Showing posts with label Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Show all posts

Wednesday, December 24, 2025

Week 17 Fantasy Football Start'em, Sit'em: Wide Receivers

If you're reading this, congratulations!

With most fantasy football leagues concluding after Week 17, there is no reason for you to be reading this if you weren't playing in your league's Championship Week.

Below you will find some players that could be starts or sits in your league, but my fantasy football rankings will better help you determine if I would start Player X over Player Y.

Week 17 Fantasy Football Start'em


Jauan Jennings, WR, San Francisco 49ers (vs. CHI)

Jennings has performed as a top-24 fantasy receiver and scored in four consecutive games and in six of his past seven. The Bears have allowed the fourth-most fantasy points to opposing wide receivers this season and the 49ers have a top-five implied total this week. Jennings is a high-end WR2 this week.

Michael Wilson, WR, Arizona Cardinals (at CIN)

Yes, Marvin Harrison Jr. has returned and Wilson had only three targets in Week 16, but he still managed to finish with 52 yards and a score. Double-digit targets shouldn't be expected any more for Wilson, who has averaged 17.6 fantasy points per game since Week 11, but I'd still trust Wilson over his much more ballyhooed teammate in Week 17.

Adonai Mitchell, WR, New York Jets (vs. NE)

I admit it would be difficult to trust any Jets player this week, and Mitchell certainly isn't a must-start. That said, he's a widely available waiver wire option (18% rostered in Yahoo!) as a viable WR3 based on his top-36 spot inside my fantasy wide receiver rankings this week. Mitchell has a minimum of six targets (and average of 7.7 per game) over his past six games and he has scored 14-plus fantasy points in two of his past four contests.

Terry McLaurin, WR, Washington Commanders (vs. DAL)

Since returning in Week 13, McLaurin has 16 catches for 259 yards and two touchdowns over four games. Three of those matchups were against teams that rank among the eight stingiest defenses to opposing wide receivers. This week, McLaurin gets the most generous fantasy defense to the position on Christmas Day. Even if the Commanders are down to their third-string quarterback (Josh Johnson), McLaurin remains a strong play.

Week 17 Fantasy Football Sit'em


Emeka Egbuka, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (at MIA)

Five weeks into the season, Egbuka seemed like the runaway favorite for NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and a sure-fire WR1. Only Puka Nacua (588), Jaxon Smith-Njigba (534), and Justin Jefferson (449) had more receiving yards in their first five games this season than Egbuka (445, five TDs), who also trailed only Amon-Ra St. Brown (six) in receiving touchdowns during that span. Over his past six games, however, the rookie has a 44.2% catch rate, 42 or fewer yards in five of those games, and no touchdowns. With the team's receiving corps back at full strength, he set career lows in targets (two) and catches (one) in Week 16.

Xavier Worthy, WR, Kansas City Chiefs (vs. DEN)

Without Patrick Mahomes or (likely) Gardner Minshew under center, it's nearly impossible to trust any Chiefs pass catcher in Week 17. Chris Oladokun will likely start assuming Minshew is unable to play this week, and Worthy finished with only two catches for 41 yards last week. Given the difficult matchup against an elite Denver Broncos defense, it's better to keep Worthy on your bench.

Continue reading our full Week 17 Fantasy Football Start'em, Sit'em

Friday, August 29, 2025

The Daily Blitz: EDSFootball.com Updates for August 29, 2025

Earlier today, we updated fantasy football rankings, projections for multiple teams and posted a new fantasy football mock draft on EDSFootball.com.

As we head into Labor Day weekend and the busiest part of fantasy football draft season, I have updated my positional rankings and overall top 200 fantasy football cheat sheet.

Embed from Getty Images
More rankings: QBs | RBs | WRs | TEs | Top 150

2025 Fantasy Football QB Rankings

1. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

Putting aside the debate over who should have won the NFL MVP award last season, it's clear that both Allen and Lamar Jackson had MVP-caliber seasons, especially as voters split their votes for MVP and the 2024 AP NFL All-Pro first team. Going into fantasy drafts this summer, Allen vs. Jackson will be the difficult (or easy) choice facing fantasy managers — and to be clear, the "easy" part is that you can't go wrong with either.

Allen posted five-year lows in several passing categories — attempts (483), yards (3,731) and touchdowns (28) — but his dual-threat skill set is what makes him so dangerous. Allen now has (at least) 12 rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons and 500-plus rushing yards in four consecutive seasons. He has finished as a top-two fantasy quarterback for five consecutive seasons.

2. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

What a year it was Jackson, who posted career highs in passing yards (4,172) and touchdowns (41) while leading the NFL in TD% (8.6%), yards per attempt (8.8) and passer rating (119.6)! It was the second time in his career that he has finished as fantasy's QB1. He posted a 9% TD% in his other overall QB1 season (2019), and then followed that up with a 6.9% rate in 2020. His career average is 6.4%. Long story short, he was absolutely phenomenal in 2024, but last year's ratios would be unsustainable for any quarterback including Jackson (even though he could repeat as fantasy's QB1). Although he has a max of five rushing touchdowns over the past four seasons, Jackson is the NFL's all-time leader in quarterback rushing yards, averaging a whopping 1,019 yards per 17 games over his career.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football QB Rankings


2025 Fantasy Football RB Rankings

1. Bijan Robinson, Atlanta Falcons

Robinson (not Saquon Barkley) should be the RB1 in 2025 fantasy football drafts, especially considering Barkley's historic 2024 volume (most combined regular-season and playoff touches in a decade). The 23-year-old running back racked up 1,887 scrimmage yards and scored 15 total touchdowns on 365 touches including 61 receptions. From Week 6 on, Robinson averaged more fantasy points per game (21.1) than all other running backs. During that 12-game span, he averaged 19.8/97.6 rushing, 3.6/23.3 receiving and scored 14 total touchdowns.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit Lions

Gibbs set or tied career highs across the board in rushing (250/1,412/16, 5.6 YPC) and receiving (52/517/4, 9.9 Y/R) in his second season. Gibbs was also top five among running backs with a minimum of 17 targets in yards per route run (1.67) and YAC per reception (11.5), per PFF. Gibbs was especially good when David Montgomery missed the final three regular-season games (RB1 overall), but he was also the RB3 (RB4 on a PPG basis) from Weeks 1 to 15 when Montgomery was also active.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football RB Rankings


2025 Fantasy Football WR Rankings

1. Ja'Marr Chase, Cincinnati Bengals

Posting career highs in his age-24 season, Chase led the NFL in receptions (127), yards (1,708) and touchdowns (17) in 2024 to become the fifth triple crown winner since the league merger. Chase had at least five catches and/or 50 yards in all but one game in 2024, but he also had several monster games. There were nine 35-point wide receiver performances league-wide in 2024, and Chase had three (one-third) of them. From Week 5 on, Chase had a 31.46% target share with a weekly minimum of 24.32%. He's the easy choice to select first overall in fantasy drafts this summer.

2. CeeDee Lamb, Dallas Cowboys

Lamb played several weeks dealing with a shoulder injury before shutting it down with a couple of games to go. While his (and Dak Prescott's) injuries factor in, his numbers were down considerably from 2023. Lamb set career lows in yards per reception (11.8) and target (7.9) and his per game averages dropped from 7.9/102.9/0.7 (2023) to 6.7/79.6/0.4 (2024). When everything's clicking, however, Lamb is as productive as any receiver in the league.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football WR Rankings


2025 Fantasy Football TE Rankings

1. Brock Bowers, Las Vegas Raiders

Bowers led all tight ends in receptions (112), targets (153) and receiving yards (1,194) despite being a rookie with sub-par quarterback play. Only George Kittle scored more fantasy points on a per-game basis, and Bowers led the position in overall points. While it may be difficult to outproduce his rookie numbers, few, if any, tight ends are the focal point of their passing offense the way Bowers is. Even though the Raiders will run the ball more often in 2025, Ashton Jeanty's presence will benefit the pass catchers indirectly by helping to sustain longer drives and Geno Smith will make the passing attack more efficient.

2. Trey McBride, Arizona Cardinals

The good news is that McBride smashed previous career highs in targets (147), receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,146). Among all players (wide receivers included), he finished eighth, fourth, and 11th, respectively, in those categories. The bad news is that he had only two touchdowns and has a total of six through three NFL seasons. If there's a glimmer of hope, McBride finished top three in TE targets from inside the 20 (21, T-2nd), 15 (16, T-2nd), 10 (12, 1st) and 5 (seven, T-1st).

Yes, Brock Bowers deserves to be TE1 in fantasy drafts, but it's a 1A/1B (or 1A/1A) situation with Bowers and McBride. Even though I have Bowers ranked ahead of McBride, the former Colorado State tight end may offer a little more value nearly a round later.

> Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football TE Rankings


Top 200 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet

> Continue reading our Top 200 Fantasy Football Cheat Sheet


Cleveland Browns 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Cleveland Browns.

Embed from Getty Images

QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Joe Flacco266.4164.51891.411.326.3924.756.81.01119.9
Dillon Gabriel177.6112.81198.86.224.4422.595.60.6877.59
Shedeur Sanders14894.71006.45.334.0720.275.80.7165.28
QB Totals5923724096.622.8714.967.4228.22.4262.77

Joe Flacco: While Flacco will open the season as the starter, it's also very likely that the rookies will both make starts in 2025. In his first stint with the Browns (2023), Flacco won the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award. In five starts (four wins), Flacco threw for 1,616 yards (323.2 per game), 13 touchdowns (6.4%) and eight interceptions (3.9%). The more games Flacco starts, the more ideal it will be for the team's top pass catchers as well.

