Two Buccaneers Players Primed to Surpass 2025 Award Expectations

The 2025 NFL season presents an opportunity for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to build on their recent success and perhaps even surprise the league once more.

With a roster featuring a mix of emerging talent and established stars, the Buccaneers have two players who stand out as strong candidates to outperform their current award odds. Their performances in the coming season could reshape not only the team’s fortunes but also the perception of their impact on the game.

This article examines why Tristan Wirfs and Bucky Irving, each for different reasons, are uniquely positioned to exceed the expectations set by bookmakers and analysts alike.

By exploring their current standing, key strengths, and potential paths to award recognition, we’ll examine how both players could redefine their narratives and influence the broader NFL landscape.

Tristan Wirfs and the Launch of Protector of the Year

Tristan Wirfs has emerged as one of the NFL’s premier offensive linemen, making history by earning First Team All-Pro honors at both left and right tackle.

The 2025 season marks the debut of the league’s Protector of the Year award, designed to spotlight excellence among offensive linemen. According to Pro Football Focus, Wirfs holds the third-highest odds at +1300, trailing only Detroit’s Penei Sewell and Philadelphia’s Lane Johnson.

This recognition stems from his dominant pass protection, highlighted by a league-leading 94.1 PFF pass-blocking grade last season. That mark stands as the second-best single-season performance for any offensive lineman over the past decade.

Although his run-blocking grade dropped to 62.8 (a career low), it’s Wirfs’ ability to anchor the pocket against top pass rushers that gives him a significant edge in this inaugural award race.

For a full picture of team and player odds, the latest Tampa Bay Buccaneers odds offer a snapshot of expectations heading into the season.

The Value of Team Continuity for Wirfs

A crucial factor working in Wirfs’ favor is the Buccaneers’ remarkable offensive line stability heading into 2025. Every starter from last season is set to return, fostering exceptional cohesion and familiarity—two elements that are vital for elite line play.

This continuity not only benefits the quarterback and run game but also enhances Wirfs’ ability to maximize his strengths.

With the entire unit aligned, Wirfs can rely on predictable support, which should amplify his impact in both pass protection and, potentially, run blocking. The consistency of this group will be essential as the Buccaneers aim for a fifth consecutive NFC South title.

For Wirfs, improved chemistry with his fellow linemen offers a realistic pathway to elevating his performance in areas where critics see room for growth, thereby increasing his chances of claiming the league’s newest accolade.

The One-Dimensional Critique

Despite his celebrated status as a pass protector, critics often point to Wirfs’ run-blocking as a relative weakness. Last season, his 62.8 grade in that area tied for 43rd among qualifying tackles, underscoring the challenge he faces in being recognized as the NFL’s top all-around lineman.

However, this “one-dimensional” label may present an opportunity rather than a hindrance.

Should Wirfs improve even modestly as a run blocker, especially with the return of the full offensive line, he could address the sole area where he lags behind his competitors. His historical versatility, having succeeded at both tackle positions, suggests he possesses the adaptability required to meet this challenge.

Given the spotlight of a brand-new award, any uptick in run-game impact could push Wirfs ahead of more established favorites, fundamentally changing the narrative around his candidacy.

Bucky Irving: Breakout Candidate in the Backfield

Bucky Irving enters his second NFL season with momentum and a rapidly growing reputation. As a rookie, Irving ranked behind only Derrick Henry, Saquon Barkley, and Jahmyr Gibbs in yards per carry among qualified backs, posting a robust 5.4 average.

His ability to gain yardage after contact stands out. Irving finished in the top five with 2.7 yards per attempt after contact, an indicator of both power and resilience.

Over the last four games of 2024, Irving amassed 479 scrimmage yards, signaling an ability to thrive in high-pressure situations. This late-season surge has put him squarely on Bleacher Report’s radar as a “superstar” in waiting, particularly with the Buccaneers’ offense returning intact for 2025.

The Role of Support and Schedule in Irving’s Outlook

Irving’s environment sets the stage for a potential leap in 2025. The Bucs’ offensive line, among the league’s most stable and effective, provides an ideal platform for a running back’s growth. Division rivals Carolina and New Orleans fielded the league’s two worst run defenses last season, further improving Irving’s outlook for standout performances in divisional matchups.

At just 22 years old, Irving benefits from both physical prime and a supportive infrastructure, including continuity at quarterback and skill positions.

These factors, when combined, create an optimal context for Irving to outperform any preconceived expectations or award odds.

The alignment of talent, experience, and schedule could easily translate into league-wide recognition if Irving continues to capitalize on these advantages.

A Season of Opportunity and Rising Expectations

As the 2025 campaign unfolds, Tristan Wirfs and Bucky Irving embody the Buccaneers’ blend of proven talent and untapped potential. Wirfs, by refining his run blocking, stands on the brink of securing a place in history as the first-ever Protector of the Year.

Irving, buoyed by a cohesive offense and favorable matchups, is poised to convert promise into production at a critical time.

Both players’ chances are underpinned by stability and the drive to maximize their strengths when it matters most. For fans and analysts alike, these two Buccaneers offer a compelling storyline: proof that preparation, team continuity, and growth can shift the odds, and perhaps even redefine what’s possible in a single season.

*All information is accurate as of 2025/08/07 and is subject to change.