Throughout the 2024 offseason, Pro Football Focus has released its annual yearly rankings of the top 32 players at each position. Starting with quarterbacks, PFF ranks its top 32 players at every position in terms of production, potential, and impact on and off the field.
Similar to most national outlets, the Buccaneers have been vastly overlooked in terms of these rankings. Take Baker Mayfield for example, who was ranked the 20th best quarterback in the NFL by PFF. That comes after Mayfield posted career-highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and completion percentage and was named the Most Improved Player of the Year.
Overall, PFF isn't sold on Tampa Bay's skill players on offense, ranking Rachaad White 26th among running backs even after totaling over 1,500 yards from scrimmage, and Cade Otton as 32nd tight end in the league. To top it all off, PFF has Mike Evans and Chris Godwin at No. 20 and No. 31, with the latter behind the likes of Atlanta's Drake London, Pittsburgh's George Pickens, and rookies Malik Nabers and Rome Odunze.
On Tuesday, Pro Football Focus continued their pre-season rankings, releasing their list of the top 32 offensive tackles in the NFL, headlined by San Fransisco's Trent Williams as the top tackle. That said, the Buccaneers were one of eight teams to have both of their tackles make the list, with Tristan Wirfs and Luke Goedeke both qualifying after standout seasons.
Luke Goedeke ranking as a top offensive lineman is huge for the Buccaneers
Since being drafted with the No. 13 pick in the 2020 draft, Wirfs has quickly become a key cornerstone on Tampa Bay's offensive line. Starting in 63 games, Wirfs has played 4,286 total snaps and has allowed just ten sacks and 16 penalties. This past season, Wirfs earned an 83.0 PFF grade in 17 starts, allowing six penalties and five sacks on 1099 snaps.
It's worth noting that 2023 marked Wirfs' first season at left tackle, after playing his entire career at right tackle. Even so, Wirfs Among ranked eighth in pressures allowed and third in pass-blocking efficiency among qualified starters, along with posting a stout 83.6 PFF grade in the playoffs.
In addition to Wirfs, Tampa Bay also had Goedeke, the No. 57 pick in the 2022 draft, make the list as the 25th-best tackle in the NFL. Following a rough rookie season at left guard, Goedeke moved outside to right tackle and was excellent. Starting in all 17 games, Goedeke allowed 12 penalties and five sacks in 1102 snaps for a 72.5 PFF grade, the eighth highest mark of all tackles.
It's worth noting that Wirfs and Goedeke didn't just crack the top 32 tackles list for their stout pass protection. For reference, Wirfs and Goedeke led the Buccaneers' offensive line in run-blocking grades with 73.8 and 70.0 marks, the only two offensive linemen to post above-average marks.
Although Tampa Bay has still been heavily underrated and overlooked this offseason, the offensive line duo of Wirfs and Goedeke hasn't, and for good reason. With the two tackles entering their age-25 seasons, Wirfs and Goedeke look to ascend and anchor a much-improved Bucs o-line next season.