Jason Licht Names 5 Young Bucs He Expects To Improve Significantly
April 8th, 2026
Buccaneers Ring of Honor general manager Jason Licht has put the NFL on notice.
Licht always seems high on all his players. Heck, if he’s not, then who would be? But Licht always has favorites he can’t wait to see on the field.
During a sitdown last week with Kevin Clark of BSPN, Licht was asked to name a Buccaneer “who would make a leap in 2026.”
Licht squirmed and said he couldn’t name just one because “there are a lot.”
Instead, Licht spit out five: receivers Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan, running back Bucky Irving, edge rusher YaYa Diaby and safety Tykee Smith. Maybe Licht would have named more but he was interrupted by Clark.
“We’ve got a lot of good young players I feel like that have a lot to prove and will prove a lot of people wrong,” Licht said.
Licht didn’t offer many specifics but said he’s confident Egbuka will build on his strong rookie year, and he called McMillan “a young rising star” and said Irving “is ready to shine again and show what he is.”
April 8th, 2026 at 11:35 am
Surprised he didn’t name Chris Baswell
April 8th, 2026 at 11:43 am
Didn’t Licht say the same thing about JTS?
April 8th, 2026 at 11:45 am
Graham Barton should have been the 1st guy mentioned
I’m expecting a lot of him this season
I’m expecting a lot from these young guns
David Walker
JJ Roberts
Graham Barton
Benjamin Morrison
Tez Johnson
April 8th, 2026 at 11:45 am
Learned his lesson on Braswell apparently.
April 8th, 2026 at 11:46 am
We need A LOT of improvement from the young guys if we want to make it to the playoffs. Mayfield needs to improve too and if all that improvement comes from simply staying healthy that’s fine.
April 8th, 2026 at 11:51 am
Expecting and happening are two different things
April 8th, 2026 at 11:56 am
Oh!? LoL. Here we go again. Only the same old homers are going to continue buying THIS. Hook. Line. And, Sinker. EVERY. TIME. They luvs dems some Lickt and Bucs Propaganda.
April 8th, 2026 at 12:00 pm
Mel, I’m a homer. And I assume you are as well. Do you buy it? Because I don’t. I’m not sure who would. Anyone who follows the team knows this is the standard line going into a new season.
April 8th, 2026 at 12:05 pm
@lakeland
i agree
id add kancey to that list as well….need to see a full season out of him in 26
GO BUCS!!!!
April 8th, 2026 at 12:11 pm
813bucboi
If we can get 15 games out of Kancey
There will be no limit for this defense
April 8th, 2026 at 12:24 pm
LAKELAND
AGREED LOL
15 is the sweet spot
imo, he’ll only make 15+games if he plays on the edge on 1st & 2nd down…what you think?…
GO BUCS!!!!
April 8th, 2026 at 12:27 pm
Yeah they need to rotate Kancey more
April 8th, 2026 at 12:50 pm
Bee Says:
April 8th, 2026 at 11:43 am
Didn’t Licht say the same thing about JTS?
+++++++++++++++++++±+++++
No, he said JTS had to step it up.
Thats why he is no longer a Buc.
April 8th, 2026 at 12:55 pm
The guys he named have all proven to be pretty good already, or at least decent contributors when healthy. As someone else noted, he must have learned not to make any more Braswell-type claims.
Elijah Roberts is a player I’d like to see improve and contribute a lot. Benjamin Morrison, too.
April 8th, 2026 at 12:56 pm
Did he say anything about Bowles improving?
April 8th, 2026 at 12:58 pm
Pointed this out previously, but McMillan looked awesome once he came back from injury. Such a shame that Teddy ‘Hospital Ball’ Bridgewater ruined his season, as McMillan looked special in limited snaps. Based off how good he looked at the end of the season, it wouldn’t shock me at all if he ends next year as the Bucs top receiver – and that would be a fantastic thing since e2 is already a star, and Godwin was starting to look like himself by the end of last year. Of course any success by McMillan, e2 or Godwin is dependent on Baker having a bounce back year, so hopefully that happens.
