Can Bucky Irving carry the Tampa Bay Buccaneers even further in Year 2? And four more key questions
Tampa Bay fans should be fired up heading into the 2025 season. The Buccaneers are coming off their best year since 2021, when the GOAT, Tom Brady, was leading the offense. This year’s team features one of the most balanced attacks in the NFL and has bolstered its defense with key additions like Haason Reddick. These five burning questions will likely determine whether the Bucs can meet or even surpass expectations.
Five burning questions for the Buccaneers
1. Can second-year back Bucky Irving prove he’s an elite NFL running back?
A player I was extremely high on going into the 2024 NFL Draft was Bucky Irving, naming him the running back I would stand on the table for. He ended up exceeding even my expectations, leading all NFL running backs in rushing yards (1,122), rushing touchdowns (8), and receptions (47 for 392 yards). He also led the league with 3.93 yards after contact per attempt (among backs with at least 150 carries) and posted a 90.2 PFF receiving grade, which was the second-highest grade at the position. Heading into 2025, he’s ranked as the NFL’s sixth-best running back by Pro Football Focus and will again be a focal point of the Buccaneers’ offense.
Bucky Irving big run!
— NFL (@NFL) December 2, 2024
📺: #TBvsCAR on FOX
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2. What kind of impact will Emeka Egbuka have?
Wide receiver wasn’t a major need for Tampa Bay going into the 2025 NFL Draft. With Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Jalen McMillan already on the roster, selecting Emeka Egbuka in the first round raised some eyebrows. Given the depth at the position, Egbuka’s opportunities may be limited. Expect him to finish the year as the team’s fourth option, posting roughly 35 catches and 3 touchdowns.
3. Who replaces Tristan Wirfs?
Tristan Wirfs is expected to start the season on the shelf after undergoing knee surgery on July 8. The leading candidate to fill in is Charlie Heck, who spent last season with the Cardinals and 49ers. He struggled, earning a 41.2 PFF grade and allowing eight pressures on just 72 pass-blocking snaps. That kind of performance could open the door for raw but promising Benjamin Chukwuma to get a look. The Bucs may also explore adding a veteran via trade or waivers.
4. How far can Tampa Bay go this season?
BetMGM set the Buccaneers' win total at 9.5, but I expect them to clear that with room to spare. Their offense is one of the most well-rounded in the NFL, and the defense should take a step forward. Last year, they gave up 244 passing yards per game, but the addition of Benjamin Morrison, who had a late first-round grade on my board, along with a healthy Antoine Winfield Jr., should help tighten that up. Add in the fact that they play in one of the NFL’s weakest divisions, and the path is clear. Expect Tampa Bay to win the NFC South and make a run to the NFC Championship Game.
5. What will be their top need in the 2026 NFL Draft?
Tampa Bay’s biggest need heading into the 2026 NFL Draft will likely be adding a pass rusher. Haason Reddick is only on a one-year deal, and there’s no long-term solution currently on the roster. One name to watch as a potential fit is Texas edge rusher Anthony Hill Jr.