2024 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Projections (5/8)

Tampa attempted 183 fewer passes than in 2022 (751), which was expected after Tom Brady retired. Baker Mayfield played well (4,207 combined yards and 29 touchdowns), and the Bucs rewarded him with a three-year deal for $100 million ($50 million in guaranteed money). He was sacked 40 times (18 more than Tampa allowed last season). Mayfield finished with career-highs in completions of 20 yards (60) and 40 yards (12) or more.

Rachaad White hasn’t had running room in his two years with Tampa, leading to 3.7 yards per carry over his 401 attempts. Only five rushes reached the 20-yard mark. When given space at the second level of the defense, he showed much more explosiveness (8.6 yards per catch). Over his 34 games, White has 114 catches on 128 targets (89.1 % catch rate). He gained 20 yards or more on 10 of his 64 catches in 2023. White is a volume back who needs a better offensive line to reach stud rushing status. The Bucs drafted C Graham Barton in the first round, so 20% of the blocking puzzle should be improved.

Mike Evans was the second player to succeed more in this offense, with Mayfield behind center than Brady in 2022. He extended his streak of 1,000 receiving to 10 seasons. He posted a five-year high in catches (79) and targets (136) while being a beast in scoring (13 touchdowns - 46 over his last 62 starts). Evans gained over 100 yards in four (6/171/1, 6/143/1, 7/162/1, and 8/147/1) of his 19 matchups.

Tampa gave Chris Godwin 130 targets, but he still had a dull feel to his stat line on too many days. He gained over 1,000 yards over the past three seasons, but his receiving touchdown production regressed in four consecutive years (9, 7, 5, 3, and 2).

The Bucs added WR Jalen McMillan in the third round this season. He offered a slot skill set, but his short-area quickness isn’t ideal, especially when adding some release questions vs. press coverage.