Scott Van Pelt: “Folks, joining us tonight is a coach who’s been shaking things up in the NFC. Last season, Coach Casper led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to an NFC South title and made an impressive playoff run that had everyone talking. And even with limited draft picks this offseason, he and his staff didn’t miss a beat, digging deep into undrafted free agency to find some real talent. Coach, welcome to the show!”
Coach Casper: “Thanks, Scott. Last year was a huge season for us, and winning the division was a big step. But this is the PML – every team’s getting better every offseason, so we knew we had to keep building. With fewer draft picks than we’d like, I’m incredibly proud of our scouts. They went out and found guys who could not only compete but bring real value to the team right away. A bunch of these guys made it out of camp on the active roster, and we’ve got some others on the practice squad who are looking like they could be contributors soon.”
Scott Van Pelt: “Love to hear that, Coach. Give us the rundown on who we should be keeping an eye on from this class.”
Coach Casper: “Absolutely. Let’s start with Terrell Royals out of Utah State. This kid is electric, Scott. He’s got real, game-breaking speed, and he’s been stretching the field for us in practice already. He’s a guy who forces defenses to adjust; if they don’t keep an eye on him, he’ll burn them deep. He came in as an undrafted guy, but we saw quickly that he could make an impact, so he’s already in our receiver rotation. It’s exciting to have someone like that to keep defenses honest.
Then we added Kaden Prather from Maryland. Now, Prather’s a different type of receiver – 6’3”-6’4″, physical, and great in contested situations. He’s the kind of player you throw it up to when you need a first down or a big play in the red zone. We wanted someone who could win those 50-50 balls and bring a little extra physicality to the receiving corps. He’s already locked down a spot on the active roster, and he’s going to give us a big target in key situations. Having a guy like that changes what you can do in close games and pressure situations.
We also brought in Kaytron Allen from Penn State, who is just a powerful runner. He’s tough, keeps his feet moving, and can get those yards after contact. He’s already set to be a rotational back for us, and he brings that toughness you want in short-yardage situations. Allen is a great complement to our running game, and I think he’ll be a go-to when we need those hard-fought yards.”
Scott Van Pelt: “Coach, bringing in guys like Royals, Prather, and Allen – a deep threat, a red-zone target, and a power back – you’ve got a fantastic balance there. It sounds like your team is getting exactly what it needs, right where it counts. And with a solid mix of immediate contributors and developmental prospects, you’re building the kind of foundation that keeps a team competitive year in and year out. Let’s hear about your defensive guys.”
Coach Casper: “Yeah man, let’s start with Derek Wingo out of Florida. Wingo is a special find for us. He’s versatile and has incredible range, but what really sets him apart is his football IQ and work ethic. The fact that he’s learning under Lavonte David is huge – you couldn’t ask for a better mentor in this league. Lavonte’s been showing him the ins and outs of our scheme, and Wingo’s soaking up every bit of knowledge. He’s already contributing on special teams, but with Lavonte guiding him, I think he’s going to grow into a really impactful player for us down the line.
Moving to the line, we brought in Blake Miller from Clemson. Miller’s got the versatility to play both tackle and guard, which is a big plus for us. He’s gone up against top competition in the ACC, so he’s battle-tested. Having someone who can slide into different spots on the line gives us great depth, and he’s been pushing hard to make a name for himself in camp.
Ben Yurosek, our tight end from Georgia, has been another strong addition. Ben’s a natural receiver with great hands, and he’s got a feel for finding openings in zone coverage. He’s developing on the practice squad, but his upside as a versatile receiving threat has us excited.
We’ve also got Shavon Revel from ECU. He’s a big, physical corner who plays aggressively at the line and disrupts a receiver’s rhythm right from the snap. He’s on the practice squad for now, but he’s got potential, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him elevate if we need depth.
Finally, there’s Fentrell Cypress II out of Florida State. Cypress has the speed and coverage instincts to match up against top receivers. He’s already shown that knack for sticking with receivers stride for stride, and he’s another guy who’s getting ready on the practice squad. I think he’s got a bright future with us.”
Scott Van Pelt: “Coach, this is the kind of approach that builds a winning culture. Getting immediate impact from some while letting others grow at their own pace, all under solid leadership – I can’t wait to see what these guys bring to the field this season.”
Coach Casper: “Thanks, Scott. This UDFA class has been exactly what we needed to deepen our roster. Credit goes to our scouts, who did a phenomenal job finding the right players to fill important roles and learn from our veterans. That balance of young talent and seasoned leadership is what’s going to keep us competitive in this league.”
Scott Van Pelt: “Coach, great insights as always. Bucs fans have a lot to look forward to with these new faces. Thanks for taking us through your roster – and folks, stay tuned, because coming up next is our Top 10 of the Night. Let’s see who’s made the highlight reel tonight!”
