Tampa Bay Buccaneers: PPG 19.1, Sacks 48 Tied 7th

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have been one of the best defenses of this decade. They have defensive mastermind and former NFL player, Todd Bowles. Bowles has been with the Buccaneers since 2019, and is entering his third year as the Head Coach. 

Tampa Bay was able to get 48 sacks in 2023, which was tied for seventh, and gave up the sixth fewest points, 19.1. They were anchored with a great secondary and veterans on the defensive line. They were in a weak division last year, and took full advantage of it.

2024 Expectations: 6th

The truth is not much is changing for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They lost Devin White and Shaquil Barrett retired, forcing two holes on their defense. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka will be asked to step up and deliver on his 2021 first round draft stock, and Tampa Bay may have gotten an upgrade at linebacker.

KJ Britt is not the most popular name, but he could have a career year in his first year for the Buccaneers. He will likely go undrafted in standard leagues but keep an eye on him. The Buccaneers are once again in the worst division of at least their conference if not the NFL. 

A stellar defense will see less than average or young unproven quarterbacks in all of their divisional games. They also have a good offense, with several familiar faces… plus one of the best IDPs of 2024.

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

DB Antoine Winfield Jr.

LB LaVonte David
DL Calijah Kancey

Antoine Winfiled Jr. could be the best defensive back in the league. He has a mastermind, former Super Bowl winning safety constantly giving advice, and Winfield Jr.’s father was an NFL star himself, earning three pro bowls. Winfield was a part of the Super Bowl winning team of 2020.

Winfield Jr. was also a first-team All-Pro last year, and finished sixth in Defensive Player of the Year. He is THE model of a new-age safety; 122 tackles, 6 sacks, 3 interceptions, and a league leading 6 forced fumbles. Do not hesitate to reach for Winfield Jr., he is not a fluke and could exceed his amazing numbers from last year.

What can be said about LaVonte David that hasn’t been said before? Some say he’s too old, or he’s lost a step… his 134 combined tackles in 15 games last year says otherwise. 17 of those tackles were for losses, he recorded 4.5 sacks, and 5 passes defended… not bad for an ‘old guy’. 

He has amassed 1,480 regular season tackles, and over 1,000 of those were done individually. He will be aided by Britt, but David will likely be their three down linebacker, and should have another high snap season. David will likely be available near the end of your draft, grab him and trust the 12 year vet to deliver again.

Calijah Kancey is a little known second year player on the defensive line of the Buccaneers. He was their first round pick, and could be in for a big jump in year two. He had only 26 combined tackles last year, but also had 12 QB hits, and 4 sacks.

Tampa Bay plays a traditional 3-4 defense and their defensive linemen are asked to plug holes and free up space for the Linebackers around them. However a good lineman will generate his own plays, and that is what Kancey is. Do not draft him but keep an eye open for him and take advantage in leagues that require a true defensive linemen. 

Tomorrow the Pittsburgh Steelers.
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Bet Smart, Be Lucky – Iggy