Dillon Gabriel: The current quarterback depth chart is 1) Flacco, 2) Gabriel, and 3) Shedeur Sanders. While Gabriel may be the first rookie to draw starts, it's likely that Sanders will get a chance as well.

Shedeur Sanders: With two first-round picks (and low expectations for 2025), Cleveland will likely be in prime position to draft one near the top of the 2026 NFL Draft and it would make sense for them to get as many evaluation data points for both Gabriel and Sanders as possible before then.

MORE: Continue reading our Cleveland Browns 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Embed from Getty Images

QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Baker Mayfield538.3364.73956.528.5313.1961.3239.11.96281.67
Teddy Bridgewater34.422.8249.41.340.794.6170.1416.3
QB Totals572.7387.54205.929.8713.9865.9256.12.1297.97

Baker Mayfield: Mayfield set career highs in passing yards (4,500) and touchdowns (41), although he also led the NFL in interceptions (16). That said, he finished as fantasy's QB4 in 2024 after finishing as the QB10 in his first season with the Bucs. Only Lamar Jackson (16) had more QB1 finishes last season than Mayfield (13). While he'll have his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, new OC Josh Grizzard was the passing game coordinator for Liam Coen, who's now Jacksonville's head coach. First-round pick Emeka Egbuka should make a significant and immediate impact, but regression and injuries/rehabs for left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan to start the season could lead to a disappointing season compared to his fantasy ADP.

MORE: Continue reading our Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


Indianapolis Colts 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Indianapolis Colts.

Embed from Getty Images

QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Daniel Jones439.12812985.914.4910.169.6365.42.61209.4
Anthony Richardson109.856757.63.733.8434.8198.43.1376.16
QB Totals548.93373743.518.2213.94104.4563.85.74285.56

Daniel Jones: Jones has been named "the starting quarterback for the season." While there may not be a "short leash," it's certainly possible that both Jones and Anthony Richardson make starts in 2025. Jones is an underrated rusher and he shouldn't tank the passing attack the way Richardson may have.

Anthony Richardson: While he's been terrible as a passer — 50.6% completion rate through 15 starts with more interceptions (13) thrown than touchdowns (11), Richardson will have enormous rushing upside if/when he starts. In fact, he has scored nearly as many rushing touchdowns (10) as he's thrown. As much as Jones has been named the starter "for the season," it's definitely possible that Richardson draws starts this season.

MORE: Continue reading our Indianapolis Colts 2025 Fantasy Football Projections


2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (7th Pick)

The best way to become good at something is to practice. So, what should you do if you want to draft a better fantasy football team?

Practice, of course!

Leading up to the start of the 2025 NFL season, we will use the fantasy football mock draft simulator to complete fantasy football mock drafts. And we will do so using a variety of scoring formats — point per reception (PPR), half-PPR, standard scoring and even 2-QB leagues — and league sizes. The goal is to provide you with a good representation of the team that you may be able to draft given your league settings while also providing the rationale of why we made the picks we did.

> Our 2025 mocks will be centralized here: Fantasy Football Mock Drafts.

That said, nothing beats practicing yourself so (check out the simulator) and complete a mock in a matter of minutes.

Half-PPR Mock Draft: 12 Teams, 7th Pick

Starting positions: 1 QB, 2 RB, 3 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 K, 1 DST; Bench spots: 6

Embed from Getty Images

1.07 - Malik Nabers, WR, New York Giants

Maybe Jaxson Dart will develop into a franchise quarterback, but New York's 2025 quarterback situation (Russell Wilson, Jameis Winston and Dart) is an upgrade over what they had last year no matter who is starting. Despite missing a couple of games and the state of the team's quarterback play, Nabers finished his rookie campaign as fantasy's WR7. With a league-high 10 games with double-digit targets and more targets than all receivers not named Ja'Marr Chase, Nabers never finished with fewer than four catches, seven targets or 41 yards in any game in 2024.

2.06 - Jonathan Taylor, RB, Indianapolis Colts

Like with Derrick Henry, a concern with Taylor is the lack of receiving volume. That said, he should get more targets (and fewer rushing touchdowns vultured) from Daniel Jones than Anthony Richardson. Taylor, who missed Weeks 5-7, had only 12/59/1 receiving on 21 targets over the final 10 games of the season. But his rushing numbers over that span were elite — 231 carries for 1,082 yards, both of which were second to only Saquon Barkley, and seven touchdowns.

3.07 - Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

While he would be a WR1 elsewhere, Higgins will continue to benefit from being the 1B to Ja'Marr Chase. While he has missed exactly five games in back-to-back seasons, Higgins finished second (behind Chase) among all wide receivers in fantasy points per game in 2024.

