The Pewter Plank
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Which Buccaneers could make the NFL top 100 list?

By Michael Horan

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag flies after a touchdown at a NFL game against the New England Patriots on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 5: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers flag flies after a touchdown at a NFL game against the New England Patriots on October 5, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for 17 yards during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on December 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers runs for 17 yards during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the New Orleans Saints on December 31, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

Honorable Mention

There are a few Buccaneers who, had things gone slightly different in 2017, would have a shot at making the list. Quarterback Jameis Winston is the first of those names. Winston was 57th on the list last season and almost certainly would have repeated this year if his shoulder had allowed it. Winston’s final stats on the season were solid but restricted thanks to a shoulder injury that bothered the quarterback for a sizable chunk of the season.

Linebacker Kwon Alexander may not be quite ready for the top 100, but he’s very close. Last season he was named to the honorable mention group of the rankings, which extends the top 100 to 110. Though his tackle and sack numbers were down a bit from the previous season, Kwon still had an encouraging 2017 and would not be undeserving of a top 100 rank.

The final honorable mention is guard Ali Marpet, who certainly has the talent to be worthy of a top 100 rank. His transition to center last season ended with injury that saw Marpet miss the final portion of the season, which makes him unlikely to make this year’s list. Like Alexander and Winston, I see Marpet as a strong candidate to bounce back next season and make the list. Now at his natural position of guard, the sky is the limit for Ali Marpet.

Next: Day Two Observations From Rookie Mini-Camp

So Buccaneer fans, which players on the team do you see worthy of making the top 100? Could a surprise candidate like Kwon Alexander join in? Sound off in the comments, and be sure to watch Monday night to see who makes it!

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