Bucs No.26 in NFL Power Rankings

Apparently the Bucs are in for another really tough year. At least profootballtalk.com thinks so. Tampa Bay is only ranked ahead of 6 teams on the profootballtalk rankings. This is despite a really successful offseason.

The Bucs upgraded their offensive line by signing one of the top lineman available in Carl Nicks. They upgraded their defensive backfield by getting Eric Wright from the Lions. Tampa also landed perhaps the most sought after free agent in Vincent Jackson. Jackson instantly upgrades the receiving core and gives Josh Freeman a true #1 receiver.

Not only all of that, but the Bucs had an outstanding draft. Tampa got superstar safety Mark Barron from Alabama. They also managed to fill holes at runningback and linebacker. There is even talk that Doug Martin, the new RB from Boise State, may be an early favorite for rookie of the year.

Additionally they have a new coach. Greg Schiano is saying and doing all of the right things. He means business. Let's not forget how he completely turned around Rutgers football either.

This is an extremely classy, talented, and driven team that is embarrassed by last year. Perhaps, they do finish @ #26 in the league, but I find it unlikely. This team will surprise some people. At least it will surprise profootballtalk.

-Noland