Ranking Buccaneers that most belong in the Pro Bowl

The Pro Bowl voting is coming to a close and the Buccaneers should have several players receive the honor this season, even if they can’t play in the game due to a deep playoff run.

The Pro Bowl voting is coming to a close, and contrary to how some fans feel on social media, the honor does matter for the players. Even if the Buccaneers can’t play in the game, being on the roster has a huge impact on future contracts and other considerations.

As one of the three best teams in football, the Bucs should be able to overcome the slight of having numerous players omitted last season and could be on their way to being one of the best-represented teams at the game.

While the Bucs could easily have more players in the Pro Bowl than the ones on this list, the following group is ranked around their performances relative to their peers and their chance for making the roster.

1. Tristan Wirfs, OT

Wirfs is playing like the best tackle in football. A Pro Bowl selection should be the bare minimum for what Wirfs earns this season, but this will be a great first step towards being recognized for what he really is.

2. Tom Brady, QB

Brady doesn’t need the selection for anything else to do with his legacy, but the notion that the MVP frontrunner doesn’t deserve a spot on this roster is ludicrous. Again, much like Wirfs, this should be one of the smallest honors Brady wins this season.

3. Chris Godwin, WR

Godwin is a monster in Tampa’s offense, and he would be much closer to leading the league in receiving yards if Cooper Kupp wasn’t having a career season. It is also worth noting that Godwin is also the most complete receiver in the NFL as a dominant blocker.

4. Donovan Smith, OT

Yes, the Buccaneers have two Pro Bowl-caliber tackles on their roster, and Donovan Smith is playing at the highest level of his career. The Bucs were right to hold on to the constantly-improving tackle, and playing at this level should be more than enough to secure his first Pro Bowl selection.

5. Leonard Fournette, RB

Six of the top-10 running backs in rushing yards are in the AFC, and Fournette is one of two backs in the top-10 that doesn’t have a fumble. Fournette is mostly in competition with Dalvin Cook, Antonio Gibson, and Ezekiel Elliott for the Pro Bowl spots, but Fournette has been able to set himself apart with nearly 200 more receiving yards than his closest competition. The potential to finish with over 1,600 total yards should be more than enough to edge Fournette in for his first selection also.

6. Devin White, LB

White’s 2020 season was arguably better, but the fame of being one of the most recognizable linebackers in the NFL and what is still a great 2021 season should be enough to push White in.

Honorable mentions:

Mike Evans

Evans has been a touchdown machine this season and is still on pace for 1,000 receiving yards. The voters tend to like flat yards, but can they ignore a 15-touchdown season?

Ali Marpet and Ryan Jensen 

Two of the best interior linemen in the NFL. The Bucs never get the proper attention on the inside of their line, but both of these players deserve to also make it in if the award isn’t a straight popularity contest.

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