For more than a decade, the Bucks family has been mired in mediocrity. They missed the playoffs every year from 2008 to 2019, but the team as a whole has done little to make a difference.
The unfortunate result of this stretch was that some truly talented players were left behind because of the teams they played for and the markets they played in. Linebacker Labonte David has been a victim for much of his career, as has wide receiver Mike Evans. Guard Ali Murpet.
Things changed in 2020 with the Bucks signing Tom Brady. The greatest quarterback of all time was added and elevated Tampa Bay in the wider football eye as evidenced by three consecutive seasons of five or more primetime appearances.
Brady’s arrival in town brought the Bucks to national attention. That meant more recognition for players like David, Evans and Murpet, as well as other young stars who emerged over the course of those few seasons.
But now that Brady is gone, is it all set to go back to normal?
Bucks QB Tom Brady – Photo Credit: USA Today
The Bucks received only two primetime games when the schedule was announced on Thursday night After five finishes in each of Brady’s seasons at Tampa Bay. Todd Bowles’ group has been widely picked as a potential future. Picked in the top 5 of next year’s NFL Draft. In many ways, the Bucks are already yesterday’s news.
Of course, winning—and winning at a high level—helps Tampa Bay maintain its presence. But until Brady proves the Bucks can maintain a high standard without leading the charge, there may be some talents too overlooked and underappreciated.
That’s already happening, as the roster is packed with Pro Bowler and All-Pro talent, but the roster still includes some players I predict it won’t go anywhere. With that in mind, there are plenty of candidates for the team’s most underrated player.
So who are the Bucks’ most underrated players?
As William Moy of Pro Football Focus recently said: Name the most underrated players on each team. His pick for the Bucks was none other than Jamel Dean, who re-signed with the team this offseason on a new four-year deal. Here’s what Moy had to say about the 26-year-old cornerback, who scored a 77.9 in the PFF in 2022.
“Of the 74 cornerbacks who scored at least 600 defensive snaps last season, Dean ranked eighth overall, and the cornerbacks with a coverage grade of 75.0 (75.6) or better on the run defense grade were was one of only three” at least 80.0 (82.5). Dean’s 73.3 passer rating allowed for coverage was the 10th lowest among cornerers and the only cornerback to record at least five defensive stops without missing a tackle on run defense last year. ”
Bucks CB Jamel Dean – Photo Credit: Cliff Welch/PR
The PFF as a collective group has long held Dean in high esteem, and for good reason. The former Auburn Tiger has been surprisingly consistent throughout his career so far, playing borderline CB1 in 2022. Over his four seasons in the NFL, Dean amassed 193 combined tackles (156 solo), 41 passes defended, 7 interceptions and 6 losing tackles in 57 games (38 starts).
Heading into the offseason, he PFF No.1 free agent cornerback — and fifth overall in free agency. Dean felt he was destined for big money deals elsewhere, but instead decided to stay in Tampa Bay with Todd Bowles and the Bucks. He will continue to form a strong one-two punch with Carlton Davis III, he said earlier this offseason. he is ready to take on a leadership role For young players in the locker room.
While there is some truth to the argument that Dean is the most underrated player on the roster, there are others whose titles have been able to garner some consideration. David and Evans have a lot of respect across the league, but it’s fair to say they’re still underrated in some ways.
A similar case could be the case for wide receiver Chris Godwin and defensive tackle Vita Vere, who each have only made one Pro Bowl appearance. Offensive tackle Tristan Wilfs, an All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, is probably getting the recognition he deserves in the league, or else he’s on the ballot. It will be. Even Davis, one half of Tampa Bay’s cornerback duo, might be considered underrated.
What do you Bucks fans think? Is Jamel Dean the most underrated player on the roster, or would you choose someone else?
