The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defense was its Achilles heel in 2024. While the offense was excelling and posting top five numbers across major categories, the defense was falling apart due to injuries and poor play.
But there was at least one bright spot on the team, as cornerback Jamel Dean had another good season even after being slowed by a hamstring injury and played in just 10 contests.
Pro Football Focus ranked Dean at No. 17 on their cornerbacks list, citing his consistency since turning pro.
17. Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
"Consistency is highly valued in the NFL, and there might not be any cornerback more consistent year-to-year than Dean. His worst season resulted in a 72.5 PFF overall grade, while his best produced a 78.9 figure. He ranks 11th in PFF advanced coverage grade over the past two seasons and did not allow a touchdown in coverage in 2024."
Dean has been every part of consistent - even with the injury bug. And that's the only thing that's held him back.
Dean hasn't played more than 15 games in a season and he's done that twice. He's played 14 games once, 13 games twice and 12 games a season ago.
But he's been able to post 313 tackles with 247 solo and six for loss, with eight interceptions with a pick-6, 52 passes defended, one forced fumble and two fumble recoveries.
Last season, across 12 games, he posted 59 tackles - the third-most in his pro career - with 45 solo. He added an interception, seven passes defended and one forced fumble.
Next season, Dean will enter Year 3 of a four-year, $52 million deal signed ahead of the 2023 season, and he's showing he's worth every penny.