The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are in a unique situation as they have a highly talented roster but don’t have long-term answers at coach or QB. Their defense will undoubtedly be one of the best, but how far can that take them? Baker Mayfield was brought in to serve as a decent starter until they find a long-term answer. Seeing how Baker pans out with a solid O-line and excellent weapons will be fascinating. While he doesn’t pose a severe threat, he will be a fine game manager for now.
Some of their off-season moves were very wise, as they kept their defense from falling apart. Jamel Dean is an exceptional scheme fit, and they resigned him for a bargain. Drafting Calijah Kancey and Cody Mauch helps bolster the trenches significantly. The big problem with this team is they are in a state of purgatory, and it’ll be challenging to get out.
I watched all-22 footage on every team and reconciled it with advanced stats such as PFF. Based on film and stats, I develop grades for every position by using a formula that takes into account every player on the depth chart. Shout out to TFG for inspiring this kind of content. Please use code TREYSCHNEIDER on Underdog Fantasy to match your deposit up to $100. Gamble responsibly and leave your feedback on Twitter @FBIntellect.
Grading scale: 20-100.
(+): The player is expected to improve.
| Power Ranking – 29 | OVR Grade – 78.3 | Projected Wins – 7.1 |
| HC – Todd Bowles | OC – Dave Canales | DC – Kacy Rodgers / Larry Foote |
The coaching staff is among my many concerns with Tampa Bay. It’s not like this coaching staff is poor by any means, but Todd Bowles doesn’t have a strong resume of success. He knows how to run a stellar defense, but he also made some questionable calls in the past as a head coach. With an offense lacking youth and plagued with holes, it will be a challenge to compete with this roster.
Dave Canales was brought in from Seattle to replace Byron Leftwich. Canales has an interesting background – he spent 13 years with the Seahawks and worked in multiple positions. He started as the receivers coach and later became the QB coach/ passing game coordinator. It’s hard to say what exactly he’ll run, but it will likely be similar to McVay’s offense in LA. Considering he helped resurrect Geno Smith’s career, I have high hopes for him as a first-year play-caller.
| Playcalling – 78 |
| Scheme – Wide Zone |
| QB – 70.6 |
| Baker Mayfield, Kyle Trask, John Wolford |
| Receiving Options – 82.9 |
| WR1 – Mike Evans, Trey Palmer WR2 – Chris Godwin, Kaylon Geiger SWR – Russell Gage, Rakim Jarrett TE – Cade Otton, Ko Kieft, Payne Durham, David Wells HB – Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Sean Tucker |
| Pass-Pro – 77.2 |
| LT – Tristan Wirfs, Brandon Walton LG – Matt Feiler, Nick Leverett, Aaron Stinnie C – Ryan Jensen, Robert Hainsey RG – Cody Mauch(+), Silas Dzansi RT – Luke Goedeke, Justin Skule HB – Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Sean Tucker |
| Run Blocking – 77.1 |
| LT – Tristan Wirfs, Brandon Walton LG – Matt Feiler, Nick Leverett, Aaron Stinnie C – Ryan Jensen, Robert Hainsey RG – Cody Mauch(+), Silas Dzansi RT – Luke Goedeke, Justin Skule TE – Cade Otton, Ko Kieft, Payne Durham, David Wells |
| Run Options – 77.4 |
| HB – Rachaad White, Chase Edmonds, Ke’Shawn Vaughn, Sean Tucker |
A lot of the talent that helped Tom Brady win a Super Bowl is still on this offense. Tristan Wirfs is an elite cornerstone piece to build around on offense. He is one of the best pass protectors in football – just watch his film against Micah Parsons. The receivers are still excellent, as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin are a deadly combo to rely on. Moreover, Cade Otton is a serviceable Tight End who also impacts the run game.
If Luke Goedeke can hold up at RT and Mauch develops, this could be a conducive environment for Baker. The offensive scheme is a good fit for both Baker and their O-linemen. It’s also worth noting there’s a slight chance that Baker fully returns to his old self and blows this ranking out of the water. However, that is unlikely. We can only expect him to play like he has recently, and that won’t get this offense very far. Although, if they get a top pick and end up with one of the generational QB prospects next year, this surrounding core is phenomenal.
| Coaching – 87 |
| Scheme – 3-4 Attacking |
| Secondary – 82.4 |
| CB1 – Jamel Dean, Don Gardner CB2 – Carlton Davis, Anthony Chesley SCB – Zyon McCollum(+), Dee Delaney FS – Antoine Winfield Jr., Nolan Turner SS – Ryan Neal, Christian Izien |
| Pass Rush – 82.0 |
| ED1 – Shaq Barrett, Anthony Nelson, Jose Ramirez ED2 – Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, YaYa Diaby IDL1 – Vita Vea(+), Greg Gains, Senat Deadrin IDL2 – Calijah Kancey, Logan Hall, Patrick O’Connor |
| Off-Ball Linebacker – 84.2 |
| LB1 – Lavonte Davis, Dennis SirVocea, J.J. Russell LB2 – Devin White, J.K. Britt, Gilber Ulysees |
| Run Defense – 80.9 |
| ED1 – Shaq Barrett, Anthony Nelson, Jose Ramirez ED2 – Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, YaYa Diaby IDL1 – Vita Vea, Senat Deadrin IDL2 – Greg Gains, Calijah Kancey(+), Logan Hall, Patrick O’Connor |
Tampa Bay’s defense looked like it would collapse in shambles this past offseason, but they retained talent and drafted an immediate impact. It felt like they would trade players like Shaq Barrett away, but they ultimately chose to stick with having an outstanding defense. Resigning Jamel Dean on a team-friendly deal is enormous for this team. He is one of the most athletic and physical Corners in the game.
After drafting Kancey, this pass rush will be electric if he pans out. Vita Vea can eat up double teams allowing Kancey to flourish as a three-tech. Shaq Barrett can be that reliable presence from the outside, and Joe Tryon is an exciting up-and-comer. Devin White has yet to be traded, so as of now, they have one of the most remarkable Linebacking rooms in the league. While the offense will have its fair share of struggles, this defense is primed for a stellar season.
| Special Teams – 73 |
| K – Chase McLaughlin P – Jake Camarda LS – Zach Triner KR – Deven Thompkins, Trey Palmer PR – Deven Thompkins |
Total Win Projection – 7.1
| WK | Tampa Bay | Win % |
| 1 | at MIN | 20% |
| 2 | vs. CHI | 57% |
| 3 | vs. PHIL | 33% |
| 4 | at NO | 33% |
| 5 | BYE | |
| 6 | vs. DET | 43% |
| 7 | vs. ATL | 57% |
| 8 | at BUF | 20% |
| 9 | at HOU | 50% |
| 10 | vs TEN | 57% |
| 11 | at SF | 20% |
| 12 | at IND | 43% |
| 13 | vs. CAR | 57% |
| 14 | at ATL | 50% |
| 15 | at GB | 33% |
| 16 | vs. JAC | 43% |
| 17 | vs NO | 50% |
| 18 | at CAR | 43% |
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