4.06 - Davante Adams, WR, Los Angeles Rams

Adams, who was traded midseason from the Raiders to the Jets, still managed to extend his streak of 1,000-yard, eight-TD seasons to five. Even though he turns 33 on Christmas Eve and won't dominate targets the way he had at previous stops, he should have (or come close to having) another 1,000/8 season with good health from Matthew Stafford (back).

MORE: 2025 Los Angeles Rams Fantasy Football Projections

MORE: Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (7th Pick)

Friday, August 22, 2025

EDSFootball.com Updates for August 22, 2025

Earlier today, we updated fantasy football projections for several teams and posted a new fantasy football mock draft on EDSFootball.com.

2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Projected fantasy points are based on half-PPR scoring.

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams


Embed from Getty Images

San Francisco 49ers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the San Francisco 49ers.

QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Brock Purdy499.1335.44042.727.712.4861.6246.43.85295.29
Mac Jones37.624.82671.471.059.530.40.1918.64
QB Totals536.7360.24309.729.1713.5371.1276.84.04313.93

Brock Purdy: Purdy had a down year in 2024 but still finished as the QB10 on a points-per-game basis (18.6). Compared to career rates (in parenthesis), Purdy's 65.9% completion rate (67.5%), 4.4 TD% (6.0%), and 8.5 Y/A (8.9) were all lower in 2024. Yes, Deebo Samuel now plays for the Washington Commanders and Brandon Aiyuk, Jauan Jennings and nearly every other receiver not named Ricky Pearsall seem to have injury designations (or a suspension), but Purdy is a value when comparing my projections/rankings to his current ADP.

MORE: Continue reading our San Francisco 49ers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections



Embed from Getty Images

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Baker Mayfield538.3364.73956.528.5313.1961.3239.11.96281.67
Kyle Trask34.421.3223.61.030.862.82.80.0311.8
QB Totals572.73864180.129.5614.0564.1241.91.99293.47

Baker Mayfield: Mayfield set career highs in passing yards (4,500) and touchdowns (41), although he also led the NFL in interceptions (16). That said, he finished as fantasy's QB4 in 2024 after finishing as the QB10 in his first season with the Bucs. Only Lamar Jackson (16) had more QB1 finishes last season than Mayfield (13). While he'll have his third offensive coordinator in as many seasons, new OC Josh Grizzard was the passing game coordinator for Liam Coen, who's now Jacksonville's head coach. First-round pick Emeka Egbuka should make a significant and immediate impact, but regression and injuries/rehabs for left tackle Tristan Wirfs and wide receivers Chris Godwin and Jalen McMillan to start the season could lead to a disappointing season compared to his fantasy ADP.

MORE: Continue reading our Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections



Embed from Getty Images

Carolina Panthers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the Carolina Panthers.

QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Bryce Young537.3333.73626.821.7611.2845.7262.82.86252.99
Andy Dalton37.424.1261.81.651.014.313.30.1817.46
QB Totals574.7357.83888.623.4112.2950276.13.04270.45

Bryce Young: Young was benched after a terrible start through the first two weeks last season (only 225 passing yards, 4.01 Y/A, no touchdowns and three interceptions). He didn't start again until Week 8, but he played much better, especially over the final three games (64.8%, 7.0 Y/A, seven touchdowns and no interceptions). After Carolina's Week 11 bye, Young was the QB8 in fantasy PPG (21.2) through the end of the season.

More: Bryce Young 2025 Fantasy Football Outlook

MORE: Continue reading our Carolina Panthers 2025 Fantasy Football Projections



Embed from Getty Images

New England Patriots 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

Our 2025 fantasy football projections below are for the New England Patriots.

QUARTERBACKS


PlayerAtt.Comp.YardsTDINTRushYardsTDPoints
Drake Maye515345.1360523.4313.3968.8440.33.03273.35
Joshua Dobbs32.920.9220.41.150.894.522.50.2715.51
QB Totals547.93663825.424.5814.2873.3462.83.3288.86

Drake Maye: Could Maye breakout in 2025? There are plenty of positive signs. The Patriots bolstered their pass protection and pass-catching weapons via free agency and the NFL draft including Stefon Diggs, LSU's Will Campbell (Round 1), Ohio State's TreVeyon Henderson (Round 2), and Washington State's Kyle Williams (Round 3). Considering his rushing ability, Maye's floor is high even with a run-heavy approach under Mike Vrabel, but the improvement in offensive firepower gives him more upside as a passer in year two.

MORE: Continue reading our New England Patriots 2025 Fantasy Football Projections

MORE: Fantasy football projections for more NFL teams


2025 Fantasy Football Mock Drafts

The best way to become good at something is to practice. So, what should you do if you want to draft a better fantasy football team?

