Fansided

5 players who Buccaneers need to be great in 2020

By William Schneiderhan

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws the ball during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 29: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots throws the ball during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
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EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 26: Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in action in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 26, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
EVANSTON, ILLINOIS – OCTOBER 26: Tristan Wirfs #74 of the Iowa Hawkeyes in action in the game against the Northwestern Wildcats at Ryan Field on October 26, 2019 in Evanston, Illinois. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers x-factor: Tristan Wirfs, OT

In the past NFL Draft, the Buccaneers selected Tristan Wirfs. Rather surprisingly, the former Iowa standout fell to the Buccaneers at pick 13. He is so important in 2020 because he can stabilize a tackle position and help round out an offensive line tasked with protecting Brady.

The offensive line had areas of strength in 2019 for the Buccaneers. Pro Football Focus ranked them seventh in the NFL. Although, most of that rating was bulked up by the play up the middle by guard Ali Marpet and center Ryan Jensen. Otherwise, the rest of the line needed some work.

According to Football Outsiders and the analysis this website uses, the team’s line was ranked 22nd in pass protection and 23rd in run blocking. They also surrendered 40 sacks, which is right around league average.

Winston was the quarterback last year and the Buccaneers did not necessarily have lofty expectations. This year, Brady will be under center, and the team is expected to make a run at a championship.

Therefore, the line must protect the future Hall of Famer if the club truly plans on contending. If Wirfs can play well as a rookie, he will make the line more dynamic and athletic at a key position.

With all that talent on the offense, giving the unit time to work is an absolute must. If Brady has to deal with constant pressure, that predicted success will not come to fruition.

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