Sean Murphy-Bunting

Murphy-Bunting adds some needed experience to a young secondary in Tennessee. He could pair with Kristian Fulton as the team's top-two cover corners, but Murphy-Bunting should find himself on the field plenty in 2023 regardless of his exact role.

Murphy-Bunting suited up in 16 games for the second time in as many campaigns and was highly active in the last three outings of the Buccaneers' playoff run, posting 17 tackles and two interceptions against the Saints, Packers and Chiefs. In the regular season, he compiled 70 tackles, one interception and two more pass defenses, but he allowed an elevated 69.4 completion percent in primary coverage. Murphy-Bunting could face stiff competition from Jamal Dean this summer, but if he prevails in that potential job battle, the third-year pro once again should be a modest IDP.

Murphy-Bunting saw action in all 16 games as a rookie last season, with the November release of Vernon Hargreaves opening even more opportunity. The Central Michigan product unsurprisingly had his share of trials and tribulations in coverage as a first-year cornerback, but he ultimately led the team with three interceptions, including a 70-yard pick-six, and had eight pass breakups overall. Given his solid play last season, especially during its latter portion, Murphy-Bunting should project as the starting right cornerback heading into training camp and hold onto the job with a solid preseason.

A surprise second-round pick in the eyes of some, the Buccaneers are high on Murphy-Bunting after a strong career at Central Michigan. One of the more impressive aspects of the corner's college resume is his nine interceptions, 15 defensed passes and four forced fumbles, which exemplify his knack for disrupting offenses. Murphy-Bunting brings solid size at 6-1, 195, a frame he complements with 4.4 speed. There's already talk of Murphy-Bunting potentially carving out a role in the slot during his rookie season if he can prove worthy of it this summer. Furthermore, if either of the projected starting cornerback duo of Carlton Davis and Vernon Hargreaves falters, Murphy-Bunting could potentially see even more opportunity during his first pro campaign.