The Tampa Bay Buccaneers feel like a team that has to strike while the iron is hot with some of the players on their roster. Did they do enough this offseason?
How will the wide receivers shake out?
The Bucs did not need a receiver on paper, but for a team that lost Chris Godwin and Mike Evans at times last year, it may not be a huge shock that they added Emeka Egbuka. While Egbuka is the future, he also comes into the NFL with a high pedigree because he is ready-made. Jalen McMillan flashed at times as a rookie, and the Bucs need the depth, but he may be in the fourth receiver role as Egbuka beats out the second-year player early on. Injuries may make it easier to sort, but for now there are questions.
Do they have enough pass-rush juice added?
The Bucs’ pass rush was not up to par this past season, and while they did address the position, their unit is still questionable. Haason Reddick had a weird and unproductive 2024 but still got paid. They drafted David Walker in round four, and Elijah Roberts could slide outside, but he is mostly going to play 5-technique in this defense. They are hoping Yaya Diaby keeps at his trajectory and hoping Chris Braswell does more than his rookie year, because they did not add enough.
Is Benjamin Morrison a day one starter?
Cornerback was another major weakness, and while Morrison fell with an injury designation, when healthy, he had first-round talent. The Bucs should look to start him, and while he will compete, the competition may end up being Zyon McCollum and Jamel Dean across from him.
Who starts in the slot?
Last year, it looked like the Bucs hit on Tykee Smith, but this year they drafted Jacob Parish in round three to man the slot. Smith could play free safety, and with him and Winfield, they could get very versatile. This would likely put the best five out there on paper. Is that the move, or is Smith out?
Can Baker Mayfield overcome 3 coordinators in 3 years?
Baker Mayfield looked good with Dave Canales, and he got a head coach job. He looked good with Liam Coen, and now Coen is gone. Can the Bucs strike again for the third straight year with Mayfield? It helps that the line is coming back the same, the skill players are set, and the only question is if they added overkill. Still, all eyes are on Josh Grizzard this year.
