Three Potential Breakout Players for the Buccaneers in 2023

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers, like most teams, have experienced their fair share of roster turnover since the final whistle blew on the 2022 NFL season.

For the Bucs, changing gears at the quarterback position not only leads the offense towards a path down the unknown, but the move also single-handedly revitalizes a key component for the team as a whole: youth.

Despite having some productive veterans around, overall, the 2023 Tampa Bay Buccaneers are much younger than most recent iterations have been.

So with a number of players on the roster preparing to step into a more significant role in 2023, let's take a look at some of the individuals that have the potential to really break out this season. 

Rachaad White, Running Back

With an injury-plagued offensive line, a bland and predictable offensive play-caller, and a veteran running back clearly established ahead of him on the depth chart, the ceiling on Rachaad White's rookie season was only so high.

But in 2023, with a revamped group of hogs up front, a new offensive coordinator, and the title of RB1 beside his name, there's no question that all arrows should be pointing upward for Rachaad White this season.

White is a patient runner, with the explosiveness needed to take off when he sees a glimpse of daylight, and the elusiveness to make a man miss in tight confines. This, combined with his advanced receiving skills — both as a route-runner, and pass-catcher — place him in an ideal position to become a focal point within Dave Canales' offense. What he does with this opportunity will be up to him, but there's no question he has the ability to excel in this role. 

Cade Otton, Tight End

The former fourth-round selection out of the University of Washington had a solid rookie campaign for the Bucs. Last season, he showed us that he has the ability to operate as a traditional in-line tight end, and hold his own as a blocker off the edge. At the same time, his size, adequate speed, and reliable hands make him a threat in the passing game as well.

It's hard for most tight ends to make any sort of impact in their first year adjusting to the NFL. But after familiarizing themselves with the speed of the game, and the quality of athletes they're asked to match up with at the NFL level, the good ones are able to take a significant step forward in year two. I expect that to be the case with Cade Otton. 

Not only does Cade Otton have the physical tools required to be successful, but he has the intangibles, too. His work ethic, maturity, and football IQ should give him all the edge he needs to really blossom in his sophomore season with the Bucs. The added responsibility (and targets) that come with being the top tight end on the depth chart certainly won't hurt either. 

Ryan Neal, Safety

Coming over from Seattle along with some members of the offensive coaching staff is Tampa Bay's newest safety, Ryan Neal. With the team losing Jordan Whitehead and Mike Edwards each of the last two offseasons due to free agency, there was an obvious void left on the back end of the Bucs' defense.

With Neal and Winfield as the only proven NFL players at the safety position on the depth chart, there's a good chance the team is going to need to bring in another veteran at some point before the season starts. The fact that they haven't done this yet, speaks volumes about their plans for Ryan Neal. 

Despite being 27 years old, Neal has had less than three seasons of steady playing time under his belt. In fact, it wasn't until Jamal Adams got hurt (again) last season, that Neal was thrust into a starting position for the Seahawks. It was then that he proved to be a highly capable player, excelling in nickel coverage, while also serving as a reliable tackler, and a dependable safety net in various coverage alignments. 

In fact, he was so efficient in his role that he was actually nominated as a PFF First Team All-Pro. This is what PFF had to say about Neal's performance last season

"On the year, Neal recorded 45 tackles, two forced fumbles, eight pass deflections and an interception. Despite battling through a nagging knee injury, Neal has showcased his versatility. In addition to earning PFF's highest-grade in coverage (85.7), the third-year undrafted riser caused 3.5 tackles for loss in run support as well as contributing a sack off the edge."

Ryan Neal is a great fit for Todd Bowles' aggressive defensive scheme. Knowing that he will be utilized in many creative ways by Bowles, this could be the year that Neal expands his reputation beyond just the analytics community, and becomes a household name around the league. 

There are obviously other players who have the potential to break out for the Buccaneers in 2023. Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Logan Hall, Zyon McCollum, and Luke Goedeke are all expected to see the field more this year. Deven Thompkins is another exciting player to keep an eye on. 

That said, I think Rachaad White, Cade Otton, and Ryan Neal are the players who are most likely to really break out in 2023. 

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