Final month, ESPN went by way of the 50 greatest NFL draft steals of the previous decade (ESPN+ subscription required). On the record, nevertheless, they failed to incorporate one Buccaneer within the rankings, though Ryan Jensen (drafted by the Ravens) and Chris Godwin have been on the “Who simply missed?” record.

This matter begs an fascinating query; who’re the largest Bucs draft steals utilizing the identical guidelines?

For this train, I observe most of their pointers in not together with first-rounders and 2023 draft picks. Apologies to Mike Evans, Vita Vea, and Tristan Wirfs. All gamers from the 2013 to 2022 Bucs’ drafts have been thought-about.

Additionally, if you need to see a extra in-depth analysis of latest Bucs’ draft courses and every choose’s relative hit price, Josh Queipo and I did a collection on this earlier this offseason.

Let’s start:

1. WR Chris Godwin

Bucs WR Chris Godwin – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Drafted: Decide No. 84 in 2017 Draft

Whereas Chris Godwin was snubbed from ESPN’s record, he ranks first right here amongst his fellow Bucs. Since being taken within the third spherical in 2017, Godwin has already develop into the second-best receiver in crew historical past to Mike Evans by way of his first six seasons.

Within the timespan, he has 5,666 receiving yards, with three 1000-yard seasons on his resume. Godwin has proved to be a flexible, do-it-all menace that may trigger havoc within the display screen sport, within the slot, and lined up outdoors.

Having simply turned 27, he has loads of time to proceed establishing himself as probably the greatest receivers within the league. By the point it’s stated and achieved, he might very effectively be one of the crucial underrated wideouts within the days of highlight-reel gamers at his place.

2. S Antoine Winfield Jr.

Drafted: Decide No. 45 in 2020 Draft

Bucs FS Antoine Winfield, Jr. and Chiefs WR Tyreek Hill – Picture by: USA At the moment

Tampa Bay did effectively by deciding on the 2 greatest gamers they might have in occurring to win the Tremendous Bowl in 2020. Taking Antoine Winfield Jr. was a giant a part of it.

Winfield has helped to solidify the secondary each then and now alongside different younger Bucs’ defensive backs. By means of three seasons, he has proven to be a swiss-army knife by way of his protection talents, blitzing (9 profession sacks), and lining up as the first nickel again final season.

There may be volatility at each place, however discovering elite defensive backs is difficult. Particularly ones who can play inside Todd Bowles’ protection. Already in his brief profession, Winfield is likely one of the greatest at his place. Alongside Tristan Wirfs, each have “anchored” key positions on the sector instantly.

If Winfield can keep away from the harm bug, he’s effectively on the best way to emulating his father in having a protracted, productive NFL profession.

3. OG Ali Marpet

Drafted: Decide No. 61 in 2015 Draft

Somebody who did have a productive NFL profession is Ali Marpet. Though he retired after the 2021 season on the age of 28, nobody can query the influence he had alongside the offensive line.

Marpet began nearly all of seven seasons, showing in 101 video games whole. He saved his greatest marketing campaign for final, being a Professional Bowl nod in 2021.

His fun-loving persona has been missed, however common supervisor Jason Licht stated it greatest following his retirement. “It has been certainly one of my best skilled thrills to see his speedy ascension from a small school standout into one [of] the NFL’s greatest all-around offensive linemen.”

Licht went into uncharted waters by taking Marpet from a D-III faculty. Nevertheless it proved to be an unimaginable discover, and in Buccaneer phrases, an act of piracy that rivals Sir Francis Drake’s days of conquest.

4. CB Jamel Dean

Drafted: Decide No. 94 in 2019 Draft

Bucs GM Jason Licht, CB Jamel Dean, and OLB Anthony Nelson. – Picture by: Matt Matera/PR

Jamel Dean doesn’t wish to make a scene, however he placed on fairly the present final season in his contract yr. In doing so, he performed his method into a brand new contract and put a stamp on his standing as a draft steal.

The counting stats don’t do Dean justice. Though his two interceptions in 2022 didn’t bounce off the web page, his protection talents did. There have been questions heading into the season on if he might beat Sean Murphy-Bunting for the surface cornerback spot reverse of Carlton Davis III, and he answered them convincingly.

Dean will get the slight nod on this record over Davis for being taken later within the draft and proving to be equally efficient. They’ve paired up since their school days, and in addition line up properly with one another as high quality finds.

5. CB Carlton Davis III

Drafted: Decide No. 63 in 2018 Draft

Carlton Davis III, on the time of this text, has not too long ago made it clear that he bows to no man. This chip-on-his-shoulder mentality has been instilled into him since he was a child, however 5 seasons into his NFL profession, he has grown right into a No. 1 cornerback for the Bucs.

Davis had his greatest season in 2020, and it’s no coincidence that his play helped lead the crew to the Lombardi trophy. He parlayed his tenacity of constructing performs right into a second contract, and it’s evident that he’s removed from making his presence recognized on a extra nationwide scale.

It’s no secret to people who watch the Bucs that Davis is a well-rounded defensive again. From being a certain tackler to his hard-nosed protection, he has been a constant participant week in and week out since first donning the pink and pewter.

Whereas the following step shall be piling up extra turnovers, Davis has already confirmed to be effectively price his second-round choice. Because the season approaches, opposing receivers — in follow or on Sundays — is not going to be trying ahead to matching up towards somebody as hungry and bodily as him.