Practice, of course!

Leading up to the start of the 2025 NFL season, we will use the fantasy football mock draft simulator to complete fantasy football mock drafts. And we will do so using a variety of scoring formats — point per reception (PPR), half-PPR, standard scoring and even 2-QB leagues — and league sizes. The goal is to provide you with a good representation of the team that you may be able to draft given your league settings while also providing the rationale of why we made the picks we did.

That said, nothing beats practicing yourself so (check out the simulator) and complete a mock in a matter of minutes.

2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (2nd Pick)

Starting positions: 1 QB, 2 RB, 2 WR, 1 TE, 1 Flex (RB/WR/TE), 1 K, 1 DST; Bench spots: 6

Embed from Getty Images

1.02 - Bijan Robinson, RB, Atlanta Falcons

You could argue that Robinson (not Saquon Barkley) should be the RB1 in 2025 fantasy football drafts, especially considering Barkley's historic 2024 volume (most combined regular-season and playoff touches in a decade). The 23-year-old running back racked up 1,887 scrimmage yards and scored 15 total touchdowns on 365 touches including 61 receptions. From Week 6 on, Robinson averaged more fantasy points per game (21.1) than all other running backs. During that 12-game span, he averaged 19.8/97.6 rushing, 3.6/23.3 receiving and scored 14 total touchdowns.

2.11 - Ladd McConkey, WR, Los Angeles Chargers

McConkey finished as a top-12 fantasy wide receiver (the WR16 on per-game basis among those who played at least eight games) in 2024 and he was especially productive from Week 8 on. Over his final 11 games including the team's playoff loss, he racked up 67 catches for 1,082 yards and six touchdowns on 87 targets.

MORE: 2025 Los Angeles Chargers Fantasy Football Projections

3.02 - Tee Higgins, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

While he would be a WR1 elsewhere, Higgins will continue to benefit from being the 1B to Ja'Marr Chase. While he has missed exactly five games in back-to-back seasons, Higgins finished second (behind Chase) among all wide receivers in fantasy points per game in 2024.

4.11 - DeVonta Smith, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

Smith missed four games in 2024 and while his numbers were down year over year, his per-game averages of 5.2 catches and 64.1 yards were very similar to the averages of his first three seasons (4.8/63.6). Smith finished the year as the WR17 on a per-game basis, and he should continue to be viewed as a mid-tier WR2 in fantasy.

MORE: Continue reading our 2025 Fantasy Football Mock Draft: 12-Team Half-PPR Mock (2nd Pick)

Friday, May 17, 2024

Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 NFL power rankings post-draft roundup

Throughout the 2024 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a post-NFL draft roundup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in our consensus 2024 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 19

Most improved: Interior offensive line

The Buccaneers selected center Graham Barton with the 26th draft pick to replace Ryan Jensen, and they drafted guard Elijah Klein in the sixth round to compete with Sua Opeta and Ben Bredeson for the starting left guard position. Tampa Bay had a league-worst 59.6% run block win rate at center last season. At guard, the Bucs had a combined 70.2% run blocking win rate, ranking 16th. The team is hoping the new talent will be an upgrade. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 19

Pick after solid pick, I kept nodding along to what the Bucs were doing -- hardly exciting, but thoughtful and purposeful throughout. Center Graham Barton will start Day 1. Edge Chris Braswell (No. 57 overall) was the only pick I semi-shrugged at, but having said that, I also think he has more untapped ability. Round 3 picks Tykee Smith and Jalen McMillan will upgrade the slot potential on both sides of the ball (Smith on defense and McMillan on offense). For me, this draft class was an extension of the Bucs' offseason as a whole: low on big-name imports but high on depth fortification. Is it a conservative approach? Maybe, but Tampa also should benefit again from playing in the NFC South and enters the season as the division's most solid team.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

CBS Sports -- Rank: 16

Re-signing Baker Mayfield and others gives them a chance to run it back as division champs. This is a team with a nice mix of young and old.

USA Today -- Rank: 20

Seems like they have the best team in the NFC South. But will that be enough given their modest personnel gains this offseason coupled with the division's hardest schedule?

The Athletic -- Rank: 15

Jason Licht might be the NFL's poster boy for patience. Licht has been the Buccaneers' general manager since 2014. In four of his first five seasons, Tampa Bay finished last in the NFC South. Now the Bucs have won the division three years in a row, and Licht seems to keep bringing in good players. This year, he got every analyst's favorite under-the-radar offensive lineman, Duke's Graham Barton.

Fox Sports -- Rank: 14

Against all odds, the Bucs brought back almost all the key pieces of a team that made a playoff run last year. I never would've guessed Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Lavonte David would all re-sign in Tampa, but here we are. On top of that, I really dig this draft class, highlighted by an immediate starter in center Graham Barton, who could help the run game in a big way.

