The Bucs have been receiving quantity of reward lately.
Quarterback Baker Mayfield moved up eight spots on Professional Soccer Focus’ league-wide rankings. Lavonte David was named one of many prime linebackers within the league by the identical web site.
And now PFF tries their hand at rating all 32 rosters.
The Bucs, in keeping with the participant ranking web site, are available in 18th general.
Bucs Secondary Highlighted
Regardless of basic supervisor Jason Licht buying and selling away Carlton Davis, PFF nonetheless thinks the Bucs secondary is among the strongest elements of the workforce’s roster.
“The Buccaneers struggled in protection by their first 10 video games in 2023 however turned issues round down the stretch. From Week 12 by 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 acquired good contributions from younger gamers like Zyon McCollum and Christian Izien.”
Bucs CB Zyon McCollum and LB Lavonte David – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR
The Bucs strengthened 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 offers a veteran presence with a stable monitor document when on the sphere as CB3 on the surface behind McCollum and Jamel Dean.
Dean and McCollum will in the end determine 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 prime nook within the NFL. His play by no means fairly matched the contract in 12 months one in all his veteran deal.
Bucs Speeding Assault Questioned
PFF rightly identified that the Bucs speeding offense appears to be their Achilles heel for doubtlessly the third straight season. They listed that a part of the roster as Tampa Bay’s greatest weak spot.
“Tampa Bay was largely 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 might enhance is their inside offensive line, the place their guards and facilities mixed for the league’s lowest run-blocking grade.”
Little doubt this aspect of the Bucs 2023 was a disappointment. In response Licht opted to exchange 2/3 of the offensive line and draft a working again recognized for his means to realize yards after contact. The Bucs hope the additions of Graham Barton, Bucky Irving, Sua Opeta and Ben Bredeson will assist elevate the workforce’s run sport in 2024.
Baker Mayfield Continues To Be The Straw That Stirs The Drink
The article notes that Baker Mayfield is the workforce’s wildcard and in the end Tampa Bay will solely go so far as Mayfield will lead them, itemizing Mayfield because the workforce’s “X-Issue.”
Baker Mayfield didn’t win Comeback Participant of the Yr final season, however he definitely deserved to. His glorious play late within the 12 months was an enormous motive 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 underneath the microscope, as solely Sam Howell completed 2023 with extra turnover-worthy performs.
Graham Barton Highlighted
Bucs C Graham Barton – Picture 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 largely performed left deal with in school however has expertise at heart and is more likely to begin there in Yr 1. His presence may alleviate the aforementioned struggles from the inside offensive line. His athleticism ought to be an asset for brand spanking new offensive coordinator Liam Coen within the run sport.
Barton will look to change into the most recent of many Bucs offensive linemen to maneuver from left deal with in school 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 sport had in 2023 t is smart that he must be probably the most impactful rookie for Tampa Bay to repeat as division champions.
Bucs Not The Prime Group In NFC South
With their 18th-ranked roster general, 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 may doubtless imply Tampa Bay is left on the surface of the playoff image trying in with the Falcons profitable the NFC South and the Cowboys and Packers nabbing wildcard berths if issues play out the way in which PFF sees it.
However the Bucs have been right here earlier than.
Being counted out has change into one thing of a favourite previous time for Jason Licht and the Bucs.
