Most of the time, position group rankings are subjective, but that doesn’t mean they can’t be fun—or have some merit.
With training camp right around the corner, here are my Tampa Bay Buccaneers position group grades heading into the 2026 season.
Offense
Quarterbacks (B)
The Bucs are in a better position than many NFL teams because they have a proven starter in Baker Mayfield. What they lack is a dependable backup who can win games if Baker has to miss time. Jake Browning won just one of his five starts in Cincinnati. To be fair, very few teams can survive a long-term injury to their starting quarterback, but Browning is still a slight upgrade over Teddy Bridgewater.
Running Backs (B+)
After a fantastic rookie season, Bucky Irving battled injuries throughout 2025. To add insurance, the Bucs signed versatile veteran Kenneth Gainwell, who can contribute as both a runner and receiver. They also have a physical power back in Sean Tucker, giving this backfield a nice blend of speed, versatility, and power.
Offensive Line (A)
The starting five are the best position group on the team. If they can stay relatively healthy, there’s no reason this offense can’t average 26-28 points per game. Everything starts up front, and this unit has the talent to carry the offense. They also have one of the best OLine coaches in the league and better depth than last year.
Tight Ends (C)
The Buccaneers don’t have a star at tight end, but they also don’t ask the position to be a focal point of the offense. Hopefully, Zac Robinson finds ways to get this group more involved in 2026.
Wide Receivers (B)
They’ll certainly miss the red-zone production Mike Evans provided, but collectively this group should be just fine. It’s up to Zac Robinson to scheme these receivers open and maximize their strengths. A healthy Chris Godwin makes this a dangerous receiving corps.
Defense
Interior Defensive Line (B)
Vita Vea finally has some help up the middle with the additions of A’Shawn Robinson and Rakeem Nunez-Roches. If Calijah Kancey can stay healthy, this unit has a chance to be one of the better run defenses in the league.
Outside Linebackers (C+)
There are high expectations for rookie Reuben Bain Jr. and free-agent addition Al-Quadin Muhammad. Bain should be an upgrade over what the Bucs put on the field last season, but very few rookie pass rushers dominate immediately. His presence should also help Yaya Diaby, who has a good chance to record his first double-digit sack season.
So why only a C+? Because this group still has to prove it can consistently pressure opposing quarterbacks.
Inside Linebackers (C)
Alex Anzalone takes over for Lavonte David and should provide a slight upgrade at this stage of their careers. David clearly lost a step last season, and Anzalone should make it more difficult for opponents to attack the middle of the defense. The other starting spot will likely go to second-round pick Josiah Trotter, another talented but unproven player.
Cornerbacks (C-)
This is the position that concerns me the most. Zyon McCollum, Benjamin Morrison, and Jacob Parrish appear to be competing for two starting spots, and each comes with question marks. The Buccaneers are hoping McCollum returns to his 2024 form, Morrison stays healthy, and Parrish successfully transitions to cornerback. That’s asking for a lot. I still believe adding a veteran corner would make this group considerably stronger.
Safeties (B+)
Antoine Winfield Jr. and Tykee Smith have the potential to form one of the better safety duos in the NFL. If the front seven improves as expected, this group could make plenty of big plays in 2026.
Special Teams (B)
Chase McLaughlin remains one of the league’s more reliable kickers, while Riley Dixon was inconsistent last season. Still, I’m expecting a bounce-back year from the entire special teams unit under the leadership of fiery new coordinator Danny Smith.
Overall Team Grade B-
This team may have to rely on its offense early in the season while the defense develops chemistry. Continuity matters in the NFL, and with several new faces on defense, some growing pains should be expected.
If the defense comes together by midseason, the Buccaneers should once again be in the playoff conversation.
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