The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have gone out of their way this offseason to ensure their offensive success, from a season ago, continues into Baker Mayfield's third year in Tampa. Returning all 11 starters from 2024 shows continuity was clearly a point of emphasis and one the Bucs have succeed in. The return of those key contributors has led most to forecast a defensive draft class for the Buccaneers this go around. Tampa Bay's defense has struggled mightly, at times, over the last few seasons— pass-rush, coverage, as well as tackling have all been highly critiquable. Conventional wisdom definitely says the Bucs will go defense early and often, however, a particular quote from Todd Bowles (that flew under most radars) may highlight a different thought process—
"I can figure things out enough on defense to keep us competitive.