Buccaneers: Five players who must step up for a successful 2017 season

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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) huddle up with teammates against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Here are five Buccaneers who must step up for the team to finally end their playoff drought.

Everyone is looking ahead to the upcoming season for the Buccaneers, and with good reason. Everyone saw the signs last year. During that winning streak it would have been difficult not to get excited about what was happening with this team. The defense began to figure out Mike Smith‘s system, and aside from the running game, the offense did what it had to do to win. It saw a huge season from Mike Evans and the emergence of Cameron Brate.

I mean, did anyone really think, heading into the 2016 season, that the Bucs would be flexed into prime time? We were hopeful, of course, but I don’t know that any of us really thought it would happen. Well it did, and although the team ultimately fell short of the playoff goal, they are clearly on the right track. On paper, 2017 has the potential to be even better than last year.

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But of course, the games aren’t played on paper. If they were, we would be the ones winning all of the trophies through actual “Fantasy Football”. But, the games are played out on the field and we have that to look forward to this September and beyond.

In order to make our wishes come true, and for the Bucs to finally end the playoff drought, there are players that need to step up. Many guys played well in 2016, but there are players we will need to see more from.

Here are five guys that need to step their games up in 2017 for the Bucs. Some are obvious, some might not be. Some may even be new players, that need to step up simply because more production is needed from their position.

Intrigued? Let’s get the list started.

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