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Rookies playing key role in Buccaneers' turnaround

Rookie Noah Spence has made an immediate impact rushing the passer for the Buccaneers. Photo by Cliff Welch/Icon Sportswire

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.

Grade: B

Best rookie: This is a toss-up right now between Hargreaves and Spence, who are both making significant contributions. Right now, though, it's Spence, who was voted NFL Rookie of the Week and NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for November after a 1 1/2-sack performance against Seattle. He entered Week 14 tied with Joey Bosa for second in the league for sacks among rookie defensive ends with 5 1/2. He also entered Week 14 tied for second in the league among all rookies with three forced fumbles.

Most improved rookie: For Hargreaves, it has been baptism by fire, starting every game and playing more defensive snaps than all but one rookie in the league through Week 13 -- Jacksonville cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Hargreaves has also had to juggle multiple positions, lining up on the outside, at nickel and even returning punts against San Diego when Adam Humphries left the game with a concussion. At times this season, like the game against Oakland, Hargreaves appeared timid lining up against Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree, and he struggled. In recent weeks, though, he's playing with more confidence and learning to trust his instincts. He got his first career interception on Sunday against the Saints. He helped force a Jimmy Graham fumble that played a part in sealing the Bucs' 14-5 win against the Seahawks. He knocked the ball loose on Lavonte David's pick-six against the Chargers and tipped Keith Tandy off on the route that was about to be run on his touchdown-saving interception. He also tipped a pass against Carolina on Monday Night Football that Daryl Smith intercepted. Hargreaves' efforts might not be showing up on the stat sheet, but his growth is a big reason for the Bucs' defensive turnaround.

Most disappointing rookie: Kicker Roberto Aguayo kicked a game-winning field goal against the Panthers and made four in the Bucs' 19-17 win against Kansas City but has struggled throughout the season. He has made 18 of 25 field goals (72 percent) -- the worst in the NFL -- and was 4-of-8 from 40 to 49 yards out, among the worst in the league. It has been a roller-coaster ride with him, and other NFL kickers who weren't second-round draft picks and didn't have his track record in college would not have gotten the benefit of the doubt; they would be looking for a job.

The jury is still out on ... : Devante Bond. The linebacker is a sixth-round pick who has missed virtually the entire season with a hamstring injury and was placed on injured reserve after missing the first two weeks of the season. The Bucs thought highly enough of him to part ways with second-year linebacker Josh Keyes, who saw extensive action on special teams last season.

Undrafted rookie check-in: The Bucs have had multiple undrafted free agent rookies step in to make an impact, and they deserve praise for their efforts. Defensive lineman DaVonte Lambert forced a fumble in their win in Carolina. Running back Peyton Barber scored on a 44-yard touchdown in the Bucs' 34-17 win against San Francisco. Tight end Alan Cross had a 3-yard touchdown in the Bucs' win in Kansas City -- their only touchdown of the game. Channing Ward has also seen action in five games, including one start entering Week 14, and former FSU walk-on cornerback Javien Elliott is one to watch down the stretch.