Buccaneers Sneak Into ESPN’s Top-15 Power Rankings

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers still have areas to address to enhance their overall team performance. After securing key offensive players like Chris Godwin and Sterling Shepard in free agency, their focus now shifts to bolstering their defense.

The Buccaneers strengthened their edge rushing corps with the addition of Haason Reddick on a one-year deal. However, gaps remain at inside linebacker and cornerback. This incomplete picture likely factored into ESPN’s latest power rankings, which placed the Buccaneers at No. 14 overall. Notably, they ranked as the highest NFC South team and seventh-highest NFC team on the list.

According to ESPN reporter Jenna Laine, one of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ most under-the-radar yet impactful moves this year was retaining offensive line coach Kevin Carberry, who has taken on the additional role of run game coordinator.

“The Bucs did the two best things they possibly could to account for the loss of Liam Coen. They promoted pass game coordinator (and “wizard”) Josh Grizzard to offensive coordinator. And the importance of keeping Carberry, their offensive line coach last season, can’t be overstated. He played an integral role in their run game improving from a league-worst 88.8 rushing yards per game in 2023 to fourth-best with 149.2 in 2024.”

Laine continued,

“The Bucs’ 5.3 yards per rush also set a new franchise record and according to Elias Sports, they became the sixth team since the merger to have a 1,000-plus rushing yard improvement in a full season year-over-year.”

The Buccaneers’ offense is poised for growth in 2025, returning intact but under the guidance of new offensive coordinator Josh Grizzard. Grizzard faces the challenge of replicating the success of his predecessor, Liam Coen. Meanwhile, the team’s defensive overhaul remains a priority, with the NFL Draft offering an opportunity to bolster the roster with proven starters at cornerback, inside linebacker, or safety.