3 things the Tampa Bay Buccaneers need to address in 2022

TAMPA, FLORIDA - JANUARY 23: Tom Brady #12 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers calls a play in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Playoff game at Raymond James Stadium on January 23, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2 of 3

TAMPA, FLORIDA – OCTOBER 24: Tristan Wirfs #78 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after beating the Chicago Bears 38-3 in the game at Raymond James Stadium on October 24, 2021 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /

2. Buccaneers must find depth at tackle

In 2020, Buccaneers’ general manager Jason Licht used the 13th overall pick in the draft to grab University of Iowa blocking standout Tristan Wirfs. The 6’5”, 320-pound presence started every game his rookie season, including the club’s four-game championship run.

He followed that up in 2021 by starting all 17 regular-season contests (earning Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors), as well as the wild card clash with the Eagles. But he suffered an ankle injury vs. Philadelphia and was unable to play in the rematch with the Rams (via SI.com’s Michael Shapiro).

Center Ryan Jensen was also a bit banged up vs. the Birds and had his hands full with the Rams’ defensive front.

This is one of the top offensive lines in the league but it also looked a bit ordinary at times. Left tackle Donovan Smith and left guard Ali Marpet have been stalwarts for this group for seven straight seasons. Right guard Alex Cappa was a third-round pick in 2018 and has started every game for the team each of the past two years.

Jensen, Cappa, and reserve tackle Josh Wells could all test free agency in March. The Bucs saw what happened without Wirfs in the lineup and could look to upgrade their depth.

Home/Tampa Bay Buccaneers