The Tampa Bay Buccaneers previously had a complete turnaround in the 2020 season – turning from a mediocre squad into a strong title contender in just a span of a year. Head coach Bruce Arians and his team then successfully lived up to the high expectations as they dominated the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LV to win their second title in franchise history.
Adding another trophy to the collection will definitely come harder this time around as they have already gained a huge target on their backs due to their great showing last season. The Buccaneers can give themselves the best chance at defending their title if only more of their players can step up and reach their potential on the field next season.
Here are the three potential breakout players for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2021:
Carlton Davis
The Buccaneers' thin cornerback rotation saw Carlton Davis emerge to be one of the league's best young defensive players in the 2020 season. Week-in and week-out, the Auburn product was tasked to cover the opponents' top receiver and he was able to successfully hold his own on most nights.
His great showing on the field allowed him to tally career-best numbers with 68 total and four interceptions through 14 games played for Tampa Bay last season. Heading to his fourth campaign in the league, Davis will once again banner the team's cornerback unit and lead the Buccaneers defense in containing the offensive attacks of their opponents.
The Florida native is also going to play in the final year of his rookie contract signed back in 2018 which makes it wise for him to play at a higher level and come out with a breakout season in 2021.
Vita Vea
Another 2018 draftee by the Buccaneers in nose tackle Vita Vea had the best season of his career during his sophomore year back in 2019. Unfortunately, the Tongan failed to follow up his career-best numbers during the 2020 season as he went down with a fractured right leg and ankle in their Week 5 encounter against the Chicago Bears.
Due to his long layoff, he was only limited to appear in five games where he notched 10 total tackles and 2.0 sacks. Though he had a low production last season, there is no doubt that he could've recorded better numbers if he was only in the pink of health all throughout their 2020 campaign.
Upon entering his fourth season in the league, Vita Vea is poised to bounce back and emerge as another pivotal piece in the Buccaneers' dominant defensive line. If he manages to stay healthy, the team can expect the 26-year-old bruiser to haunt opposing quarterbacks and deal great damage within the trenches in 2021.
Tristan Wirfs
Then-rookie offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs gained a lot of buzz heading to the 2020 NFL Draft and he certainly didn't disappoint in his first year in the league. The Iowa product managed to appear in all 16 games in the regular season and only allowed a single sack in his rookie campaign which came from Chicago Bears defensive end Khalil Mack back in their Week 5 tilt.
His excellent pass-protection ultimately allowed quarterback Tom Brady to perform better on the field and successfully lead the Buccaneers to their championship aspirations. Wirfs' contributions didn't go unnoticed as he went on to earn a spot in the 2020 All-Rookie team.
Though he was snubbed from landing a Pro Bowl selection and All-Pro honors, high expectations continue to grow for the promising 22-year-old lineman upon entering his sophomore season. Another solid campaign from him in 2021 would certainly solidify his place as one of the best right tackles in the league in the near future.
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