what’s the move here?

Round 1

(Pick 32): Joe Tryon, OLB (Washington) + retired after 5 seasons

Round 2 (Pick 64): Kyle Trask, QB (Florida) + can't even make it as a third string qb

Round 3 (Pick 95): Robert Hainsey, OL (ND) + ended up being an ok pick sorta... Played decent last year and at least can add depth despite not being a true starting calibur player

Round 4 (Pick 129): Jaelon Darden, WR (North Texas) + lmfao did he even last 2 seasons?

Round 5 (Pick 176): K.J. Britt, LB (Auburn) downhill LB that can't cover and barely in the league... Hopefully we didn't just draft his more athletic clone

Round 7 (Pick 251): Chris Wilcox, CB (BYU) + immediately out of the league 

Round 7 (Pick 259): Grant Stuard, LB (Houston) + actually a really good pick but we decided to trade him for peanuts 

...

So... It's pretty clear Licht fucked up our repeat chances with this all time stinker of a draft. 

Horse beat...the final last one for this draft. 

Then we have Baker Mayfield. He arrived on a low-risk, prove-it deal after being passed around three franchises in one season, leaving him with little leverage. The Bucs and Baker needed each other.

In his time with the Bucs, Baker has performed admirably. Under Offensive Coordinator Dave Canales, his first year was solid—not spectacular, but effective. Operating within Canales’ run-first scheme, Baker capitalized on opportunities when they arose. In 2024, he truly shone under the guidance of Liam Coen. Coen’s play-calling provided Baker with quick, straightforward reads and opened up space in the running game, resulting in a top-five offense. At times, Baker even looked like a potential MVP.

But the question remains: Was this success due to Baker’s talent or Coen’s coaching? Is it akin to how Kyle Shanahan can achieve success with nearly any quarterback in his system (think Brock Purdy and Mac Jones), or how Sean McVay maximized the abilities of Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford? Coaching can significantly impact the performance of mid-tier quarterbacks. Unlike elite talents like Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, who can succeed independently of coaching, many quarterbacks thrive under the right system.

The challenge lies in determining whether Baker fits into that group. Do the Bucs believe he can continue to perform at a high level, or is he simply benefiting from a favorable coaching situation?  His last 9 games last year were less than desirable.  He was inaccurate and ineffective.  It was so bad that he better have been playing with injuries.  If not, what would be the excuse.

I like Baker, the player.  He’s gritty, plays with a chip on his shoulder, and will die for his teammates.  How can you complain about that?  But I’d like to see him play with a lot more success in the pocket this year.  If he can do that, then he’d be worth a top 15 salary.

Josh Q is doing a great series on him.  Well worth checking out.  In the first installment he points out that Egbuka is not really an X because hes not physical enough to beat press man consistently. He points out that physical press coverage was the first thing that slowed Egbuka, who is more Godwin zone beater than Evans X. 

And on the point, I a NOT suggesting that Evans departure was tied to Egbuka (because again, Egbuka is more Godwin than Evans) BUTin his 2nd installment (https://www.pewterreport.com/revisiting-emeka-egbukas-rookie-season-q2/) Josh Q teases his 3rd installment with this:

"And one piece of context shifts underneath all of it. He has another quarter of the season without Evans that forces him into the X role more. But in weeks 15-18 Evans returns. How does that change Egbuka’s usage, usage rate and production?"

Let’s start from the bottom:

#4 – New Orleans Saints

This ranking may surprise some, but it makes sense to me. While the Saints ended last year positively, leading many fans and some media to herald Tyler Shough as their franchise quarterback, the worst outcome for a young team is to overhype a player based on limited potential. Shough performed adequately as a rookie, but that doesn’t raise his ceiling in my view. He came in with low expectations and met them, reminiscent of Chris Simms in 2005, when we anointed him as the starting quarterback the following year despite a lackluster performance.

Saints’ Head Coach Kellen Moore

Kellen Moore is a promising young coach, but I question his leadership. The Saints did add players like Travis Etienne Jr., Noah Fant, and Tyree Wilson in free agency, but none are superstars. I expect this team to fall short of expectations, proving they merely outperformed low expectations last season. Record: 6-11

#3 – Carolina Panthers

The Panthers boast young stars like Jaycee Horn, Derrick Brown, and Princely Amanmielen on defense, but I don’t believe their offense has the firepower to match. Tetairoa McMillan is on track to become a top-five receiver, which is concerning for Bucs fans who will see him twice a season for the next decade. However, I’m not high on Bryce Young as the quarterback who can elevate the team.

