Baker Mayfield is experiencing a career renaissance with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, having recently completed his best season yet. Following a tumultuous journey through the NFL, including stints with the Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers, and Los Angeles Rams, Mayfield has found stability in Tampa Bay. Despite his significant improvements, he has been ranked 13th among quarterbacks by PFF's John Kosko, who acknowledged Mayfield's remarkable turnaround but withheld a top-ten designation. This ranking raises questions about his future performance amid ongoing changes in the Bucs' offensive strategy.

Bucky Irving has quickly become a standout in the NFL, concluding his rookie year with an impressive 90.8 overall PFF grade, ranking him fourth among running backs. His versatility is evident as he achieved both a rushing and receiving grade above 90.0, a feat unmatched by any other player in his position. His contributions included 49 receptions and a notable 20 broken tackles after the catch, showcasing his playmaking ability.

Leo Chenal has established himself as a force on defense, earning a solid 85.9 overall PFF grade over the last three seasons. This places Chenal fifth among linebackers with significant snap counts. His 91.3 run-defense grade stands out, trailing only legends Bobby Wagner and Fred Warner.

Among other rising stars, Kenneth Walker III remains an underrated talent, consistently ranking in the top 20 for PFF grades despite battling behind a struggling offensive line. Zay Flowers has also shown promise, improving his performance significantly in his second year.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected Georgia safety Tykee Smith with the 89th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, banking on his impressive college credentials to bolster their struggling defense. Smith's collegiate career saw him contribute significantly to two national championships, wrapping up his final season with 70 tackles, four interceptions, and two sacks.

In his rookie year with the Buccaneers, Smith quickly established himself as a key player in the secondary, starting six out of 13 games. His performance included two interceptions, seven defended passes, and three forced fumbles, showcasing his ability to impact games. His stats were even more pronounced during Tampa Bay's Wild Card playoff game, where he recorded seven tackles, solidifying his role as a reliable defensive back for the team.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, under general manager Jason Licht, have made significant moves this offseason by retaining key players Chris Godwin and Lavonte David. Godwin, a standout wide receiver, is expected to play a crucial role in the team’s aerial attack, while David, a veteran linebacker who briefly considered retirement, will continue to anchor the Buccaneers' defense. The team had a highly praised draft, addressing critical needs that could enhance their competitiveness in the upcoming season.

With Godwin's speed and agility, combined with David's leadership and experience, the Buccaneers have positioned themselves to remain formidable contenders in the NFC. The strategy of maintaining homegrown talent while bolstering their roster through the draft reflects a savvy approach to team building.

The NFL has introduced the Protector of the Year Award, aimed at highlighting the often overlooked contributions of offensive linemen. This prestigious accolade will be awarded annually at the NFL Honors, recognizing not just statistical achievements but the leadership, resilience, and foundational role that players like Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers play in their teams' success. Andrew Whitworth, former tackle, emphasized the importance of acknowledging the hard work of linemen, which goes beyond mere numbers to encompass the grit and mental fortitude required in their positions.