Ranking Buccaneers position groups entering 2026 training camp
· Yahoo Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers enter 2026 training camp with a roster that has enough talent to contend in the NFC South, but not every position group is carrying the same level of certainty.
Some rooms have proven stars. Others have intriguing young talent. A few still need training camp and preseason games to determine whether the depth is strong enough for a 17-game season. That makes ranking the position groups a useful way to evaluate where Tampa Bay looks strongest and where the biggest questions remain.
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1. Offensive line
The offensive line is Tampa Bay’s best position group entering camp. Tristan Wirfs gives the Buccaneers one of the NFL’s premier left tackles, while Ben Bredeson, Graham Barton, Cody Mauch, and Luke Goedeke give the starting five continuity and physicality. If the group stays healthy, it should give Baker Mayfield a stable pocket and help the running game remain efficient.
The key question is depth. Billy Schrauth and other young linemen will be worth watching, but the starting unit is strong enough to put this group at No. 1.
2. Wide receiver
The Buccaneers’ wide receiver room looks different without Mike Evans, but it remains loaded with talent. Emeka Egbuka is expected to step into a larger role after a strong rookie season, while Chris Godwin Jr. brings proven reliability if healthy. Jalen McMillan, Tez Johnson, and Ted Hurst give Tampa Bay additional youth, speed, and competition.
This group has upside, but also pressure. Replacing Evans’ presence is not simple. The Bucs need Egbuka to handle WR1 attention and the rest of the room to settle into clear roles.
3. Quarterback
Baker Mayfield keeps the quarterback near the top of the list. He has brought stability, toughness and leadership to Tampa Bay since arriving, and the Buccaneers know they can win with him when the offense is balanced around him.
The contract conversation will remain part of the backdrop, but Mayfield’s job is secure. The bigger question is backup depth and whether the young quarterbacks can develop behind him.
4. Running back
Bucky Irving gives the Buccaneers an explosive lead back, and Kenneth Gainwell adds receiving ability, third-down value, and versatility. That combination gives Tampa Bay a strong foundation in the backfield.
The ranking would be higher if the group had more proven depth behind the top two. Training camp will determine whether Kadarius Calloway or another young back can become a trusted reserve.
5. Defensive line
Rueben Bain Jr. gives the defensive front a major young piece, and Tampa Bay still has enough size and power up front to be disruptive. Demonte Capehart and Josiah Green are among the names worth watching as the Bucs sort through rotational depth.
The question is consistency. Tampa Bay needs this group to generate pressure, defend the run and create enough disruption so the linebackers and secondary are not carrying too much of the burden.
6. Safety
Tykee Smith gives the Buccaneers versatility and toughness, and Antoine Winfield Jr. remains one of the most important players on the defense when healthy. The safety room has enough talent to play a major role in Todd Bowles’ system because Tampa Bay asks its defensive backs to disguise, cover, and support pressure packages.
The depth of the competition will matter. Ja’Qurious Conley and other reserves will need to show special teams value and reliability.
7. Linebacker
The linebacker room has experience, youth, and competition, but it still needs roles to settle. Lavonte David’s presence has long stabilized the middle of Tampa Bay’s defense, and Josiah Trotter gives the group another intriguing young option. Caden Fordham is a sleeper to watch as well.
This position remains important because Bowles’ defense asks linebackers to communicate, blitz, cover and clean up run fits. The Bucs need dependable depth behind the top names.
8. Outside linebacker
Tampa Bay has pass-rush talent, but this group enters camp needing more clarity. Yaya Diaby remains a key piece, and Rueben Bain Jr. could factor into multiple front alignments depending on how the Bucs use him. Yasir Holmes is one of the developmental names to watch.
The ceiling is interesting. The question is whether the Bucs have enough consistent edge pressure to affect games without constantly relying on blitz volume.
9. Tight end
Cade Otton gives Tampa Bay a dependable starter, and Bauer Sharp brings sleeper appeal because of his versatility as a tight end, fullback, or H-back option. The top of the group is steady, but the room still needs a second option to emerge.
If Sharp develops quickly or another tight end becomes a reliable blocker and situational receiver, this ranking could rise. Entering camp, it is more solid than spectacular.
10. Cornerback
Cornerback may be Tampa Bay’s biggest swing group. Zyon McCollum has the traits and experience to be a key starter, while Ayden Garnes and other young corners will have opportunities to push for depth roles. The talent is there, but the Bucs need consistency, ball production and better answers behind the top options.
In Bowles’ defense, cornerbacks are often left in stressful situations because of pressure looks and disguise. If this group performs well, Tampa Bay’s defense can take a jump. If it struggles, the secondary could become the roster’s biggest concern.
11. Special teams
Special teams can decide close games, but the group enters camp with fewer headline names than other positions. Tampa Bay needs clean operation, reliable coverage units, and steady kicking-game execution.
The Bucs have enough roster competition that special teams could decide several final spots. That makes this group important, even if it ranks last in terms of overall roster strength.
The Buccaneers have a roster with real strengths entering training camp. The offensive line, wide receiver room and quarterback position give Tampa Bay a strong offensive foundation, while the defense has enough front-seven talent and safety versatility to remain competitive.
The biggest questions are depth, cornerback consistency and whether the pass rush can create enough pressure to support the secondary. If those areas settle, Tampa Bay should enter the season with one of the more balanced rosters in the NFC South.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Ranking Buccaneers position groups entering 2026 training camp