The Bucs have been receiving an excellent quantity of reward just lately.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield moved up eight spots on Professional Soccer Focus’ league-wide rankings. Lavonte David was named one of many high linebackers within the league by the identical website.
And now PFF tries their hand at rating all 32 rosters.
The Bucs, in accordance with the participant ranking website, are available in 18th total.
Bucs Secondary Highlighted
Regardless of basic supervisor Jason Licht buying and selling away Carlton Davis, PFF nonetheless thinks the Bucs secondary is likely one of the strongest components of the staff’s roster.
“The Buccaneers struggled in protection by way of their first 10 video games in 2023 however turned issues round down the stretch. From Week 12 by way of the top of the season, Tampa Bay earned the third-best protection grade within the NFL. Antoine Winfield Jr. is the headliner, however in addition they received good contributions from younger gamers like Zyon McCollum and Christian Izien.”
Bucs CB Zyon McCollum and LB Lavonte David – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
The Bucs bolstered the secondary by signing free brokers Tavierre Thomas and Bryce Corridor after which additional bolstered the unit, drafting defensive again Tykee Smith within the third spherical of the 2024 NFL Draft. Thomas and Smith will each be in play to try to take Izien’s beginning spot on the nickel, whereas Corridor supplies a veteran presence with a stable monitor file when on the sphere as CB3 on the skin behind McCollum and Jamel Dean.
Dean and McCollum will finally resolve whether or not this reward is warranted or not. Each gamers had up and down seasons in 2023. For McCollum it was promising as that represented an enormous enchancment in play from his rookie season.
For Dean it was a disappointment as he was coming off of a contract extension that confirmed the Bucs noticed him as a high nook within the NFL. His play by no means fairly matched the contract in 12 months one in all his veteran deal.
Bucs Dashing Assault Questioned
PFF rightly identified that the Bucs speeding offense seems to be their Achilles heel for probably the third straight season. They listed that a part of the roster as Tampa Bay’s greatest weak point.
“Tampa Bay was principally one-dimensional final season, struggling to run the ball. They completed the 12 months ranked thirtieth in speeding grade and twenty ninth in run-blocking grade. One space the place they may enhance is their inside offensive line, the place their guards and facilities mixed for the league’s lowest run-blocking grade.”
Little question this side of the Bucs 2023 was a disappointment. In response Licht opted to exchange 2/3 of the offensive line and draft a operating again identified for his means to achieve yards after contact. The Bucs hope the additions of Graham Barton, Bucky Irving, Sua Opeta and Ben Bredeson will assist elevate the staff’s run recreation in 2024.
Baker Mayfield Continues To Be The Straw That Stirs The Drink
The article notes that Baker Mayfield is the staff’s wildcard and finally Tampa Bay will solely go so far as Mayfield will lead them, itemizing Mayfield because the staff’s “X-Issue.”
Baker Mayfield didn’t win Comeback Participant of the Yr final season, however he definitely deserved to. His wonderful play late within the 12 months was an enormous purpose the Buccaneers received their division. Now, he has to show that he can produce for a second consecutive season after the departure of offensive coordinator Dave Canales. Mayfield’s dangerous habits will likely be beneath the microscope, as solely Sam Howell completed 2023 with extra turnover-worthy performs.
Graham Barton Highlighted
Bucs C Graham Barton – Photograph by: Cliff Welch/PR
Underneath the “Rookie to Watch” class, PFF famous new heart Graham Barton as a key for Tampa Bay in 2024.
First-round choice Graham Barton principally performed left sort out in faculty however has expertise at heart and is prone to begin there in Yr 1. His presence might alleviate the aforementioned struggles from the inside offensive line. His athleticism must be an asset for brand new offensive coordinator Liam Coen within the run recreation.
Barton will look to develop into the newest of many Bucs offensive linemen to maneuver from left sort out in faculty to play an inside offensive line place within the NFL. Given the significance of the middle place for making line calls in addition to the struggles the run recreation had in 2023 t is sensible that he must be essentially the most impactful rookie for Tampa Bay to repeat as division champions.
Bucs Not The Prime Staff In NFC South
With their 18th-ranked roster total, PFF sees the Bucs because the ninth-most gifted roster within the NFC behind the 49ers, Eagles, Lions, Cowboys, Packers, Rams, Falcons and Seahawks. With out factoring in any teaching, schedule or luck, this could possible imply Tampa Bay is left on the skin of the playoff image wanting in with the Falcons successful the NFC South and the Cowboys and Packers nabbing wildcard berths if issues play out the best way PFF sees it.
However the Bucs have been right here earlier than.
Being counted out has develop into one thing of a favourite previous time for Jason Licht and the Bucs.
