TAMPA, Fla. -- The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are not only getting significant contributions from their rookie class this season, they are a big reason for the team's turnaround -- particularly on defense. They might not have gotten the four Day 1 starters like they did from the 2015 draft (Jameis Winston, Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet and Kwon Alexander), but two starting-caliber players did emerge -- cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III and defensive end Noah Spence -- along with multiple undrafted free agent rookies who have stepped in to make viable contributions in key moments.
Rookies playing key role in Buccaneers' turnaround