April 8th, 2026 at 1:00 pm
Licht evaluating his picks that he is destined to over pay like he did with Winfield, Dean, Davis and McCullom is laughable at best
April 8th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
No Braswell? He was supposed to shock the world, lol.
April 8th, 2026 at 1:03 pm
For the low low price of $19.99, you too can own your very own cliche machine. You can generate unsubstantiated meaningless quotes just like Jason Licht (and just about every other GM, Coach, or player who does not have a mental disorder- see AB). Get quoted on blogs, podcasts, even television. Let your mouth move as you say absolutely nothing. In fact, you can blather on, until interrupted by Clark, and somebody is sure to find significance in your ramblings. Better yet, just use the built in speaker and place it next to a canned ham and watch your scientifical leading poll ratings soar
April 8th, 2026 at 1:05 pm
Ah Rod Munch…The guy/gal that strongly dislikes Baker because he threw 11 interceptions last season, yet LOVES Jameis, who had 30 in a season.
April 8th, 2026 at 1:07 pm
McMillan might just be the best receiver we have.
Gonna be interesting.
I think Bucky is too small to feature.
Start, ok, but not 20 carries unless the team sucks.
15-18 with 4-6 for Gainwell and Tucker.
April 8th, 2026 at 1:22 pm
I predict the entire team is better. Why?
Because they set such a low standard last year.
April 8th, 2026 at 1:25 pm
“We expect to improve significantly” is a euphemism for draft bust. Ex: Chris Braswell, JTS, Devin White, Logan Hall, Calijah Kancey.
April 8th, 2026 at 1:28 pm
There’s a nice mix of youth and experience on this current team.
It will definitely be interesting to see who emerges as the #1 WR option as the year progresses. Godwin, EE and JMac are all legitimate candidates…. Just 18 months ago, before he got injured, Chris Godwin was looking and performing like one of the best receivers in the league…
April 8th, 2026 at 1:41 pm
If the Bucs draft a Edge Rusher early in the draft
Chris Braswell might not make the roster
April 8th, 2026 at 1:43 pm
What about Braswell, Walker, Morrison, Greene, Parrish, Roberts ? Even SVD? lol.
April 8th, 2026 at 1:52 pm
Don’t agree that YaYa will improve unless Bowles brings in a coach or changes his scheme, both unlikely. Yaya has the heart and desire but that’s not enough to up his game.
April 8th, 2026 at 2:00 pm
Any given sunday
April 8th, 2026 at 2:05 pm
I’m surprised he didn’t name the cheerleaders. They’re young Bucs. We’d like to see them improve even more, too!🙏😀
April 8th, 2026 at 2:07 pm
If the o line is healthy they will all look better.
April 8th, 2026 at 2:16 pm
“”Pointed this out previously, but McMillan looked awesome once he came back from injury.””
I was stunned how good JMac looked when he finally came back. It was remarkable following that kind of injury. He was one of the few that looked like he gave a $hyt still. Hoping for big things from him this year.
April 8th, 2026 at 2:31 pm
Fred has lost all credibility…
Flintstone
🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱🥱
The GM that let Liam Coen get away while Fred had one foot on the dock and the other on the boat… splash
CYA’n advising the 3 Blind Mice to keep TB
Quagmire Daze
April 8th, 2026 at 2:45 pm
If you’re not a homer you’re on the wrong website. This team’s record will reflect their overall health and how well they upgrade the backups of key players. Our starters are plenty good to win a lot of football games, but you can start ticking down from their highest possible record based on how many players they lose long term and don’t have backups like 90% as good.
April 8th, 2026 at 2:59 pm
Buccaneer Bonzai Says: “Because they set such a low standard last year.”
As if that ever mattered before…
April 8th, 2026 at 3:05 pm
I really think if we add Jacob Rodriguez, a new corner (to pressure existing corners to try to keep their starting jobs), and a DLineman/Edge will instantly make this defense 15-20% better. That will raise the D up to somewhere around 10th overall. Couple that with healthy offensive line and receivers and we win lots. Should be fun to watch, too.