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers pages:

Check out more of our content:

Check out our mock draft databases:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Wednesday, May 8, 2024

Way-too-early Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2025 NFL mock draft roundup

Throughout the year and leading up to the 2025 NFL Draft, we will update our Tampa Bay Buccaneers Mock Draft Roundup showing picks for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from several prominent sites and draft analysts.

The following are picks in recent mock drafts for the Buccaneers:

Fox Sports - Rob Rang (5/3)

13. Donovan Jackson, IOL, Ohio State

A powerfully built 6-foot-4, 320-pounder, Jackson is the latest in the long line of former five-star recruits polishing their game at Ohio State before earning a high selection in the NFL. He generated all-conference honors at left guard following each of the past two seasons, including first-team accolades by both the media and league coaches in 2023, but nevertheless returned for a chance at a national championship.

ESPN - Jordan Reid (5/2)

13. Benjamin Morrison, CB, Notre Dame

Trading Carlton Davis III to the Lions left a hole at cornerback for Tampa Bay. Morrison is a ball hawk with nine interceptions over the past two seasons, and he broke up 13 passes in 2023 alone, tied for eighth most in the FBS. A true press-man perimeter defender, Morrison has very good footwork, but his grabby nature when matching patterns will need coaching.

MORE: 2024 NFL Strength of Schedule

San Diego Union-Tribune - Eddie Brown (5/2)

9. Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri

Chris Godwin's contract is up after the upcoming season, and he'll no doubt seek a significant payday. Burden's 725 yards after the catch were third-most in the FBS last season, and he'd pair nicely with future Hall of Famer Mike Evans.

The Athletic - Dane Brugler (4/30)

10. James Pearce Jr., EDGE, Tennessee

Pearce put some fun pass-rush reps on last year's film, especially against South Carolina and Texas A&M. Although he is a little light (6-foot-5, 245 pounds), he has freaky ability and can secure top-10 status with another strong season.

PFF - Max Chadwick (4/29)

12. Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado

The Buccaneers opt for the best player available in Colorado's Travis Hunter. Hunter is a freak of nature with his ability to play at a near-elite level at wide receiver and cornerback. He earned a 78.9 receiving grade and a 74.7 coverage grade in 2023.

The 33rd Team - Marcus Mosher (4/29)

13. Jalen Milroe, QB, Alabama

If there is a quarterback in this class who has a chance to have a Jayden Daniels-like rise, it's Jalen Milroe. In his first full season as a starter, he averaged a whopping 10.0 yards per attempt and ran for 531 yards. He still needs a lot of work, but the potential is there to be drafted in the top 10.

USA Today - Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz (4/28)

11. Harold Perkins Jr., EDGE/LB, LSU

Listed at 6-1 and 220 pounds, Perkins could prove to be a tricky evaluation for NFL teams that typically want their pass rushers to be far rangier. Yet it's clear Perkins knows how to chart a course to the quarterback after he recorded 13 sacks and 26 tackles for loss in his first two seasons in Baton Rouge. The Buccaneers added second-rounder Chris Braswell to their edge rush this offseason, but Tampa Bay would surely benefit from someone with Perkins' burst and disruptive tendencies.

CBS Sports - Ryan Wilson (4/28)

12. Quinn Ewers, QB, Texas

Ewers decided to return to Austin for 2024; he consistently throws with anticipation and will wear out defenses on second-level throws. He also layers the ball well, throws an accurate deep ball and will navigate the pocket well while keeping his eyes downfield. He needs to play with more consistency, but when he's on, he looks the part of a franchise QB.

More roundups: NFL Teams | NFL Draft Prospects

Check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Saturday, November 11, 2023

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 10 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 10 roundup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 23

Non-QB MVP: S Antoine Winfield Jr.

The Buccaneers' defense may be struggling, but Winfield Jr. has been exceptional. He has 2 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries and 4 pass breakups so far this season. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 21

Just as the Bucs' passing game got cooking downfield vs. Houston on Sunday, their defense, which is typically very good, was flambéed. That this happened against the best rookie quarterback in the NFL will be of little solace for a Tampa team that lost its third straight one-score game and can't seem to get all three units flowing simultaneously. Tampa played all two- and three-deep looks and tried to force C.J. Stroud to check down. Instead, Stroud carved up the Bucs' zones relentlessly. The pass rush got home a few times, but Stroud seemed unfazed by it. So many good things came out of this game -- including quality outings from Baker Mayfield, Rachaad White and Cade Otton -- but the defense just had a bad day at the office.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 25

They've lost four straight games, even if three were close losses. What has happened to that defense? Denver Broncos - They come off their bye with a tough road game against the Bills. They looked good In beating the Chiefs before the bye, but this is another brutal test.

