Still, Egbuka had an impressive rookie season with 63 catches for 938 yards and six touchdowns that can\u2019t go unrecognized.<\/p>\n
His play declined a bit down the stretch, but entering year two and finally settling into a permanent role as the full-time Z receiver, Egbuka could easily become Baker Mayfield\u2019s No. 1 target in 2026.\u00a0<\/p>\n
10. Chris Godwin Jr.<\/p>\n
Chris Godwin isn\u2019t the player he once was due to a combination of age and injuries, but he\u2019s the most proven wide receiver in Tampa Bay.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He\u2019s eclipsed 1,000 yards four times in his career, and was on pace for a career year back in 2024 before suffering a devastating season-ending ankle injury.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He spent much of last season shaking the rust off and returning to form after that injury, but he proved vintage Godwin is still in there, catching 7 passes for 108 yards and a touchdown in Week 17 against the Dolphins.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Bucs will be counting on that version of Godwin to show up in 2026, as the team is relying on his production following the departure of Mike Evans.\u00a0<\/p>\n
9. Yaya Diaby<\/p>\n
Diaby hasn\u2019t broken through as an elite pass rusher just yet, but he\u2019s been a strong force off the edge that makes an impact against both the pass and run.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He\u2019s led the Bucs in sacks in two of his three pro seasons, recording 19 in his career. With Tampa Bay\u2019s major investment in the defensive front this offseason, Diaby finally has the supporting cast he needs to take the next step<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n 8. Cody Mauch\u00a0<\/p>\n Cody Mauch was just starting to separate himself as one of the NFL\u2019s best guards before a season-ending injury in Week 2 derailed his 2025 campaign.\u00a0<\/p>\n In 2024, Mauch ranked as PFF\u2019s No. 14 guard, and finished No. 6 in pass blocking. If he can stay healthy, he has all of the tools to develop even further and become a universally-regarded top 10 guard in the NFL.\u00a0<\/p>\n The Buccaneers truly missed his presence last season, both in the pass game and the run game, and life will be much easier for the offense with him back in the fold. <\/p>\n 7. Luke Goedeke<\/p>\n Luke Goedeke has quickly emerged as a cornerstone for the Buccaneers, holding down the right side of the offensive line in impressive fashion.<\/p>\n The biggest concern for Goedeke is his ability to stay on the field, because the team misses him when he\u2019s on the sideline. Goedeke missed six games last season and four games back in 2024.<\/p>\n But despite missing some time with a foot injury, Goedeke had his best season in 2025. He didn\u2019t allow a single sack or QB hit through 11 games.\u00a0<\/p>\n A full season of dominance will allow this Bucs offense to reach its potential, and for Goedeke to cement himself as one of the NFL\u2019s best offensive tackles. <\/p>\n 6. Tykee Smith<\/p>\n Tykee Smith showed signs of elite potential last season<\/a>, and it was only his first year playing safety full-time.\u00a0<\/p>\n Smith especially shined near the line of scrimmage and as a blitzer, totaling 100 tackles along with two sacks, two interceptions and 13 passes defensed.<\/p>\n Todd Bowles said that Smith was his best defensive player last season until suffering a significant shoulder injury that affected him late in the season. If Smith can remain healthy, his second season at strong safety could be a truly special one. <\/p>\n 5. Chase McLaughlin<\/p>\n Kickers are one of the most overlooked positions in football, but not in Tampa Bay. The Bucs have had such a bad history with kickers, that when one as great as Chase \u201cMoney\u201d McLaughlin walks through the door, we won\u2019t forget to give him his flowers.<\/p>\n He made his first 11 attempts from 50+ yards last season, setting a new NFL record. He remains one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history from long distance.<\/p>\n He\u2019s made 91% of his field goals with the Buccaneers and is one of the most reliable players on the roster, and he shouldn’t be taken for granted. <\/p>\n 4. Baker Mayfield<\/p>\n Baker Mayfield<\/a> has played a solid three seasons in Tampa Bay, and while the second half of last season was disappointing, that doesn\u2019t erase all of the great moments Mayfield has delivered as the leader of this team.\u00a0<\/p>\n He led four game-winning drives through the first five weeks last season. He made something out of nothing countless times, breaking free from sacks and making big-time plays in crucial moments.<\/p>\n He often put the team on his back, playing through injuries of his own while also overcoming injuries to his offensive line and wide receivers. Mayfield is the surefire franchise quarterback for the Buccaneers.\u00a0<\/p>\n 3. Vita Vea\u00a0<\/p>\n Vita Vea does the dirty work for the Buccaneers defensive unit. He swallows double teams and spearheads Tampa Bay\u2019s dominant run defense.<\/p>\n The Bucs have boasted a top five rushing defense in six of Vea\u2019s eight pro seasons. He\u2019s the anchor of the defensive line, and Todd Bowles\u2019 defense wouldn\u2019t be nearly the same without him<\/a>. <\/p>\n 2. Antoine Winfield Jr.\u00a0<\/p>\n Antoine Winfield Jr. didn\u2019t have his best season in 2025, but he remains one of the best players on the Bucs roster.<\/p>\n Throughout his career, he\u2019s always made a big play just when the Bucs need it most. That started in his rookie year, when he forced a key fumble in the playoffs against the Saints that changed the momentum and led to a Bucs win en route to a Super Bowl.\u00a0<\/p>\n He did it again last year in Week 1 against the Falcons, flying in for a miraculous pass breakup to save Tampa Bay from disaster in the final minute. He\u2019s the team\u2019s clutchest, most high-impact player, and he\u2019s earned his spot among the Bucs\u2019 best players.<\/p>\n 1. Tristan Wirfs<\/p>\n
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