Power rankings are always interesting to see how they can reflect upon your team and others within your division.
Following the offseason and part of the preseason, groups are re-evaluating their rosters and projecting them out, incorporating new looks and overhauls based on observations from coaches. The Bucs had one of the better drafts, they had a great offseason, and now some units are really shining in the preseason.
Which leads us to ESPN’s latest power rankings they published where they have Tampa Bay in the 13 spot.
ESPN’s Jenna Laine, the Bucs beat reporter, updated their ranking, also provided which player is under the most pressure on the team as they look to win another Super Bowl. Her choice was cornerback Jamel Dean, she writes, “He counts $15 million against the salary cap in 2025 and nearly $16 million in 2026. The Bucs drafted two cornerbacks in Benjamin Morrison and Jacob Parrish in 2025. Dean has struggled to stay on the field due to injuries, missing 18 games in six seasons, including nine in the past two.”
Ironically, it is those picks she mentioned in Morrison and Parrish who could wind up making the difference between a Super Bowl or not for this team. The secondary was their biggest issue, and in some respects it remains that. If they play to their top potential and Dean meets the moment, this team could outperform their 13th spot in these power rankings.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Buccaneers gain respect in ESPN’s latest power rankings
Reporting by Andrew Harbaugh, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
