Is there ever a bad time to publish a power ranking? Admittedly, it’s more difficult to create a good list when free agency and the draft are right around the corner. That definitely affects the Bucks more than most teams this year.
Despite this, ESPN announced the NFL ‘too soon’ power ranking Reporters from each team will analyze the upcoming season for all 32 teams. The Bucks have risen to the middle of the pack, ranking him 16th in the league, which is far above season expectations for them.
ESPN Bucks Rankings
Here’s what ESPN’s Jenna Lane had to say about Tampa Bay heading into 2024.
Bucks ILB Labonte David – Photo Credit: USA Today
With offensive coordinator Dave Canales taking the Panthers’ head coaching job and WR Mike Evans and QB Baker Mayfield set to become unrestricted free agents, the Bucs will look to build on what Canales has put in place in Tampa. It was imperative to find a new offensive coordinator who could do so without too much change. Not only that, but Liam Cohen also brings his working relationship with Mayfield from his time with the Rams. Both players speak very highly of each other, and for Evans, Canales’ system is one he likes.
So it’s really expensive to re-sign the Bucs’ two main offensive players right now, in addition to safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (last season’s top defensive player) and inside linebacker Lavonte David. It turns out.
It’s absolutely true that much of next season for the Bucks will depend on getting back their core four of Mayfield, Evans, Winfield and David. The other is how quickly the offense can adapt to new offensive coordinator Liam Cohen, who brings in a similar style of offense the team has been working on.
If the Bucks win the NFC South again, their path to the playoffs could be much quicker and more beneficial. In fact, Tampa Bay has the highest ranking in the division, with the Saints at his No. 22, followed by the Falcons at his No. 26, and the Panthers last at his No. 32. Again, the NFC South doesn’t look too formidable, but there are some new coaches here and there that could make it more difficult than before.
Bucks FS Antwaun Winfield Jr. and Falcons QB Desmond Ridder – Photo courtesy of USA Today
NFC South rankings hit rock bottom again
A 4-2 record in the division was crucial for the Bucks to take home the NFC South crown. They dominated the Panthers and split with the Saints and Falcons. It was important that they succeeded in an early tiebreaker against New Orleans at the beginning of the season, and then defeated Atlanta in the year-end round to get revenge on Atlanta, which had advanced to the top.
It will take moments like that to win again. Having the best free agents coming back to Tampa will go a long way in solidifying those goals.
Expectations will certainly be higher for the Bucks, but that’s not such a bad thing. Tampa Bay isn’t a Super Bowl contender yet, but if they can combine with an overall young group and make another run in the playoffs, they could be able to compete with the league’s best teams in the big game sooner rather than later.
check Get off the ESPN list Rankings of each NFL team.
