Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Three best draft picks of the 2010s
By Rob Leeds
Gerald McCoy could forever be “the one that got away” for the Buccaneers. After being such a vital part of the defense in Tampa Bay for the better part of the decade, McCoy’s unceremonious departure stung. The fact that he ended up with the Panthers was even worse.
McCoy is another player that was under-appreciated in Tampa Bay due to the lack of talent around him. The Bucs had a revolving door on the defense over the years, and it took until 2020 before the defense drew comparisons to the fabled units of old.
Even after numerous Pro Bowls and an All-Pro selection, McCoy failed to finish out his career in Tampa Bay, which still feels like a travesty to this day. Yes, the Bucs have Ndamukong Suh now, but McCoy could have still played a high level at this point in his career.
The Buccaneers received everything that they expected from McCoy when they drafted him, and the Buccaneer defensive line has changed for the better because of the legacy that he leaves.
McCoy may not be on the Hall of Fame pace that David has maintained over the years, but he should be a lock for the Buccaneer Ring of Honor down the road.