6. OT Donovan Smith

Drafted: Decide No. 34 in 2015 Draft

Followers might have soured on Donovan Smith after final season, a yr through which he had his share of struggles. In 13 video games, he was referred to as for 12 whole penalties.

However it’s a disservice to not point out his excessive factors as effectively. As an eight-year starter, Smith held down the fort on the blindside.

He continued to pattern upward all through his tenure as much as final season, together with his degree of play rising because the Bucs added high-end expertise on offense. 2021 was his highest-graded season — 83.3 per Professional Soccer Focus — and he was a giant a part of the offensive line’s success.

Whereas he didn’t have a storybook ending in Tampa Bay, Smith had an general productive Bucs profession as a participant who flashed close to Professional-Bowl caliber play.

7. DL Will Gholston

Drafted: Decide No. 126 in 2013 Draft

Bucs DE Will Gholston – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

The oldest participant on this record (32 on July thirty first), Will Gholston has been with the Bucs for a decade. All through his time in Tampa Bay, he has seen the highs and lows of the franchise.

Whereas the query stays whether or not he’ll rejoin the crew for an additional season, one can not query his standing and influence.

Gholston has by no means been a star, however relatively a task participant who has served the position of a mentor and an awesome locker-room presence. He has had respectable, constant numbers. Over his ten seasons, he has tallied 401 mixed tackles, 19.5 sacks, 58 tackles for loss, and 77 quarterback hits.

For a day-two choice, an space of the draft the place many gamers fail to final greater than a few seasons, Gholston has been a relative steal.

8. S Jordan Whitehead

Drafted: Decide No. 117 in 2018 Draft

The final three gamers on this record didn’t see a second contract in Tampa Bay, however different groups rewarded them for his or her play. Slotting in right here is Jordan Whitehead.

Whitehead was a plug-and-play starter within the secondary for 4 seasons, recording 5 interceptions in 4 seasons. He made loads of huge tackles within the secondary and was certain to get his palms on the ball to deflect passes.

After his greatest stretch of play in 2021, he turned that right into a two-year, $14,500,000 take care of the Jets.

9. OG Alex Cappa

Drafted: Decide No. 94 in 2018 Draft

Licht discovered loads of draft worth within the 2018 draft. Not solely did he choose Carlton Davis III and Jordan Whitehead, however he additionally hit on one other unheralded offensive lineman.

Alex Cappa was solely a starter for 3 years, however he was a gentle cog on probably the greatest offensive traces in soccer throughout his time as a Buccaneer. It’s fascinating to think about simply how a lot the offensive line has modified within the two seasons following his departure.

Though he was injured through the crew’s Tremendous Bowl run and would go on to signal with the Bengals, Cappa makes the lower primarily based on beginning 46 video games and growing into one other profitable small faculty discover for Jason Licht.

10. S Mike Edwards

Bucs S Mike Edwards – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Drafted: Decide No. 99 in 2019 Draft

Final however not least is Mike Edwards. If there’s one phrase to explain his play fashion, it will be ‘Ballhawk.’ In 4 seasons, Edwards had seven interceptions, three of which he delivered to the home.

Sure, there’s a sturdy argument to be made that he didn’t hit his ceiling as a playmaker. Final yr was his first beginning many of the video games at security, however he did not take the following step up in manufacturing. He made splash performs, however there would even be stretches of video games the place he did not make a wave.

Regardless, Edwards served his position effectively, being apt at making performs in a fill-in position earlier than taking part in adequately as a starter.

Who Simply Missed?

There are two gamers deserving of point out who might climb this record shortly with a productive season or two. For the time being, every misses the lower after solely taking part in one season.

1. RB Rachaad White

Drafted: Decide No. 91 in 2022 Draft

Bucs RB Rachaad White – Picture by: Cliff Welch/PR

Beginning with Rachaad White, there’s a lot about his sport to love. He comes into this season with hype constructing round him after taking the reins within the Bucs’ operating again room. Based mostly on the circumstances surrounding him, his rookie yr was an general success.

As final season progressed, White started to see extra of a share of carries as Leonard Fournette did not amass greater than 72 speeding yards in a sport after Week 1.

From Week 10 on, he averaged roughly 11 carries and 4 targets a sport. In that eight-game span, there are some causes to consider that additional success and progress are within the playing cards.

He averaged precisely 4 yards a carry and caught 90.9% of passes thrown his method. His means to have respectable numbers in an archaic run scheme is one factor. However being so sure-handed within the receiving sport is one other.

The subsequent step for him is changing into a 1,000-yard again. With Dave Canales directing the offense and Skip Peete main the operating again room, the surroundings might enable White to blossom and get away. Keep tuned.

2. TE Cade Otton 

Drafted: Decide No. 106 in 2022 Draft

Amongst all rookie tight ends in 2022, Cade Otton had the most effective begin to his profession. Regardless of splitting time with Cam Brate, Otton demonstrated the flexibility to maneuver the chains and stretch the seam of the sector.

Total, he caught 42 passes for 391 yards and two touchdowns. With extra emphasis on ball distribution, it’s straightforward to see him improve these numbers additional and develop right into a top-10 to top-15 tight finish.

However earlier than all of this occurs, improvement throughout the tight finish room is essential. Between Otton, Ko Kieft, and Payne Durham, it’s the youngest group of tight ends within the NFL.

If Otton can emerge from them because the starter and construct on his rookie yr, it will serve him effectively for qualifying as a draft steal.