How Many “Championship Blocks” Do The Bucs Have?

“The evolution of the NFL into a passing league has made it essential for teams to feature high-end blockers on each side of the offensive line. Wirfs checks the box as an elite edge blocker with the size (6-5, 320 pounds), strength and length to stymie pass rushers in space while also pummeling defenders in the running game. Although the 2021 All-Pro tackle has earned honors and accolades for his work at right tackle, he possesses the athleticism and agility to make a move to the quarterback’s blind side.

Whether the Bucs need him there — general manager Jason Licht said after the draft that Wirfs’ move to the left side isn’t “etched in stone yet” – and whether it’s Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask under center are yet to be determined. Given his versatility, adaptability and elite skill at a marquee position, Wirfs could be essential to a championship puzzle.”

Bucs OT Tristan Wirfs Quickly Building A Hall Of Fame Resume

Tristan Wirfs is well on his way to having a Hall of Fame career if he continues at his current trajectory, and it’s good to see him get some national recognition for it. He can add to his resume if he finds close to the same amount of success at left tackle as he did on the right side. Wirfs has won a Super Bowl, made the PFWA All-Rookie team, earned two Pro Bowl berths, and has become a first team All-Pro and a second team All-Pro in just three seasons. At age 24, he has so much of his career in front of him and will likely go down as the greatest offensive lineman in franchise history.

Another fun fact of the group that among every player listed, which you can read in Bucky Brooks’ article, Wirfs is the only player to have already won a Super Bowl. Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase (fifth) and 49ers edge rusher Nick Bosa (second) were the others to play in a Super Bowl, but each lost in their appearance.

Any Other Bucs Deserving Of The Conversation?

There are some other Bucs that you could make the case for as a championship building block under Bucky Brooks’ rules and guidelines. Where it gets confusing, though, is how can one not call someone a championship block when they’ve already won a title?

The next Buccaneer that should get consideration is Tristan Wirfs’ fellow draft class member, safety Antoine Winfield Jr. He has shown early on in his career that he can do everything as a safety. Winfield is held in high regard as one of the best amongst his peers coning out of that 2020 draft class.

Winfield has piled up 262 tackles, nine sacks, 15 pass breakups, four interceptions five forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries in 42 career games. In the playoffs, he’s also recorded 39 tackles, one sack, one interception, two forced fumbles and one fumble recovery in six games. Winfield tends to make big plays in big moments.

And even after making the Pro Bowl for the 2021 season, he was willing to move into the slot as a nickel corner last year in 2022. Though his numbers dipped a bit, Winfield still played at high level. He’s moving back to free safety for the 2023 season, so keep a look out for an upgrade in his splash plays.

Of course one can’t talk about the Bucs’ secondary without mentioning Carlton Davis III and Jamel Dean, who both are just young enough to make the list at 26 years of age. Each player has a unique skill set that thrives on winning one-on-one battles against top wide receivers. Davis relies more on physicality and tenacity, while Dean’s speed can keep him with anyone. Each player was signed to long term contracts over the previous two offseasons.

The only thing that’s taking these players away from Pro Bowl and All-Pro status are the turnovers. Davis had one interception last year, while Dean had two that both came in Week 2. If they can add more to that column more they’ll be rated with the best of the best.

Bucs’ Dark Horse Pick

My final dark horse pick is a player that hasn’t proven much yet but has potential for huge upside given his move up the depth chart. That would be Bucs running back Rachaad White. Going into his second year, White is the top running back for the Bucs and will have the snap count amongst the running back room in his favor.

Running backs are a dime a dozen in today’s NFL, but with Tampa Bay’s dedication to running the ball with a new offense that is implementing zone blocking and creativity, one can’t help but get hyped up over what White can do. White has merely scratched the surface and the more playing time he gets, the more productive he can be for the Bucs this season.