TAMPA — The Bucs rookie camp begins this afternoon with the first workout at 2 p.m. All eyes will be on defensive tackle Vita Vea, the team's No. 12 overall selection in the NFL draft.

Who are the players in this 2018 draft class that will have the most impact during the regular season? Take a look:

Most Valuable Rookie

RONALD JONES, RB, SOUTHERN CAL

The Bucs drafted defensive tackle Vita Vea No. 12 overall and he will be an important part of the rotation, particularly against the run.

But the most impactful rookie will be running back Ronald Jones. The Bucs averaged only 3.7 yards per carry last season, which ranked 27th in the NFL. Their eight rushing TDs tied for 25th.

The way you improve that is with a running back who can make explosive plays. Jones is that, having had 12 runs of 40 yards or more in his career at Southern Cal.

Jones also could prove to be an every-down back. The Trojans didn't use him much in the passing game, but he is said to have reliable hands. If he can improve as a route running and pass protector, 20-25 touches per game is not out of the question.

Running backs such as Warrick Dunn and even Cadillac Williams made an immediate impact on the Bucs won/loss record as rookies.

Keep an eye on

CARLTON DAVIS, CB, AUBURN

Davis is 6-1, 205-pounds with long arms. He can run a bit with 4.56 speed, which isn't bad for a man his size.

When you consider the Bucs don't have a body like that in the secondary, Davis could be a huge asset this season. Even though he was drafted in the second round behind North Carolina cornerback M.J. Stewart, Davis is more likely to play outside. When you consider the big receivers in the NFC South such as the Falcons' Julio Jones, the Saints' Michael Thomas and the Panthers' Devin Funchess, Davis' size could finally level the playing field. Cornerback Brent Grimes is still very capable at 35. Vernon Hargreaves has been a disappointment and seems relegated to being a slot cornerback. That means Davis will have a big opportunity to gain playing time, even win a starting job. He's a confident player and one the Bucs really need on the field this season.

Likely to surprise:

JUSTIN WATSON, WR, PENN

The Bucs receiver room is loaded with talent. Mike Evans and DeSean Jackson are the starters and slot receiver Adam Humphries was second on the team with 61 catches in 2017. Second-year pro Chris Godwin had 209 yards receiving in the final two games last season, including the game-winning TD catch against the Saints. He could see significantly more playing time. It's hard to see where Watson will fit in. But he is another big target at 6-3, 225-pounds. He's a great route runner who is smart and mature beyond his years. Much like Godwin, he may force himself onto the playing field. Injuries always occur at the receiver position and Watson will be ready when he gets his chance.

Contact Rick Stroud at stroudbucs@aol.com. Follow @NFLStroud