Power rankings are always a topic for discussion, and hot off the Super Bowl coming to a close, we are already looking ahead to next season. ESPN published some way-too-early power rankings, and the Bucs are already in the thick of them as we turn the page to next year.
Jenna Laine of ESPN discussed within the rankings what the team needs to focus on this offseason to improve. She said it all boils down to improving the defense as this team takes the next step.
“With the offensive coordinator situation solidified (Josh Grizzard), the Bucs really need to shore up their defense. They’ve had only three double-digit sack edge rushers since 2005 and none since 2021. They also had only seven interceptions in 2024 after almost double that in 2024 (13). They gave up an average of 22.6 points in 2024. . .”
The defense is expected to be addressed heavily in the NFL draft as free agency may be tough to do so. The team is epxetced to only have $11 million in cap space and they have some holes to address.
Bringing back Lavonte David is one major domino, but they need a handful more to contend.