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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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KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 20: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots makes a catch in the second quarter against Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images)
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI – JANUARY 20: Rob Gronkowski #87 of the New England Patriots makes a catch in the second quarter against Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the AFC Championship Game at Arrowhead Stadium on January 20, 2019 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by David Eulitt/Getty Images) /

Tampa Bay Buccaneers x-factor: Rob Gronkowski, TE

Prior to the NFL Draft, the Buccaneers and New England Patriots linked up for one of the more shocking trades. Rob Gronkowski decided to come out of retirement, but he wanted to play in Tampa Bay with his former quarterback Tom Brady.

Gronkowski got his wish, and now the once dominant duo will play with each other this upcoming season with the Buccaneers. Adding yet another dynamic weapon to that offense that already features the likes of Evans, Chris Godwin, Ronald Jones, O.J. Howard and Cameron Brate.

It is rather unlikely that Gronkowski came out of his one-year hiatus to be a decoy on the team’s offense. No. Instead, he decided to come back to win another championship with Brady, and to be one of the best tight ends in the NFL again.

Of course, he most likely will not be the same, and there is some expected regression. Although, it is not unfair to expect him to be a top five tight end once again in 2020. We have seen how much Brady likes to work in a two-tight end system in the past, and now he gets to do that again with Howard and Gronkowski.

Gronkowski needs to be great because he can help others understand Brady’s tendencies, free up space for others such as Howard, he will take double teams, and he can be effective as a blocker.

Essentially, Gronkowski takes this offense and makes it potentially elite. His experience is valuable as well. Brady also needs a trusted, go-to guy, and we sure know Gronkowski can be successful at that.

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