Who are the 3 best Bucs players in 2023?

Heading into this season there is high end talent on the Bucs roster. While the elephant in the room is that many don’t see it as a quarterback, it’s in pretty much every other area of ​​the team.

Who would get the nod if one had to list the top three Bucs in 2023? Veterans like Lavonte David, Mike Evans or Ryan Jensen? Young core players such as Chris Godwin, Tristan Wirfs, Antoine Winfield Jr. or Vita Vea?

It’s not as easy to narrow it down as you might think.

PFF lists the top three Bucs players – starting with Tristan Wirfs

As the build up to the upcoming season continues, Pro Football Focus has numerous position rankings and a list of the best players from each team in the NFL.

For the Bucs, they placed them in the order of Tristan Wirfs, Lavonte David and Mike Evans. What did they have to say about who the best players are in Tampa Bay?

“Even though Tom Brady is now retired, this was still a tough selection to get to three. Wirfs has been one of the best offensive tackles in the league since he was called up in 2020, and he topped 90.5 for pass blocking last season. Despite being on the wrong side of 30, David achieved an overall grade of 85.1, which was the third best grade of his career. Evans beats Ryan Jensen, Vita Vea, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Chris Godwin. His making history with nine consecutive 1,000-yard seasons gives him a nod here.

It’s hard to argue with the squads here as they are some of the best players on the team and in their respective positions. However, there are some looming question marks for each of them.

Starting with Tristan Wirfs, he has been one of the best right tackles in the league since being called up in 2020 and at 24 years old is fast becoming one of the best tackles ever, if he can reach his level to cling. elite game standard. But he will switch to left tackle in 2023. No matter how elite he’s been, it’s going to take some adjustment to master the technique as well as the schemes and formations of a completely new offensive system.

Lavonte David is still going strong at 33 years old

A model of consistency, Lavonte David has been a key player on the Bucs since he was drafted in 2012. He ranks third all-time in franchise history in total tackles, with his 1,346 just behind Ronde Barber’s 1,428 and Derrick Brooks’ team-leading 2,198.

The eternally underestimated player even turned back the clock last season. David played all 17 games while recording a total of 124 tackles and three sacks. It was his highest tackle score since 2015, and he didn’t show much sign of slowing down his patrol in the center of the field.

But, as PFF mentioned, he’s 33, and it’s worth wondering how long he’ll last. The list of Hall of Fame linebackers producing into their late 30s isn’t long, but David gets the benefit of the doubt until his game dips.

Mike Evans gains national respect

The last player on the list is Mike Evans. Like David, it’s fair to say he’s been underrated throughout the league, especially when receivers are in the spotlight more than ever. But looking at his oeuvre, the production speaks for itself.

Of course, there are the nine consecutive seasons of the 1,000 yard. Before he turns 30, he has over 10,000 receiving yards and 81 touchdowns. It won’t take much more for him to secure an arrest in Canton, Ohio.

So what is the looming question for him? A new quarterback tosses the football to him. In addition to his rookie season and the “Fitzmagic” cameo in Tampa Bay, Evans has only had Jameis Winston and Tom Brady throw the ball at him. That will change this season as Baker Mayfield and Kyle Trask are charged with that responsibility. It might just be a small change for him, as he’s proven he can put numbers down and influence games, no matter who’s under the center point. but there are plenty of moving parts around him that are offensive.

A case for other Bucs

Tristan Wirfs, Lavonte David and Mike Evans are each worthy selections this season as the Bucs’ best players, but others deserve attention. That group consists of Ryan Jensen, Chris Godwin, Antoine Winfield Jr. and Vita Vea.

After tearing his MCL, ACL and PCL, Ryan Jensen missed the regular season. After his serious injury, the obvious concern is to last a full season and be 32 years old. But before his injury, he was a Pro Bowl-level center and, along with Tristan Wirfs, an anchor on the offensive line. A return to his previous level of play will earn him a case.

Chris Godwin’s explosion returns, much to the dismay of defensive backs everywhere. The Bucs have an enviable duo at the top of the wide receiver depth chart, and they are arguably the best duo in the league.

Although he played in 15 games last year and had a 1,000-yard season, a full off-season to recover from his torn ACL could mean even bigger things and a place as one of the team’s best players.

Switching back to the defensive side of the ball, there’s plenty to like about the unit. Since his lineup, Antoine Winfield Jr. been one of the top safeties in the league and he will return there full-time this season.

Whether in cover or blitzing, he has a track record of making plays. With the secondary losses to free agency, he will be entrusted to help create many of them, and a big season could solidify his claim.

Last is Vita Vea. Not many real tackles sack their team, but that’s what Vea did last season for a defense that finished seventh in that category. While his 6.5 sacks were a career high, he wreaks havoc down the middle and forces the defense to battle double teams against him. While he has more help on the defensive line and on the edge in rookies Calijah Kancey, YaYa Diaby and Jose Ramirez, it’s still Vea’s defensive line as captain.

Considering who the Bucs’ best players are up against this season is a positive exercise. Choosing three top players is not easy; who would be your choices? Leave them in the comments below.