The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have five players recognized in The Athletic's midseason All-Rookie selections, including two first-team selections and one second-team selection.

In his midseason All-Rookie team, NFL Draft analyst Dane Brugler named quarterback Jalon Daniels and nickelback Keionte Scott to the first team, while linebacker Josiah Trotter earned second-team honors. Edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. and wide receiver Ted Hurst III were included among the honorable mentions at their respective positions.

The selections give Tampa Bay representation across four positions, with three of its five recognized players coming from the defensive side of the football.

Jalon Daniels earns first-team quarterback honors

Daniels retained his first-team quarterback spot from Brugler's quarter-mark All-Rookie selections, although his inclusion comes with an important qualification. No quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL Draft had started a game through the midpoint of the season, leaving the undrafted Buccaneers quarterback as the choice at the position.

Brugler acknowledged the turnover concerns that contributed to Daniels going undrafted, noting he threw more interceptions than touchdowns in two of his three starts. Those problems have followed him into the NFL, but his Week 5 performance against the Dallas Cowboys offered a more encouraging look at his ability.

Daniels avoided turnovers in that victory and used his mobility to prevent negative plays, two aspects Brugler highlighted. His selection reflects the starting opportunities he has received in a rookie quarterback class where drafted players have yet to make their first starts.

Keionte Scott recognized for his production at nickelback

Scott earned first-team honors at nickelback, with Brugler emphasizing how well his playing style has translated into Tampa Bay's defense.

The rookie entered the NFL with questions about his size and ability to operate in certain coverage situations, contributing to his slide in the draft. Brugler's evaluation focused on Scott's effectiveness attacking plays in front of him rather than retreating in coverage, a skill set that has suited his responsibilities in Tampa Bay.

Scott has recorded 14 defensive stops, tying Dallas Cowboys safety Caleb Downs for the most among rookie defensive backs. Brugler also noted that his solo tackle production is approaching that of Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles, highlighting Scott's involvement around the line of scrimmage.

His selection recognizes a defender whose strengths have translated into production, particularly when he can react to the football and attack ball carriers.

Josiah Trotter earns second-team honors at linebacker

Trotter joined Tennessee Titans linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and Washington Commanders linebacker Sonny Styles on Brugler's second team, with the analyst indicating that all three had legitimate arguments for first-team recognition.

The rookie's physicality against the run has been a defining part of his playing style, but Brugler specifically identified his improvement in coverage as a promising development.

That distinction matters for a linebacker whose ability to attack running plays was already well established. Developing in coverage adds another dimension to his game, particularly when offenses attempt to create mismatches against linebackers in space.

Trotter's selection places him among a competitive group of rookie linebackers, with Brugler identifying the position as one of the strongest in the 2026 class.

Rueben Bain Jr. and Ted Hurst III receive honorable mentions

Tampa Bay's recognition extended beyond the three players selected to the first and second teams.

Bain received honorable mention at edge rusher, joining Kansas City Chiefs defender R Mason Thomas, Cincinnati Bengals pass rusher Cashius Howell, San Francisco 49ers defender Romello Height, Detroit Lions edge rusher Derrick Moore and Indianapolis Colts defender Caden Curry.

Hurst earned honorable mention at wide receiver, appearing alongside Caleb Douglas, Antonio Williams, Kevin Coleman Jr., Malachi Fields, Chris Bell, Josh Cameron and Barion Brown.

Unlike Daniels, Scott, and Trotter, neither Bain nor Hurst received an individual evaluation in Brugler's article. Their inclusion nevertheless places them among the additional rookies recognized at their positions.

With two first-team selections, one second-team selection and two honorable mentions, Tampa Bay has five players represented in Brugler's midseason evaluation. Scott's production at nickelback and Trotter's development at linebacker received particular attention, while Daniels' selection reflects an unusual situation among rookie quarterbacks. Bain and Hurst round out the Buccaneers' representation as honorable mentions.