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NFL power rankings: Training camp edition

By Brad Weiss

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots raises the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime of Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots raises the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Patriots defeat the Atlanta Falcons 34-28 in overtime of Super Bowl 51 at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 17-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – JANUARY 01: Jameis Winston #3 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers looks to pass against the Carolina Panthers at Raymond James Stadium on January 1, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers defeated the Panthers 17-16. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

, NFC South

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made Jameis Winston the first overall selection in the 2015 NFL Draft, and boy has that decision paid off. The organization has gotten better every year, and entering the 2017 season, they are on the brink of being contenders in the NFC. They added some nice pieces around him this offseason, and with two full years of experience, he could be in for a breakout season for the Bucs.

Mike Evans is regarded as one of the best wide receivers in the NFC, possessing incredible big-play ability. Joining him this season will be DeSean Jackson, who should give Winston the ability to stretch the field. In addition, rookie Mike Godwin was a big target for Trace McSorley and the Penn State Nittany Lions last season, and should be a red zone target for the Bucs this season.

The Buccaneers defense is going to be tough as well, especially up front. Players like William Gholston, Gerald McCoy, and Robert Ayers are going to make it difficult on the opposition, especially those trying to get comfortable in the pocket. Tampa Bay is good enough to play with anybody this season, and will likely improve on their nine-win season from a year ago.

Despite having tight end Cameron Brate, the team drafted O.J. Howard, who could be a Rookie of the Year candidate at the position. Head coach Dirk Koetter was a very nice hire for the organization, and while the division is going to be tough, it really is anybody’s to grab. The Bucs play rival Atlanta twice in the last six games of the season, and this division may not be decided until Week 17.

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