NFC South: Are the Atlanta Falcons the most improved team?

Jun 16, 2015; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) throws a pass during minicamp at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers haven’t won the NFC South since 2007, but are making huge strides heading into 2015. Tampa Bay made headlines in the 2015 NFL draft when they selected QB, Jameis Winston with the first overall pick.

Winston will learn under new offensive coordinator, Dirk Koetter, formally off the Atlanta Falcons who will now throw to receivers, Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson and Austin Seferian-Jenkins

In the draft, the Buccaneers added two standout offensive lineman, Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet, but it is the defensive side of the ball where the team lost the most.

Tampa Bay lost a slew of defensive players in free agency and trades including, DE, Adrian Clayborn, DE, Michael Johnson and S, Dashon Goldson. The players signed by the Buccaneers in the offseason lack any real sense and are players you likely haven’t heard of, so they still have question marks surrounding the defense.

Offseason Grade: B

The Buccaneers made splashes on the offensive side of the ball, but failed on defense. Tampa Bay will have to deal with the growing pains of Winston and all the baggage that comes with him, but the offense will produce well in 2015. It’s the defense that will hold them back.

This team is definitely headed in the right direction, but isn’t good enough to compete for an NFC South title in 2015.