The Buccaneers will begin their first fully padded practice on Monday.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will begin their first fully padded practice of the 2025 training camp on Monday. After a mandatory five-day ramp-up period where players practiced without full pads, the team will finally add uniform pants with thigh, knee and hip pads, along with shoulder pads.
On Sunday, linebacker Yaya Diaby said the increased contact will raise the competition level. "I'm super excited," Diaby said. "The way the pocket's been collapsing so far in camp has been super amazing."
Diaby is having a great training camp. He described his offseason as "super amazing." So, expect more intensity and an elevated game once pads are on.
Center Graham Barton also weighed in on the significance of moving into full pads. He said that while the early practices without pads were important for refining fundamentals like footwork and technique, the physicality will rise sharply on Monday.
"[We'll] play some real football, it will be great," Barton said. "It's not the same without pads on. ... And now the physicality part comes tomorrow. It's been a good four days and we've just got to keep building on it and we'll be in a good spot."
There is considerable excitement surrounding Graham Barton this year, especially from Bucs head coach Todd Bowles. On Sunday, Bowles said he hopes to see "the Graham Barton that we drafted" once the team puts on pads tomorrow.
In the 2025 season, Barton will aim to enhance protection for star quarterback Baker Mayfield, while their strong coordination can help the team effectively break down opposing defensive schemes.
Category: Football
