Another week, another chance for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to shine in the spotlight as top players are highlighted across the NFL. This time, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has unveiled his rankings of the league’s best players by position, revealing a strong showing for the Bucs.
Leading the charge, offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs has earned the distinction of the highest-ranked player at his position. Right alongside him, fellow lineman Luke Goedeke received votes, as well as interior lineman Cody Mauch, showcasing the Buccaneers’ impressive offensive front. On the defensive side, Vita Vea made his mark, landing at the ninth spot among defensive tackles. Both Antoine Winfield Jr. and Lavonte David have solidified their presence as well, each securing a solid seventh-place ranking in their respective categories. Quarterback Baker Mayfield also joined the mix, making the top 10 by coming in at 10th overall. And while running back Bucky Irving earned honorable mention recognition, the Bucs were notably absent from the tight end and edge rusher discussions.
The excitement continues as wide receivers are next up in Fowler’s series. Mike Evans, a cornerstone of the Buccaneers’ offense, has been recognized at No. 9 overall. An NFL general manager shared some strong praise, stating, “If you’re trying to win one game or win on third down, you’re still picking him really high. He’ll decline eventually, but I haven’t seen any signs of it. He’s still a beast.” That sentiment echoes throughout the league as Evans continues to be regarded as a top-tier talent.
Evans tied with several other excellent receivers for the final two spots, requiring Fowler to delve even deeper into his source network for a tiebreaker. Ultimately, he triumphed over notable names like Garrett Wilson, Terry McLaurin, Puka Nacua, and Brian Thomas Jr., solidifying his place amidst the elite.
As Evans enters the final year of his two-year extension signed in 2023, there’s chatter suggesting that he might contemplate retirement after the season. However, given his remarkable performance level, it’s quite plausible that Evans could opt to extend his tenure with the Bucs, similar to what Lavonte David has done by signing year-to-year deals. A scout commented, “This might be it for him. But he looked awesome last year.”
And “awesome” is the perfect word to describe Evans’ previous season, where he breathtakingly surpassed 1,000 receiving yards for the 11th consecutive year, finding the end zone 11 times. He wasn’t the only receiver from Tampa Bay to capture acclaim, though; Chris Godwin, despite missing a significant portion of the season, garnered votes as well. In a landscape where only 26 receivers were acknowledged, Godwin’s presence among the elite illustrates the respect he commands—even after injury.
As the rankings continue to unfold, it’s clear that the Bucs are boasting an impressive roster. With the season approaching, the anticipation builds not just for Evans but for the entire team as they gear up to deliver yet another competitive campaign. The support from around the league not only underscores individual talents but also highlights the collective potential for the Buccaneers this season.