USA Today -- Rank: 21

For all the good they did, the 37 points they posted Sunday were more than they scored in any game last year with QB Tom Brady.

The Athletic -- Rank: 25

Report card: B-minus

Not many people expected the Bucs to be good this year, and they aren't. After a 3-1 start, Tampa Bay has lost four in a row. On a positive note, Mike Evans is still getting it done. The 10th-year wide receiver is 15th in the league in receiving yards (594) and 11th in yards per catch (16.1).

FOX -- Rank: 21

This team is cruelly close to being 5-3, or at least 4-4. They had to love their chances on Sunday, taking a 37-33 lead with less than a minute to play against a rookie quarterback. But C.J. Stroud had other plans. It's hard to consider Tampa Bay a true contender, but they play in the NFC South. It feels like a good guess they'll continue to linger around the playoff race.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 21

The story of Sunday's Bucs-Texans thriller was C.J. Stroud's excellence, but there was a defense giving up 470 yards and five touchdowns to a rookie quarterback, and it allowed Stroud to drive the length of the field for a game-winning touchdown in the last minute. A season that started with so much promise for head coach Todd Bowles is slipping away, and Sunday's loss won't help.

PFT -- Rank: 21

The wheels are coming off.

Previous updates:

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers pages:

Check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Saturday, November 4, 2023

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 9 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 9 roundup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 20

Baker Mayfield has been at his best when he has served in more of a complementary role and can rely on the defense, which propelled the Bucs to a 3-1 start. But they've struggled to put points on the board, scoring 16.3 offensive points per game (ranked 26th in the league), and now they've dropped three straight games. Mayfield's eight tipped passes at the line of scrimmage are also tied for sixth most in the NFL. Where Mayfield has shined through is in keeping plays alive and on third down. Mayfield's 41.3% third-down conversion rate on passes is the sixth best in the league. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 20

After a 3-1 start, Tampa has lost three straight, and now -- in the thick of a tough portion of the schedule -- we'll see if this team is built to last. The Buccaneers are on the road for five of their next seven games. Their 2-1 record away from home (including Thursday's competitive loss to the Bills) suggests they can hang with most teams. Can the offense produce more scoring chances? In three games since the early bye, they have three TDs, five field goals, five drives that ended with turnovers (two on downs) and 15 punts. If Baker Mayfield can play a little more consistently and the offensive line can avoid crippling penalties, maybe the Bucs can convert a few more of those possessions into points. They're going to need to.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 21

They've lost three straight games to dampen what was a solid start to their season. But in their division, they are far from done.

USA Today -- Rank: 19

Much as they're struggling, only one (San Francisco) of their next seven opponents (three in the AFC South) currently has a winning record. Don't expect Tampa Bay to disappear from the NFC South or wild-card races.

The Athletic -- Rank: 17

Something scary (for them): The run game

Tampa Bay is last in the NFL in rushing success rate (26.5). That's on pace to be the worst in the league since the Baltimore Ravens in 2013 (24.6). Rachaad White, the Bucs' leading rusher, is averaging 3.3 yards per carry and doesn't have a run longer than 15 yards. The Bucs' second-leading rusher? Baker Mayfield.

FOX -- Rank: 17

The Bucs offense is not what you'd call good, but the real culprit feels like a defense that's allowing an average of 400 yards per game during this losing streak. This team isn't built to win shootouts. So while it might not be fair, the defense is going to need to do more if Tampa is going to stay in the NFC South race.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 19

The Buccaneers will be "listeners" at the trade deadline, head coach Todd Bowles said. Tampa Bay is like many teams, not bad enough to tear it all down but also not good enough to feel like contenders. So many teams being near the middle in the NFL will probably limit how many trades happen Tuesday.

PFT -- Rank: 18

Baker Mayfield is doing his damnedest to will this team into contention.

Previous updates:

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers pages:

Check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Friday, October 20, 2023

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 7 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 7 roundup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 11

Lesson learned: The Bucs still can't run the ball.

Despite a scheme change and devoting more resources to the offensive line, the Bucs just cannot run the ball with any sort of consistency. Sometimes it's the blocking, and sometimes it's not identifying the holes and hitting them, but the unit is averaging 78.8 rushing yards per game (29th in the league) and just 3.0 yards per rush (32nd). That's not too far from the 76.9 rushing yards per game and 3.4 yards per rush it averaged in 2022. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 12

Six points. No touchdowns. A lousy 2 of 12 on third downs. An interception inside their own 15-yard line. The Tampa Bay offense had its worst outing of the season in Sunday's 20-6 loss to Detroit, and yet it's hard to say that it was a shocking breakdown. Though Baker Mayfield struggled, we can't pin this game entirely on him. The run game has been a travesty this season, marred by poor performances by the O-line and backs. Todd Bowles punting on fourth-and-2 while down 14 points in the fourth quarter tells you everything you need to know. Yeah, the Lions' defense was terrific Sunday, but the decision to punt suggested Bowles had more faith in his defense causing a turnover than he did in his offense gaining 2 yards. That makes me worried for the long haul.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 14

Off their bye week, they came out and laid an egg on offense against the Lions. Baker Mayfield just didn't have it.