April 8th, 2026 at 3:20 pm
The healthier the online stays, the more these guys will shine. Those two young receivers and our young running back along with our new running back can really get a lot done this year if the injury bug doesn’t bite any of them or the o-line in general. If the online stays healthy, Baker has a better chance of staying upright and if he’s injury free, he’s a lot more accurate and those guys have time to finish their routes. I won’t even become Captain Obvious regarding the running game and the O lines health. We saw it last season
April 8th, 2026 at 3:40 pm
I guess I’ll be among those proved wrong at the end of the season, but I don’t expect a “leap” from any of them. I think we’ve all seen what they can do; all can improve, but it will mostly be statistically as a result of more playing time. Egbuka was a rookie, so noticeable improvement can be expected, tut the others have been tested and are probably at the peak of their physical powers. Unfortunately, as a group they are competent pros who would have to make leaps to become more than that. My candidate is still Sean Tucker, who is only 24 years old, has several years pro experience, has been healthy, but highly underused. That kind of player can make a leap.
April 8th, 2026 at 3:58 pm
Tykee will do it.
April 8th, 2026 at 4:41 pm
Personally I’d like to see Barton take that next step.
April 8th, 2026 at 5:05 pm
i’m hoping roberto aguayo gets his act together 🙂
April 8th, 2026 at 5:14 pm
Jason lost all credibility with me when he talked about Braswell shocking the world. He should have known better.
April 8th, 2026 at 5:15 pm
Well at least that is a question Licht can answer without lying. There are a lot of young Bucs, and some older ones, that could really improve this season. There is a lot of room for optimism. If we can stay away from the injuries, the Oline returns to form, rookies grow from last year and the over the hill gang still has some juice, we could be quite good. Oh yeah, Baker has to stay healthy and lose the interception issue. Go Bucs!!!
April 8th, 2026 at 5:16 pm
I’m pretty skeptical about Morrison too. Show me you can be better, let’s not talk about it 4 months too soon.
April 8th, 2026 at 5:29 pm
So many negative Nancies on here that must be young or moved to Florida recently.
Old school Buc fans that suffered through the 80s, 90s eras understand that not every year is a deep playoff run.
Perspective is a wonderful thing
April 8th, 2026 at 5:40 pm
Brian in FL Says:
April 8th, 2026 at 4:41 pm
Personally I’d like to see Barton take that next step.
———-
Barton started the year at LT, then moved back to center, and most of the time he was playing with backups on both sides. Hard to say he didn’t take a step up since we really couldn’t tell much.
I think of it like the beginning of 2024, when people were bashing Cody, saying he was playing awful because it looked like he was getting beat. But when you watched the tape, what you saw was that Barton, a rookie who hadn’t played center in years, was slow to get into position, and Cody was expecting double-team help. So, for example, Cody would block someone to the inside on purpose, but Barton wasn’t in the right spot. On TV, it looked like Cody was flat-out beat inside, when in fact he was doing what he was supposed to do, but Barton was late getting there.
Barton improved dramatically after a few games his rookie year, and by midseason it wasn’t really an issue. That’s why I look back to last year, and question how much of the time was he now in the same spot Cody was in early in 2024, where he’s doing his job, but the backup 2nd, 3rd, or 4th string guard isn’t in the correct spot, and then Barton looks like he’s having an off year.
I think Barton is well on his way to being a star, and I wouldn’t be shocked if, in the eyes of fans, he takes a big leap forward – which is more to do with him just having some stability on the line (hopefully).
April 8th, 2026 at 5:50 pm
The GM who cried wolf. Sorry, need to see it on the field. Who’s the last big name FA he signed? How long ago?
-David
April 8th, 2026 at 5:52 pm
Fanofdabucs Says:
April 8th, 2026 at 5:29 pm
So many negative Nancies on here that must be young or moved to Florida recently.
Old school Buc fans that suffered through the 80s, 90s eras understand that not every year is a deep playoff run.
