From lightning-fast receivers to tackle-machine linebackers, these three undrafted gems possess the unique skill sets necessary to defy the odds and secure a spot on Tampa Bay’s roster.
Rookie minicamp is underway for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and that, of course includes the team’s seven picks in last month’s draft.
But it’s also a chance for undrafted free agents, of which the Bucs have 14, to show the team’s coaching staff that, maybe, they have something to offer.
A sad truth is that, most UDFAs won’t make it in the NFL.
But sports wouldn’t be much fun without surprises, and there always the chance of an undrafted player making an impact.
Of the undrafted players that are getting a shot with the Bucs, here are the three that have the best chance of making an impact.
Eric Rivers, WR, Georgia Tech
Rivers spent most of his college career outside of the Power Four, going off for 1,172 yards and 12 touchdowns on 62 catches for Florida International in 2024.
After that season, he transferred to the ACC and Georgia Tech, and although his production went down (658 yards, two touchdowns and 46 catches), he was still Tech’s leading receiver by 135 yards.
The 5-foot-11, 180-pounder is also capable of contributing on special teams, where he returned nine punts for 99 yards in 2025.
Although Tampa has plenty of talent at receiver even without Mike Evans, there aren’t a lot of people who can run the 40-yard-dash in 4.35 seconds. Guys who can do that have a shot to make an NFL roster.
Caden Fordham, ILB, NC State
It’s going to be hard for the Bucs to answer for Lavonte David’s retirement, and the team has tried to do that both in free agency (signing veteran Alex Anzalone) and in the draft (Missouri’s Josiah Trotter).
Even still, Fordham is a player worth thinking about. He had 143 tackles last season, which were 36 more than anybody in the ACC, and he’s capable of making the team through special teams, as well.
Jalon Daniels, QB, Kansas
Any quarterback will have a lot of eyes on him, and if the Bucs don’t bring Baker Mayfield back for 2027, which doesn’t seem likely, but is possible, the Bucs will have to find a new plan for the position.
This isn’t to suggest that Daniels will be the next guy, but a lot will be on the table if Mayfield doesn’t come back.
As it is, Daniels’ ability to run (1,451 yards, 23 touchdowns in college) and pass (9,282 yards) make him somebody the Bucs might want to keep around, if nothing else, on the practice squad for the first-team defense to prepare for dual-threat quarterbacks.
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