.
5. Aidan Laros, P, Kentucky
There’s no guarantee Riley Dixon keeps his job after last year, especially when all $3 million of his contract is not guaranteed, itself.
Therefore, Laros easily has the best track to make the Buccaneers final roster and he has a very interesting –and useful– background.
He handled kickoff duties as a true freshman before literally doing everything as a sophomore. He kicked field goals, PATs, kickoffs, and handled punting duties and the results were impressive enough to result in a consensus FCS All-American nod.
Laros transferred to Kentucky and played the back half of his career with the Wildcats. He averaged 44.9 yards per punt over two seasons and 74.3% of his kickoffs resulted in a touchback.
Laros has a big leg and he can handle both kickoffs and punts. If he has a solid offseason and Dixon struggles, I fully expect the Buccaneers to make a change.
