Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Post draft power rankings round-up
By Brian DeFeo
The draft ended a few weeks ago for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and there is really only one thing to discuss until training camp: Who improved the most?
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t made the playoffs since 2007 but were a favorite underdog team last season. While injuries and a major defensive regression kept them out of the playoffs yet again, they finished the season at a lowly 5-11.
While the Bucs loaded up on defense and added a new feature back in the draft they still have to win games to make the playoffs. Let’s take a look at where sites ranked the team in their newest power rankings.
ESPN: 24
Bleacher Report: 27
NFL.com: 21
USA Today: 24
CBS Sports: 15
Walter Football: 22
MSN: 23
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As you can see there are a lot of power rankings out there but they all have the Bucs in the lower tier of the NFL.
Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback, Chris Simms of Bleacher Report has the franchise ranked the lowest, but he really liked their draft and their potential.
From his rankings,
"“Tampa Bay is set up to change its direction in 2018. I’m excited to see where it goes, especially if the passing attack reaches its potential.” – Chris Simms"
I find it interesting that he finds teams like the Raiders, Bears, and Bengals better than Tampa when he gushed about their draft. I agree with his description of the Bucs’ issues but they could’ve been ranked a little higher.
ESPN’s John McTigue and USA Todays Chris O’Meara both have the team ranked 24th.
McTigue referenced how the team allowed a league-worst 6.0 yards per play and how they drafted three defensive players in the first two rounds to improve this area. O’Meara was short but sweet stating he liked the off-season but the NFC South is so tough they need to prove themselves before they can get any higher.
MSN’s Chris Chase really likes the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ odds at being the surprise playoff team.
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Walter Football brought up mostly negatives in their analysis,
"“So many talented players have flamed out in Tampa, and I fear that Mons Jameis could belong in that group if he doesn’t grow up soon…The offensive front still stinks, and the secondary will continue to have issues, especially at safety.” – Walter Football"
With all the criticism, they still ranked the Bucs third-highest coming in at 22nd overall.
One of my favorite analysts from NFL.com, Elliot Harrison has the Tampa Bay Buccaneers sitting 21st overall.
"“Licht augmented the support system elsewhere for a quarterback who too often has to do too much, namely by strengthening the defense and adding a running back.” – Elliot Harrison"
Harrison really likes the addition of Vita Vea and the idea of adding him next to Gerald McCoy. In fact, he compared him to a tree stump that couldn’t be removed.
I feel this is an accurate location for the team right now, but if they want to break into the top fifteen – or even the top ten like some projected last season – they’ll have to prove it on the field this year.
The biggest surprise in my tour around the power rankings I found was by Pete Prisco of CBS Sports. He has the Bucs jumping thirteen spots after the draft into his fifteenth spot.
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For Tampa, this is the highest position of any power ranking listed here. He didn’t say much other than he liked the defensive selections in the draft and he feels the team will need Jameis Winston to reach his full potential.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers definitely deserve to be in the 20s right now, but they have high expectations for this season. While every team looks to outperform their projections, this team almost has to or else coaches, players, and potentially Jason Licht himself could be out of a job following the 2018 season.
Where do you think the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should be in NFL power rankings? Who’s rankings do you agree with? Let us know in the comments or find us on social media to join the conversation!