After studying the tape of all four Bucs games in the 2020 season, I’ve decided to rank the team’s offensive starters based on how they’ve begun the season. A few things to note:

• These rankings are based SOLELY on how these players have played in Weeks 1-4 of the 2020 NFL season. Nothing else.

• I don’t take positional value into account, nor volume of work amongst the team’s top offensive contributors

• I don’t think many players on the Bucs offense have played poorly, so keep that in mind when viewing the names at the bottom of the list. Being worse than nine or 10 other good players doesn’t mean you are bad.

14. RB LeSean McCoy

The only player on this list that I would say that has just been outright bad, McCoy has struggled in pass protection, dropped two passes and carried the ball just two times for minus-2 yards. McCoy is averaging just over six yards per catch, holds the ball like a loaf of bread in space and is now injured. From an on-field perspective, the Bucs should move on from McCoy soon.

13. WR Justin Watson

Bucs QB Tom Brady and WR Justin Watson – Photo by: Getty Images

Forced into action due to injuries, Watson has been a solid WR4 for the Bucs, able to play inside and outside and provide competency as a blocker. He’s not the most explosive separator, but Watson is a detailed player who has been reliable underneath and in the middle-of-the-field this season. For a possession receiver-type, that’s about all you can ask of him.

12. RB Leonard Fournette

I went back and forth between Jones and Fournette on this list, struggling with which player has been better. Jones has made more mistakes, but Fournette has a drop, a fumble and several missed reads as a rusher in about half the amount of snaps Jones has. Yes, Fournette did seal the victory over the Panthers with a nice, long touchdown run, but the positive reps have been few-and-far between for the former top five pick. That said, I could see Fournette passing Jones by mid-season if he can be an upgrade in the passing game and stay healthy.

11. RB Ronald Jones II

Jones has had his moments as a rusher this season, but they are mixed with poor decisions/vision, an unforced fumble, three drops and scarcely a broken tackle in the open field as a receiver. He’s a solid running back who is far too inconsistent as a receiver to be relied upon, and hasn’t grown in pass protection enough for the team to trust him in that role. Still, his performance as a rusher in Week 4 with 111 yards against the Chargers while averaging 5.6 yards per carry was strong enough to put him above Fournette.

11. OT Donovan Smith

If written after Week 2, Smith would likely have been last on this list, after a brutal performance against the Saints and another dismal showing at home against Carolina. But Smith has rebounded in a big way in Weeks 3 and 4, showing he can be the solid left tackle Tampa Bay needs him to be if he can maintain consistent technique. Smith is in for a big test on Thursday night however, as he’ll likely see plenty of Robert Quinn and perhaps some of Khalil Mack as well.

10. TE Rob Gronkowski

Bucs TE Rob Gronkowski – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

It’s been a mostly quiet start to the season for Gronkowski, who has yet to catch a touchdown pass from Tom Brady, and has just nine catches for 88 yards. Still, his flashes have been impressive, and he’s consistently gotten open on tape. Gronkowski also has been a huge upgrade for the Bucs as a blocker, despite the fact that their scheme puts him in very tough spots in the run game. I have a feeling some big moments are yet to come this season for Gronkowski.

9. RG Alex Cappa

One of the most improved players on the entire team, Cappa’s added strength and enhanced technique this season have allowed him to be a force in pass protection and in the run game. The ugly, overwhelmed reps have been almost non-existent this year, as Cappa has stabilized as a quality starting right guard. He brings the workman-like mentality that fits the Bucs’ front five perfectly.

8. WR Mike Evans

What a weird start to the season for Evans. Three drops, struggles to separate from Marshon Lattimore and struggles to stay healthy have been the negatives, but five receiving touchdowns and two huge 100-yard games in contests without Chris Godwin are a better indicator of where the Pro Bowler’s season is headed. He’s a special talent, and he’ll move up this list as the season goes on. The Bucs don’t come back in Week 4 without him.

7. C Ryan Jensen

Jensen has become such an important player for the Bucs over the past two seasons, not only because of his high level of play, but because of his leadership in the locker room as well. He’s a culture-shift kind of presence, extremely hard-working and playing with an edge at all times. Jensen has definitely helped make Marpet and Cappa better players, which is a big reason why the Bucs offensive line is among the best in the league.

6. WR Scotty Miller

It’s been a breakout season for Miller, who leads the Bucs in receiving yards with 250 on 15 catches and a touchdown. Only a couple of big play drops keep Miller from being higher on the list, as he’s also made his fair share of high-degree-of-difficulty catches down the field as well. And don’t sleep on Miller in the short game either, he’s explosive and elusive after the catch if given a crease.

5. TE O.J. Howard

Bucs TE O.J. Howard – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

With 11 catches for 146 yards and two touchdowns, Howard was really off to a great start before rupturing his Achilles, showing clear improvement as a run and pass blocker while also making plays on the ball down the field. I’m very happy the Bucs picked up his fifth-year option, because he’ll be a nice weapon in this offense next season if he can get back to 100 percent.

4. RT Tristan Wirfs

Wirfs hasn’t just been good for a rookie, he’s been one of the best offensive tackles in the league – period. It’s not only the fact that he’s played so well, but that he’s done it against elite competition, without an offseason or any preseason action. Amazing start for the Iowa product.

3. WR Chris Godwin

Godwin has only played in just under two games so far this season, but he’s managed to be outstanding even in that small amount of time. While 11 catches, 143 yards and a touchdown might not seem like much, we’ve seen the glimpses of brilliant route-running, terrific hands and the ability to adjust to the ball outside his frame when he’s healthy. Can’t wait until Godwin is back in the lineup.

2. QB Tom Brady

I’ve written extensively about Brady’s brilliance already through the first four weeks, so I won’t belabor the point here. He’s been everything the Bucs hoped that he would be and more. Brady is off to a hot start in Tampa Bay so far, completing 65.2 percent of his passes for 1,122 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions – and most importantly, a 3-1 record.

1. LG Ali Marpet

I don’t think there’s been a better guard in football than Marpet this season, as he’s been a brick wall in pass protection and a finishing presence in the run game. It’s hard to find reps on tape where he hasn’t been totally dominant. Marpet needs more national recognition for his elite play. Here’s hoping he gets that before a prime time audience on Thursday Night Football.