Gabriel Kahaian: Two Buccaneer Wide Receivers Eclipse 1,000 Yards
After thinking about this prompt for a bit, l became pretty passionate about an optimistic outlook regarding the passing game in 2026. There are a couple big factors I think will result in the Bucs having two 1,000-yard receivers next season.
Tampa Bay is no stranger to this benchmark. Since 2019, Mike Evans and Chris Godwin Jr. have accomplished the feat four times (most recently in 2023). However, over the past two seasons, the Buccaneers' second-leading receiver has totaled 600 yards or fewer, something new Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson is looking to change.
If you look at Robinson's time in Atlanta in 2024 and 2025, you will see a few promising statistics. First, Drake London improved and firmly established himself as a true WR1, posting his two best campaigns as a professional. In 2024, Robinson got the most out of Darnell Mooney, as the wideout totaled 992 receiving yards and totaled a career-high five touchdowns. The play-caller also helped Kyle Pitts finish as Atlanta's leading receiver last season with 928 yards, a major factor in the team's decision to place the franchise tag on him this offseason. I did not even mention Bijan Robinson's 820 receiving yards in the 2025 campaign. The Bucs' new offensive architect was able to scheme all of that with a less-than-stable situation at quarterback.
Let's take a look at what Robinson will inherit in Tampa Bay. Of course, Baker Mayfield is a highly-capable quarterback accustomed to new systems. Then, Robinson has some serious weapons at his disposal. Evans is currently slated to test free agency, but General Manager Jason Licht stressed at the Combine that the organization would love to see Evans back while notingthat he has "earned the right" to see what his options are. Godwin should be back and better thanever with a full offseason to recover from any lingering injuries. Then, Emeka Egbuka and Jalen McMillan are primed to capitalize on the successful starts to their respective careers. With a fully healthy offensive line and the threats the Bucs boast at wideout, I expect Tampa Bay to produce two 1,000-yard pass catchers this season.
Scott Smith: Tykee Smith Will Have At Least Three Each of Interceptions, Sacks and Forced Fumbles
I know that might not sound very bold. You probably see the number three and yawn. But I promise you it is bold! You know how many players in Buccaneers history have accomplished that combination of statistics in a single season? One! Antoine Winfield Jr. in 2023. (To be fair to Winfield, he had SIX sacks and SIX forced fumbles and I'm not expecting Tykee Smith to match that.) In the last 10 years, only five players have done it, most recently Winfield.
So I'm asking a lot of the third-year player, but it's worth noting that he had two interceptions and three forced fumbles in 2024 and 2.0 sacks last year. Put that together and we're almost there! I believe Smith to be an ascending player, so there's reason to expect him to top his previous statistical outputs. During his time at the NFL Scouting Combine podium last Tuesday, Head Coach Todd Bowles said Smith was the Bucs' best defensive player in 2025 for about three quarters of the season before he suffered a shoulder injury.
Smith is just a playmaker, in the mold of his fellow safety, Winfield. He's a good blitzer, so the sacks should come if he is giving enough opportunities to blitz the quarterback. He can line up all over the field, but so can Winfield, which means there will also be plenty of times when Smith is the one in deep coverage, where a safety is most likely to get his interception opportunities. And he's a hard hitter, so he should dislodge a football from its owner on occasion. With good health through 17 games, I think he's got a chance to hit all three of those benchmarks.
Brianna Dix: Bucky Irving to Average Over Five Yards Per Carry
Bucky Irving's encore campaign following his breakout 2024 rookie season was cut short by injuries. Irving suffered foot and shoulder injuries in Week Four against the Philadelphia Eagles, with the shoulder ailment keeping him sidelined for a significant portion of the 2025 season. He returned in Week 13 against the Arizona Cardinals and totaled 588 yards on 173 carries this past season.
The Bucs' offense will enter the 2026 slate under the direction of new Offensive Coordinator Zac Robinson. Robinson became the Falcons' OC in 2024 and that year, Atlanta posted a top-10rushing unit and eclipsed the 100-yard marker in 12 games. Bijan Robinson posted a career-high 304 rushes for 1,456 yards and 14 rushing touchdowns. The play-caller maximized personnel and although he comes from the Sean McVay coaching tree with an emphasis on wide zone runs, Robinson will add in new wrinkles and tailor the system around Irving's strengths.
Shuffling along the offensive line due to injuries in 2025, including nine different starting combinations, attributed to a drop in the Bucs' ground output. In 2026 with a clean bill of health for both Irving and the men in the trenches, I expect a jump in production from No. 7. Irving makes defenders miss with sensational lateral cuts and superb panoramic vision. With elusiveness, the ability to redirect on a dime, pass-catching upside and downhill charge, Irving will help ignite the rushing attack in 2026. After averaging 5.4 yards per tote in 2024, he fell to 3.4 last season. Come fall, I predict Irving will operate at peak form and average over five yards a carry to spur Tampa Bay's offense, opening up play-action.