Buccaneers rookies who can make the Pro Bowl in year one
By Rob Leeds
The Buccaneers have a decent chance of getting some increased exposure in 2020, which could help land some of their rookies in the Pro Bowl.
The phrase “a rising tide lifts all boats” perfectly signifies what could happen for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in their newfound national prominence. Overall relevance makes individual Buccaneer players more likely to receive individual accolades.
Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have made the Bucs one of the most talked-about franchises in the NFL, and that is not to mention the likes of Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, and Lavonte David.
It is lost on no one that the Pro Bowl is predominantly a popularity contest. Often, the quality of play on the field is only a small part of the equation that goes into a player’s selection. Patrick Mahomes is likely a lock to be a Pro Bowler for the next 20 years regardless of his stats or performance.
The good news for the Buccaneers is that the part of the selection process that is based on popularity has become easier as they now sit in the center of the national spotlight.
Lavonte David will be one of the biggest beneficiaries of this change since he has often been on the outside of the Pro Bowl looking in due to his small-market status. While the Bucs veterans have the best chance of getting Pro Bowl recognition in 2020, their rookies could also find themselves in contention for a spot.
Making the Pro Bowl as a rookie is a tall order, but it is not unheard of. Every year there are a handful of rookies who play at this level and earn one of the highest individual honors in the NFL.
The last rookie to make the Pro Bowl for the Bucs was Jameis Winston in 2015, but this draft class could have the legs to compete with him. There is a lot of hype surrounding the Buccaneer rookies before the 2020 season has even begun, and there are a few that have a chance of making an appearance in the Pro Bowl.