USA Today -- Rank: 17

If you don't want QB Baker Mayfield to shoulder an inordinate amount of the offensive load, you can't wallow at the bottom of the league with 3.0 yards per carry.

The Athletic -- Rank: 15

Bad news: Baker Mayfield may be turning back into Baker Mayfield. He has been off target on more than 20 percent of his throws in two of the last three weeks, according to TruMedia. Good news: First-round defensive lineman Calijah Kancey got on the field for just the second time Sunday and looked the part — especially in Tampa Bay's creamsicle jerseys.

FOX -- Rank: 14

I don't think anybody is confusing the Bucs for one of the best offenses in the league, but I was expecting better in a big spot. As Baker Mayfield said himself, they sucked. The defense is going to keep them in a lot of games, but against top-tier competition like Philadelphia and Detroit, points have been awfully hard to come by.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 15

Baker Mayfield was fed up after Sunday's loss to the Lions, ripping himself and the offense's production as a whole. Tampa Bay was stuck at less than 200 yards before its final drive of the game, with the outcome practically determined. Tampa Bay has two losses and they are to Philadelphia and Detroit, so not all is lost. We've just learned the Buccaneers can't beat elite teams, that's all.

PFT -- Rank: 13

They played like they did for most of the years they wore the Bucco Bruce uniforms.

Previous updates:

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers pages:

Check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.

Friday, October 13, 2023

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Week 6 NFL Power Rankings Roundup

Throughout the 2023 NFL season, we will compile a consensus NFL Power Rankings that averages the rankings of all 32 NFL teams.

Below you will find a Week 6 roundup for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in our consensus 2023 NFL Power Rankings.

ESPN -- Rank: 9

Fantasy surprise: Defense/Special teams

The Buccaneers' 10.5 defensive fantasy points per game mark is fourth best in the league. Last season, they averaged 5.76 defensive fantasy points per game (17th). They've been a stingy defense under Todd Bowles, but the takeaways have eluded them until now. They're averaging 3.0 sacks a game (eighth). They're also only giving up 17 points per game, a credit to their work in the red zone as opposing teams have just a 27.3% red zone efficiency against them -- second best in the league. -- Jenna Laine

NFL.com -- Rank: 11

Although the Week 3 loss to the Eagles is a stark reminder of what the Bucs looked like against the one true contender they've faced to this point, it's hard not to take a step back and like most of what we've seen from this team. Todd Bowles has quietly done an excellent job on the whole, reshaping a strong, hard-nosed defense and entrusting the offense to QB Baker Mayfield and offensive coordinator Dave Canales. The run game might be pretty dormant, but the defense has kept scores down enough with incredible red-zone work to give Tampa Bay chances to win most games. Can this formula continue? We'll likely find out during this fatter part of the schedule, with the next three opponents (vs. Lions, vs. Falcons, at Bills) upping the stakes.

CBS Sports -- Rank: 6

At 3-1, they are one of the surprise teams so far. Now, coming off their bye, they can prove they are truly a contender by beating the Lions.

USA Today -- Rank: 14

This marks three times in four years that QB Baker Mayfield has won three of his first four starts. His only 4-1 beginning led to a deep playoff run in Cleveland.

The Athletic -- Rank: 9

The 2023 draft class has been fine, and second-round offensive tackle Cody Mauch is starting, but the best addition by far has been quarterback Baker Mayfield. The former No. 1 pick looked destined to end his career as a backup. Now he's top 10 in the league in passer rating (101.9) with seven touchdowns versus two interceptions, and the Bucs are infatuated. Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht called him "a dude" on Peter Schrager's podcast last week. Crushes on Mayfield have flamed out fast in the past, but the Buccaneers lead the division at the moment.

FOX -- Rank: 11

The first of three bye-week teams I'm leaving in the same place. The Bucs might be the most complete team in a weak division. Big chance to make a statement with the red-hot Lions coming to town this weekend.

Yahoo! -- Rank: 12

The Buccaneers host the Lions this weekend, then face a Falcons team that will be in the NFC South mix all season, and in Week 8 play at Buffalo. If you're wondering if the Buccaneers are legit, you should have an answer in three weeks.

PFT -- Rank: 10

Beat the Lions, and the Bucs will be taken very seriously.

Previous updates:

More Tampa Bay Buccaneers pages:

Check out more of our content:

Keep track of our site's updates: (1) follow us on Twitter, (2) like us on Facebook and/or (3) subscribe to our newsletter.