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Buccaneers’ Dean Is In PFF’s Top 20 CB Rankings And He’s Still Raising Questions?

Originally posted on Bucs Report | By Alf Colmenar | Last updated Jun 6, 2025 3:45 PM ET

Pro Football Focus has released its long-awaited cornerback rankings for the 2025 season. And among the top 32, there’s one notable presence for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jamel Dean is top-ranked, coming in at 17th, ahead of any other cornerback in the NFC South.

According to the report, Dean didn’t allow a single touchdown in coverage in 2024, and his year-over-year consistency ranks him as one of the league’s most solid players at his position. His PFF Advanced Coverage Grade ranks him 11th in the NFL over the past two years.

And yet, not everyone at the Grog Tavern is so sure…

“If I were healthy, I would play”

The debate among the Pirate crew was as heated as a divisional rivalry flag. Because while Dean is better than McCollum in talent, health remains his Achilles’ heel.

“Having a CB top 1 in every 7 games isn’t enough for me… Unless it’s the Super Bowl.”

“It’s worth missing him every 6 games

”

Dean played 11 games in 2024 and ended up injured during the crucial stretch. His availability, or lack thereof, has been a constant source of frustration for the coaching staff… and for the fans.

Confidence in new recruits?

Fortunately, the Bucs have bolstered the position with the arrivals of Tykee Smith, Jarvis Brownlee Jr., and star rookie Tyreque Jones, in addition to the promising Chris “Primetime” Robinson. And on the pirate ship, faith is in them:

“Luckily, Morrison and Parrish will be very successful.”

“Correct. Especially Robinson

”

Will they be able to take over if Dean falls again? Or are we simply doomed to miss his impact every month and a half?

And in the rest of the NFC South?

No cornerback from the Falcons, Panthers, or Saints appears before Dean in this ranking of cornerbacks. Only Carlton Davis (18th) also appears on the list, but now as a Patriots player. The NFC South, as a division, is bereft of elite talent at this position. But yes, Jamel Dean is Top…

This keeps Dean a valuable asset…when he’s available.

This article first appeared on Bucs Report and was syndicated with permission.

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