Pro Football Focus is mowing through offseason positional and player rankings, recently listing all 32 teams’ offensive lines from best to worst. The Bucs front five notched an impressive billing, slotting in at fifth overall. The four teams ahead of Tampa Bay’s offensive line were Cleveland, Indianapolis, New England and New Orleans.

Bucs RT Tristan Wirfs – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

All five starters return for a Bucs offensive line that graded out as PFF’s fifth best unit after the 2020 season. The analysis-based website also named RT Tristan Wirfs the 10th best player in the NFL under the age of 25. Wirfs will be looking to establish himself as the best right tackle in the game after playing like it a year ago. Left guard Ali Marpet and center Ryan Jensen are also among the best players in the NFL at their positions.

As for left tackle Donovan Smith, his durability and consistent improvement were critical last season. Smith continues to make strides in the right direction while blocking for Tom Brady’s blindside. Right guard Alex Cappa didn’t surrender a sack all season long, showing huge growth from his first two seasons. Cappa could cash in next year as a free agent if he can put together another strong campaign.

While the Bucs offensive line dominated in pass protection, they’ll be looking to improve their run blocking this year. The group was solid on the ground in 2020 (22nd in rush success rate), but schematic advancements could help make life easier for them this season. So could better play out of the Bucs backfield. Tampa Bay will never be a run-heavy team under Bruce Arians, but operating with greater efficiency will be key moving forward.