The Bucs’ defense was the strength of the team last year. And this year figures to be more of the same. When most think of the best players in Tampa Bay, more will fall on the defensive side of the ball than on the offensive side of it.

While Pewter Report’s Josh Queipo recently broke down two Bucs linebackers who made the Pro Football Focus Top 32 rankings, two more Bucs players on defense, this time at cornerback, made PFF’s list.

That would be Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis III.

Bucs CB Jamel Dean

Former Pewter Reporter Trevor Sikkema has taken on the liberty of ranking many players around the NFL, which continues in his breakdown of the cornerback position. Jamel Dean claims the No. 10 spot on his list. Sikkema gave his thoughts on the now highly-compensated cornerback:

Bucs CB Jamel Dean – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“One of the league’s most underrated cornerbacks, Dean finally cashed in this offseason with a big payday from the Bucs. He has four straight seasons with a PFF coverage grade between 74.7 and 78.9, and though he doesn’t make a lot of plays on the football, he makes quarterbacks and receivers work for every yard.”

Yes, Dean does not have statistics that jump off the page, but last season he took the next step toward establishing himself as a No. 1 cornerback. Breaking down some of his advanced numbers further, he only allowed 34 receptions for 412 yards, although he was credited with surrendering five touchdowns.

He did have two interceptions, but he has stalled out at that mark in three seasons. Dean needs to eclipse his previous interception total for someone now being paid to make plays in what is now a revamped secondary behind him.

Jamel Dean Is Criminally Underrated

Although he has not accumulated any accolades or honors so far in his career, it seems that those around the league (and in Tampa Bay) have begun to appreciate Dean’s play.

It was not a sure thing that he would win the second outside cornerback spot opposite Davis entering last season, but Dean easily won out and exceeded expectations, so much so that it led to a four-year, $52 million dollar contract. While he was recently picked as being the team’s most underrated player, it may not be for long.

His tagline is “Don’t make a scene, it’s just Dean,” but the Bucs hope he does make a scene and puts together a performance worthy of actor-level awards.

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III

Carlton Davis makes PFF’s list at No. 29. A late-entry after having somewhat of a down year, Davis still makes the cut for his track record and upside.

Bucs CB Carlton Davis III – Photo by: Cliff Welch/PR

“Davis isn’t coming off his best year, but he still led the Tampa Bay cornerbacks last season with 11 pass breakups, more than double the next-best total,” Sikkema wrote. “He allowed an 85.8 passer rating into his coverage and has elite size and strength for the position.”

He had the lion’s share of targets come his way as he mostly matched up against No. 1 WRs. Although he was targeted 90 times, the sixth-highest mark in the league, he only allowed 54.4% of passes thrown his way to be completed.

Carlton Davis Looking To Have Bounce-back 2023

Although he was stingy breaking up passes and sticking to his matchups, Davis struggled to get takeaways. One would expect more game-changing plays from a No. 1 cornerback who gets the ball thrown at him a lot.

After averaging more than one pass deflection per game between 2019-2021 (1.36 in 2019, 1.29 in 2020, and 1.1 in 2021), it was at .92 last season. That number and other metrics, such as his coverage grade, have trended downward some in his career, so he will need a bounce-back season to maintain his spot in the rankings and status as a high-level starting cornerback.

Former Bucs CB From 2022 Makes Top 32 List

What was extremely surprising in these rankings is that a third Bucs cornerback from last season made this list. Although he is no longer on the team, it is worth noting that now-Tennessee Titan Sean Murphy-Bunting is ranked No. 19.

That is higher than expected, especially as he was only signed to a one-year, prove-it deal in free agency. After being a starter for his first three seasons in Tampa Bay, he only started in five of the 12 games he played in 2022.

He still made plays in the secondary when on the field, but he was clearly the team’s No. 3 cornerback. It is worth keeping tabs on him and seeing if his play elevates with a new team.

Bucs Have Top 5 CB Duo

Based on the rankings, the Bucs have a top-five cornerback duo. Having the No. 10 and No. 29 cornerbacks only puts them below the Jets, Dolphins, Cowboys, and Eagles in terms of star power, courtesy of this graphic.

Bucs fans, do these rankings affect your outlook on the team next season? The defense is filled with plenty of star power, and these rankings only further that point.

They are subjective, but there is no doubt much of the defense ranks near the top of their respective positions. Cornerback is no different, and it is truly a luxury for a team to possess two cornerbacks that would both be the best on many other teams. It is clear that from Auburn to the pros, Jamel Dean and Carlton Davis III are never too far away from being discussed together.