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NFL 2015: Ranking each defense from 32-1

By Matt Verderame

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a massive seven-year, nearly $100 million contract extension with Gerald McCoy.. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a massive seven-year, nearly $100 million contract extension with Gerald McCoy.. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

24. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers may have gone 2-14 last year, but the talent is there for a rebound season. At least on one side of the ball, anyway. Tampa Bay drafted franchise quarterback Jameis Winston with the top-overall pick in the 2015 NFL Draft to throw to Vincent Jackson and Mike Evans. Hopefully that trio can put up a ton of points, because the defense will struggle.

Tampa Bay has a pair of terrific young players in its front seven with defensive tackle Gerald McCoy and linebacker LaVonte David. However, the rest of that area is mostly barren of talent. The pass rush is going to be a serious concern throughout 2015 with George Johnson and Jacquies Smith on either end of the line. Flanking David are Bruce Carter and Danny Lansanah, two underwhelming options.

Head coach Lovie Smith made his bones as a defensive coordinator before getting to run the show with the Chicago Bears, and he will need to use some magic on this unit. The secondary is bolstered by Alterraun Verner but otherwise has a bunch of no-names and veterans on their second chances. This is a group with some experience, but mostly in getting burnt.

Next: 23. Washington Redskins

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