This team was a 2025 division champion largely because they played in the worst division in the NFL, marking the second time in four years that a team with a losing record won the NFC South. As a result, they’ll face a first-place schedule in 2026, which will significantly impact their path compared to their division rivals. I expect the Panthers to fall behind both the Bucs and Falcons. Record: 7-10

#2 – Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons slide into second place by default. The Saints are too young in key positions, and the Panthers will struggle with a first-place schedule. I don’t see much momentum for the Falcons heading into 2026. Kevin Stefanski, the new head coach, brings good football IQ, but I question his leadership. Who will be the quarterback? Michael Penix Jr. has yet to prove himself as a reliable NFL starter, and Tua Tagovailoa raises concerns due to his history of head injuries. The most critical position in football needs clarity to ensure a successful season.

Falcons’ Head Coach Kevin Stefanski

Bijan Robinson is an elite running back, and Drake London is a top-10 receiver. The team also has promising young pass rushers. While I wouldn’t be surprised to see the Falcons pull off a few unexpected wins, I lack confidence in their ability to maintain consistent performance throughout the season. Record: 8-9

#1 – Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I know it’s a boring answer but blame it on the division… it’s pretty boring.  Given the current landscape of the division, Todd Bowles has no excuse not to win the NFC South. It’s shaping up to be another down year for the division. The Bucs will have the best quarterback in Baker Mayfield (assuming he can shake off the struggles of his last nine games in 2025). They may also possess the strongest offensive line, receiver corps, and defensive front, bolstered by the additions of Rueben Bain Jr., A’Shawn Robinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and the return of Calijah Kancey from injury.

Bowles must avoid being overly aggressive with blitzing and refrain from meddling in offensive meetings. If he can do that, he may lead his team to another division title. His biggest challenge may be himself. Record: 9-8

Personally, I’m not as concerned about Bucky as some local media outlets seem to be. This time of year often lacks significant football news, so any story garners attention. Yes, Irving dealt with injuries last year that affected his performance, but I don’t see the shoulder issue as a major concern heading into the new season or even training camp. I’d prefer he focus on rehabilitation during OTAs rather than pushing through and risking further injury. We need him at his best when the games really count.

The bigger question is whether Bucky will be continually plagued by injuries. As a smaller running back who runs hard and breaks through tackles aggressively, he may be more susceptible to injuries, which could accumulate over time. However, I believe the Bucs have already taken this into consideration by signing Kenneth Gainwell during free agency. Gainwell, also a smaller back, has the advantage of not having missed a single regular-season game in his career—83 games over four years.

Newly signed running back – Kenneth Gainwell

The Bucs aren’t attempting to replace Irving but rather ensuring they have a reliable RB1 available for every game. Gainwell is an explosive runner, an excellent pass catcher, and a solid pass blocker. If either player were to get injured, the team should be able to cope. However, if they manage to keep both healthy throughout the season, this position group could emerge as one of the best in the league.

https://www.buccaneers.com/video/danny-smith-on-his-special-teams-vision-press-conference

Have to think Special Teams will be improved.

Can easily see why players play for him.

Says he will "probably need an IV at the first game" lol

https://www.si.com/nfl/buccaneers/onsi/buccaneers-hit-with-realistic-projection-in-2026-espn-guide

OFFENSE

"Baker Mayfield having an average season"

"solid production from Bucky Irving and Kenneth Gainwell"

"Emeka Egbuka leading the group and securing his first 1,000-yard receiving season in the NFL."

"The Bucs' offense doesn't quite return to the levels we saw in 2024, but they do enough to sit around the middle of the pack (16th)"

DEFENSE

"41.8 sacks on the season, with Yaya Diaby leading the way with a projected seven sacks."

"Antoine Winfield Jr. being the high interception guy for the Bucs' defense with two on the season."

"rank slightly above average across the league, finishing as the 13th-best defense in the league."

OVERALL

"would likely place them in the playoffs, albeit with a potential early exit."

ESPN's Projected Wins for Bucs: 9

It's an extremely realistic scenario for the Bucs, as they have finished with 10 or fewer wins in four of their last five seasons. Vegas oddsmakers also currently have the Bucs sitting around a win total of 8.5 to 9 wins.