Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Speaking of offenses with terrifying potential, the Bucs gave quarterback Jameis Winston all the help he could desire this offseason. First, they signed receiver DeSean Jackson to a three-year, $35 million deal, landing the deep threat Vincent Jackson never was. Then, they drafted tight end O.J. Howard out of Alabama in the first round, a perpetual matchup problem who can run the seam all game long.
Putting those two aside Winston is a potential star who still has a long way to go, particularly when it comes to decision-making. With that said, both Mike Evans and Doug Martin also add explosive play-making ability on offense.
There are some ‘ifs’, namely Winston cutting down on his turnovers. However, there are others. Martin faces a three-game PED suspension to start the year and played just eight games last season due to health issues. Ali Marpet has to survive a move to center. Left tackle Donovan Smith has to survive, period. The same goes for guard J.R. Sweezy.
Defensively, the youth isn’t there, but the talent is. The unit came on at the end of last season, finishing fourth in weighted DVOA, and a Vernon Hargreaves step forward in his sophomore year would do a lot for their secondary. A lot has to go right, but the pieces are in place and that’s the most any team — especially one that was the worst in football just three years ago — can ask for.