Perspective is a wonderful thing
————
No kidding. The very first game I remember watching – very vaguely, was the 82-83 playoff game vs the Cowboys, but I don’t recall much other than the room I was in, a small black and white TV, and a little of Doug Williams scrambling. Otherwise it’s a blank.
But the following season, 83-84, I remember a bit more, and each year after that a bit more again, until 87-88 – and at that point and going forward I have pretty good recall and can remember pretty much everything.
Point being, I went my entire school life that I remember, from 3rd grade through 12th grade, with the Bucs losing at least 10 games every single season. And kid years are a lot longer than years as an adult.
April 8th, 2026 at 5:55 pm
My money is on Benjamin Morrison.
April 8th, 2026 at 5:57 pm
Barton..agreed about not looking good because of fill ins around him but…
He did get manhandled in one vs one situations
First look at him showing up for the first time in 2025 .. he muscled up and that was needed
First look for 2026 I am hoping to see more overall bulk and even some gut hanging over his belt !
April 8th, 2026 at 6:10 pm
I like Barton but I’m thinking he’d be better suited at G and there are some good C to be had in rounds 3-4.
April 8th, 2026 at 6:17 pm
Morrison is the one he should have named above and beyond any of those that he did. If he doesn’t make a HUGE, MAJOR leap, he was a totally wasted pick. Not surprising, though, the Bucs only seem to hit on 50% of their second round draft picks. They are either very good or total busts.
April 8th, 2026 at 7:03 pm
This dude just does not draft well
April 8th, 2026 at 7:20 pm
A healthy Bucky with 2 Guards and no Grizz will be just fine
April 8th, 2026 at 8:36 pm
Might as well name everyone – they all need to play better but they won’t and sober, objective fans know exactly why.
April 8th, 2026 at 10:06 pm
I’m excited about the new season because Zac Robinson is going to be a really big step up — similar to a Liam Coen step-up –from Josh Grizzard. He was an early hire because he knew that the Bucs offense offered everything he could ask for to show his stuff – and pave his way to a future HC opportunity.
Offensively, bringing in David Sills was a smart move, not only for what he might be able to do for us on the field, but what he can offer to the receiving room in synching up with his previous OC.
I’m also thumbs up on the addition of Alex Anzalone. He’s been a captain with Detroit for the past five years. He’s excited to be working for a defensive coach for the first time since college. I can see him taking on a substantial leadership role with his new defense. If you listen to him talk you realize he’s an intelligent player/teammate. He got better offers in FA, but the Bucs won because (his wife’s) family is in Tampa Bay.
Including the draft (fingers crossed!) a lot of new blood in training this year.
No reason for a Bucs fan to be walking head-down. More reasons to be positive about the new season! A lot of you don’t think so, but ’26 could be a really big year for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers!
April 8th, 2026 at 10:19 pm
I expect all rostered players to improve significantly… I don’t care if they were signed this week…They have been around this organization long enough to know the goal is the Lombardi Trophy, every year…That goal never changes…They know what it means to be a professional & what the organization expects from each and every one of them….If not, they won’t be Bucs for very long.
April 8th, 2026 at 11:57 pm
Let’s stop anointing Zac Robinson as some savior guru. He was just fired..and then keep in mind who his new boss is. Who should have been fired.
All this syrupy Pom Pom waving is embarrassing.
April 9th, 2026 at 12:43 am
Rod Munch….I got picked on profusely in high school for wearing Bucs gear in the late 80’s.
April 9th, 2026 at 9:22 am
Bucs will be fine offensively. I am not worried about that side of the ball. It’s Bowles and the defense. EVERYONE needs to step up for this unit and team to stand a chance. I have little faith. Seen this movie before and I know how it ends.
April 9th, 2026 at 2:00 pm
5 already solid players
Maybe it’s cause for optimism
When does coach-watch start?
April 9th, 2026 at 6:34 pm
lol 😂
April 9th, 2026 at 6:34 pm
I have lost faith in the GM and Coaches.