The Buccaneers’ third-ranked offense got a major upgrade this offseason with the additions of Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, former champions with the New England Patriots who will reunite together in Tampa.
Not only that, but the Bucs added some great young talent in the draft, including offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, who the team hopes will be a foundational piece along their O-line.
But one of the Bucs’ other big moves was taking talented safety Antoine Winfield Jr. in round two. The former Minnesota star and son of three-time NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield Sr. is ready to live up to his family name.
Marc Sessler over at NFL.com is such a fan of Winfield that he predicted he’d be a first-time Pro Bowler after his rookie year.
Per Sessler:
“The vast majority of Tampa’s starry offensive parts have already made the Pro Bowl. If we can tear ourselves away from Tom Brady and friends for just a second, I present to you the case of Antoine Winfield Jr. His 5-foot-9 frame and notable injury history are talking points, but so are his unteachable instincts, closing speed, versatility and NFL bloodline. Winfield doubled as a safety and slot corner at Minnesota and said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he patterns his game after Tyrann Mathieu. Defensive coordinator Todd Bowles helped unleash Honey Badger in Arizona and knows exactly what path to follow with Winfield.”
Bucs fans are eager to see what Winfield can bring to this Bowles-run defense. He’ll hopefully add more strength in the secondary, which came on strong in the second half of last season.
While I think Winfield will be an immediate impact player, I’m surprised Sessler didn’t go with linebacker Devin White as his pick for a first-time Pro Bowler. White seems poised to take a major step forward this season on a team and defense with championship expectations. I think he’ll answer the call.
Plus, he’s already told Tom Brady he’s got his back on defense.
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