Predicting Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Awards for 2023 Season

Looking ahead at who could be the Offensive and Defensive MVP's for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as well as other award predictions.

Buckle up Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans. In this new segment, Extra Point, I'll be recapping the top takeaways from the previous game. But since there was no game this weekend, I'll be kicking off the series with my predictions for the Buccaneers superlatives. 

I've already listed my 10 bold predictions for this season. Here we'll go more in-depth on who will be the team's Offensive and Defensive MVPs, who are the most improved players, and who shines as rookies. 

Offensive MVP: RB Rachaad White

There is no shortage of candidates for Offensive MVP with Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, and Tristan Wirfs, including the guy that will make the offense go in Baker Mayfield. But with the Buccaneers moving towards the identity of a run-first team, running back Rachaad White should see plenty of chances to make his mark on this offense. As a rookie, White churned out 481 yards on 129 carries. That was in an offense that often abandoned the run early, were playing behind, and in an antiquated system.

This season there is more emphasis on maximizing players' strengths in the run game in a new scheme that will highlight what the players do well. White should thrive in it. White should also be a threat in the passing game after recording 50 receptions last year for 290 yards, White should see an uptick in yardage as well as receptions. If all things go well White should top 1,000 yards on the ground with 4-500 or so yards through the air on his way to being the Bucs offensive MVP.

READ MORE: Former Buccaneers Super Bowl Champion Wide Receiver Signs With Rams

Defensive MVP: FS Antoine Winfield Jr.

On the defensive side of the ball, you could make the argument that defensive tackle Vita Vea was the team’s Defensive MVP last season leading the team with 6.5 sacks. With a move to his natural position at free safety, I think Antoine Winfiled Jr. has a good chance of nabbing those honors this year. Winfield Jr. was on an All-Pro trajectory before being moved into the nickel position for the 2022 season. 

Back at free safety, Winfield Jr. will look to expand on the numbers he put up in 2021 that made him a Pro Bowler. If Winfield Jr. can stay healthy for a full season, he has the opportunity to get closer to the 100 tackles he had as a rookie while turning in more sacks and interceptions.

Special Teams MVP: P Jake Camarda

The legend that is punter Jake Camarda continues to grow for the Buccaneers. Last season behind a booming leg Camarda finished fifth in the NFL in gross punting average and 11th in net punting average. With the second year punters hang time helped the punt coverage team to finish 10th in the league in average return. 

As a rookie Camarda broke the Bucs' single-season gross punting average standard (48.8) and hit a team-record 15 punts of 60-plus yards. While you can probably make a case for newcomer kicker Chase McLaughlin as well, Camarda's ability to change field position for opponents consistently shines through. 

Rookie offense: RG Cody Mauch

Rookie wide receiver Trey Palmer should certainly see his fair share of volume with the injury to Russell Gage. Though Evans and Godwin will likely still get the lionshare of the work. However, much of the season depends on the growth and development of the right side of the line.

Starting his rookie year at right guard the pressure on Cody Mauch to perform is much greater than Palmer, who should rotate with the other young receivers on the roster. Mauch hasn't looked out of place and looked much improved from the first to the last preseason game. There will be growing pains early on but as he gets reps Mauch will prove why the Buccaneers were right to take him in the second round of this year's draft.

READ MORE: Mike Evans, Agent Set Hard Deadline on New Contract With Buccaneers

Rookie defense: DT Calijah Kancey

After making it onto my bold predictions, defensive tackle Calijah Kancey easily lands here if he is able to tally five sacks this season. There will be plenty of opportunity for Yaya Diaby to see snaps as a rotational rusher but Kancey is a starter and should be on the field a majority of the time. 

Kancey's speed and ability to penetrate the backfield is going to be a major boost to the Buccaneers' pass rush. Paired next to Vea their ability to collapse the pocket, get into the quarterback's lap, and force them to the outside should produce plenty of opportunities for the edge rushers to rack up sacks. 

Most improved offense: RT Luke Goedeke

There's nowhere but up for the Buccaneers' second-year offensive lineman. After a rough showing in his rookie season at right guard, Luke Goedeke is transitioning back to his natural position at right tackle. Like Mauch there is so much hinging on the right side of the O-Line to produce results. 

Goedeke had a solid preseason and while there will likely be hiccups early on, I believe he'll settle into the position and prove he is capable of being Tampa Bay's right tackle for the foreseeable future. Tight end Cade Otton makes a lot of sense here as well. But after posting 42 receptions for 391 yards as a rookie, I don't expect him to greatly exceed those numbers. 

Most improved defense: OLB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka

It's worth noting that last season was the first year outside linebacker Joe Tryon-Shoyinka (JTS) was a full-time starter in the Buccaneers defense. His rookie season he spent time splitting reps with an injured Jason Pierre-Paul and playing out of position. The year prior he sat out due to COVID-19. Unfortunately for JTS last season he saw his running mate Shaq Barrett's year end with an Achilles injury leaving teams to focus solely on him as a pass rusher.

Although Tryon-Shoyinka left plenty of sacks on the field, and he'll tell you that, he still ended the year with four sacks and 46 pressures. Now under the tutelage of George Edwards, who last worked with Micah Parsons, the hope is JTS can turn up the heat on his way to a breakout season. 

Best Free Agent Pick Up: QB Baker Mayfield

If my bold predictions didn't give it away I think quarterback Baker Mayfield is going to have a resurgence with the Buccaneers. This system fits Mayfield and his best season came in a derivative of it in 2020 with the Browns. Turnovers have been an issue for the sixth-year quarterback in the past, but he will be surrounded by the best cast of skill players he's ever had.

Offensive coordinator Dave Canales' offensive scheme is very player-friendly. Especially at the quarterback position and will put Mayfield in the best position to succeed. If he can be the point guard of the offense and limit the turnovers there's no reason why Mayfield can't have a Geno Smith like turnaround with the Buccaneers in 2023. 

Comeback Player: OLB Shaq Barrett

It's been a whirlwind of a year to say the least for Buccaneers outside linebacker Shaq Barrett. He tore his Achilles in Week 8 of last season and this offseason dealt with a tragic loss to his family. Yet, Barrett defied the odds and was ready both physically and mentally to start Bucs training camp. 

With Achilles injuries, one of the hardest things to get back is your speed. But through camp and his showing in the final preseason game it doesn't appear that Barrett has lost a step. While he will probably never match his sack output of 2019, Barrett is primed for another strong season as the Buccaneers comeback player of the year.

You can follow JC Allen on Twitter @JCAllenNFL

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