Are you seeing the speed of the game starting to slow down for some of the rookies?
Absolutely. We’re seeing the speed of the game start to slow down for several of our rookies, which is a really positive sign. Blackshire and Jahaad Campbell have been phenomenal. They’ve both adapted to our scheme and the life of a professional as if they’ve been here for multiple seasons already. They’ve got unprecedented talent and raw physical ability, and it’s on display every week. Blackshire, in particular, has been near the team lead in tackles and has had multiple double-digit tackle games, including a standout 15-tackle performance in our first matchup with the Panthers. His ability to diagnose plays and make an impact at the linebacker position is already impressive. Jahaad Campbell, similarly, has been near the top of the league in sacks and quarterback pressures. His versatility and ability to disrupt the pocket week in and week out have made him an integral part of our defense.
Fusile, our rookie guard from Notre Dame, is another guy who’s really growing into his role. He’s been learning a lot from veterans like Tristan Wirfs and Laken Tomlinson, and it’s showing in his development. He’s becoming a key cog in our offensive line, and his growth is going to be huge for us moving forward. We’ve also got a loaded receiver group, and our UDFA’s like Mosley and Coleman Jr. are pushing our top guys for spots in the rotation. It’s incredible to see how much talent we have at that position. Overall, we’re extremely pleased with our rookie class. Every single rookie has far exceeded our expectations, and we’re excited to see how they continue to develop as the season progresses. These young guys are stepping up and contributing in a big way, and it bodes well for the future of this team.
I want to ask you about the receiver position in general. How have you seen that position evolve in importance over the years and how does having a player like WR Trey Palmer sort of factor into that perspective?
The receiver position has evolved significantly over the years, and it’s become one of the most important positions on the field. In today’s game, with the emphasis on the passing game, a wide receiver needs to be versatile, fast, and capable of making plays at every level. The days of simply having a big, physical receiver to win contested catches are gone. Now, receivers need to be able to run all kinds of routes, create separation, and make plays in space, while also being reliable hands in clutch situations. With the growing importance of the passing game, having a player like Trey Palmer really reflects how far the receiver position has come in terms of its impact on the game.
Trey is the consummate professional, and we think so highly of him that we extended him for the next six years. He will be a Buccaneer for a long time, and he’s earned that. What he brings to the table is invaluable. His ability to stretch the field is critical to what we do offensively. He can change the course of a game every time he touches the ball. But what makes him even more impressive is the work he’s put in to become an all-around receiver. Trey has worked tirelessly on improving his route running, and his ability to maintain control of the catch on touch throws across the middle, especially when defenders are draped all over him, has been incredible to watch. His ability to perform in contested situations makes him even more dangerous.
Trey doesn’t always get the recognition he deserves, largely because of the way we operate offensively by spreading the ball around. We have so many weapons on this team, and everyone contributes, but make no mistake – Trey could absolutely lead the league in receiving if we forced the ball to him in the way some other teams do with their number one receiver. His talent is undeniable, and the way he works at his craft shows that he’s not just a field stretcher – he’s a complete receiver. I think he’s one of the best young receivers in the league, and he’s only going to get better as his career progresses. We’re lucky to have him as a part of this team for the long haul, and he’s going to be a key player for us in the years to come.
Did you scout Anthony Hill Jr. before the draft? If so, what stood out about him?
Absolutely, we definitely scouted Anthony Hill Jr. before the draft, and he was a player that caught our attention early. We knew he had the talent to make an impact at the next level. He’s got the physical tools you look for in a linebacker: speed, instincts, and the ability to cover a lot of ground. What stood out to us about Hill was his versatility—he can be effective in both the run game and in coverage. He’s got a knack for reading plays and reacting quickly, and his athleticism allows him to be a difference-maker on defense. As a result, he was high on our big board, along with Blackshire and Campbell, and we felt good about taking two linebackers with two of our first three picks because we saw the value in strengthening that position.
That said, while we have a lot of respect for Hill and what he’s doing in Atlanta, we still feel extremely confident in the two rookies we selected for our team. Blackshire and Campbell have come in and made an immediate impact, adapting to our scheme at a level that we didn’t expect so quickly. They’ve both shown a rare combination of athleticism, football IQ, and leadership, and we’ve been thrilled with their development. They’ve been a big part of why our defense has performed so well, and honestly, I think you can put me on record saying that these two rookies are the best linebacker duo in the league right now. Their ability to make plays, both in the run game and in pass coverage, sets them apart. Blackshire is near the top of our team in tackles and has had multiple double-digit tackle games, while Campbell is consistently putting pressure on the quarterback and getting sacks. They’ve exceeded our expectations in every way, and their growth has been one of the most exciting aspects of this season.
It’ll be fun to see how Hill continues to develop with Atlanta, especially since we’ll face him twice a year. I’m sure he’ll continue to improve and make his mark in the division, but I firmly believe that what we have with Blackshire and Campbell is special. We didn’t just get good players; we got the right players for our system. These two rookies are already a cornerstone of our defense, and I have no doubt that they’ll continue to play at an elite level for years to come. We’re lucky to have them, and we wouldn’t change a thing about the way we approached the draft and brought them in. They’re exactly what we needed to take our defense to the next level, and I’m excited to see how they develop as the season progresses.
