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NFL: 6 Teams with the weakest rosters heading into the 2023 season

By Michael Johnson

Apr 28, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; From left to right, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (left), second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Texans linebacker Will Anderson Jr., third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, pose for a photo at a press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; From left to right, Houston Texans quarterback CJ Stroud (left), second overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Texans linebacker Will Anderson Jr., third overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, pose for a photo at a press conference at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-USA TODAY Sports /
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ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 08: Mike Evans #13 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers walks off the field during the first half against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images) /

NFL team no. 2: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Buccaneers made eight picks in the 2023 NFL Draft, but unfortunately, none of them stood out as game-changers. While some picks, such as Calijah Kancey and Cody Mauch, show potential, they are not immediate impact players. The overall grade for the draft class reflects this mediocrity, and it raises questions about the team’s ability to find high-upside players for the long term.

One of the most significant blows to the Buccaneers’ chances in the upcoming season is the departure of Tom Brady. The future Hall of Fame quarterback was instrumental in leading the team to its Super Bowl victory and provided stability and leadership on and off the field. Without him, the Buccaneers will have to rely on a new starting quarterback, likely Baker Mayfield.

Signing Matt Feiler and Ryan Neal was not enough to fill the void left by key departures. The tight salary cap situation forced the team to make difficult decisions, resulting in the releases of Donovan Smith, Leonard Fournette, Cam Brate, and Ryan Succop. All players that played crucial roles in the Buccaneers’ recent success.

General Manager Jason Licht acknowledged that the team is currently in a restocking phase, aiming to build another championship team for the long term. This strategy suggests that the Buccaneers might not be as competitive in the immediate future. While they still aim to win and compete for the division title, the emphasis on long-term goals might impact their performance in the 2023 season.

There’s uncertainty ahead with a new starting quarterback, a less dominant roster, and a challenging NFC South division. The road ahead for the Buccaneers is far from smooth. Losing key players and the lack of significant additions during the draft raise concerns about the team’s ability to replicate its previous success. While the Buccaneers have proven doubters wrong in the past, the upcoming season poses a unique challenge that fans should be prepared for.

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