Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 30 greatest players in franchise history
(2010-present). Gerald McCoy. 6. player. 48. . Defensive Tackle
The final active Buccaneer on this ranking is Gerald McCoy, currently one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. The best part is, McCoy still has a couple of years to improve his standing on this list. But for now, McCoy comes in at No. 6, just behind five of the franchise’s best players. Regardless, here’s why McCoy finds himself above guys like Mike Alstott and Hardy Nickerson.
Out of the storied University of Oklahoma, the Buccaneers selected McCoy with the third overall pick in the 2010 NFL Draft and have reaped the benefits since.
McCoy only trails Aaron Donald in terms of active defensive tackles, and that is an impressive feat in itself as Donald is the reigning NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
In eight seasons thus far, McCoy has earned Pro Bowl honors in six, only failing to earn nominations in his rookie season in 2010, as well as his second year in the league in 2011. That is six-consecutive Pro Bowl level seasons from McCoy. See why he is one of the best in the league?
He is a machine, capable of rushing the passer from the tackle position, while also being a premier run-stuffer. There really isn’t anything McCoy can’t do, as he is athletic enough to jump at the line of scrimmage to deflect passes as well.
In the 2018 ESPN Top 100, McCoy was the highest ranking Buccaneer coming in at No. 46, just ahead of teammate Mike Evans who rounded out at No. 49. To solidify his rank, McCoy is ranked third all-time for the Buccaneers in sacks with 48.5, and still going.
He only trails Simeon Rice and Warren Sapp, who is coming up (spoiler alert). McCoy is a generational talent who has, unfortunately, yet to see a playoff game in his career. But without a shadow of a doubt, McCoy is one of the best players in Tampa Bay history.