The early returns are in for the NFL Pro Bowl fan voting, and for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the results are a mixed bag. Of the 20 positions eligible for votes, only four Bucs players cracked the top 10 at their respective spots-and none higher than third. But while the overall team representation might be underwhelming, there are a few bright spots worth spotlighting.
Four Bucs Earning National Attention
Let’s start with the names that did make the cut: strong safety Tykee Smith, cornerback Jamel Dean, offensive tackle Tristan Wirfs, and rookie wide receiver Emeka Egbuka. All four landed within the top 10 at their positions, with Smith, Dean, and Wirfs each sitting at No. 3 in the early voting tallies.
For Wirfs, this isn’t new territory. The All-Pro left tackle has been a staple in Pro Bowl conversations since entering the league, and once again, his consistent dominance in pass protection is earning him deserved recognition. But it’s the other three names that tell a more intriguing story about where this Bucs team is headed.
Jamel Dean, now in his seventh season, is having arguably his best year yet. He leads the team with three interceptions, including a pick-six, and has been the Bucs’ most reliable corner all season. This is the closest he’s come to Pro Bowl status in his career, and it’s a testament to the kind of season he’s quietly putting together.
Tykee Smith, in just his second year, is blossoming into a do-it-all weapon for the defense. He leads the Bucs with 87 combined tackles, has forced two fumbles, recovered one, and added two sacks to his stat line. He’s been flying around the field, showing the versatility and physicality that defensive coordinators love to build around.
Then there’s Emeka Egbuka. The rookie wideout is not just contributing-he’s leading the team in every major receiving category.
With 52 catches, 791 yards, and six touchdowns, Egbuka ranks 14th in the league in receiving yards and is tied for 11th in touchdowns. He’s made an instant impact, and his name is now firmly in the mix for Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.
Egbuka vs. McMillan: Rookie Race Heating Up
Speaking of that Rookie of the Year race, Egbuka’s main competition at this point is Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan. Statistically, McMillan holds a narrow edge-57 catches for 826 yards and six scores-but he’s also played one more game, with Carolina’s bye week still to come.
If you level the playing field and compare 13 games apiece, Egbuka would only need six catches and 36 yards to surpass McMillan. That’s well within reach, especially considering Egbuka’s role as Tampa Bay’s top target. Interestingly, Egbuka is also ahead of McMillan in Pro Bowl voting, with McMillan not even cracking the top 10 at his position.
While it’s still a long shot for a rookie wide receiver to earn a Pro Bowl nod, especially in a crowded NFC field, Egbuka’s early numbers and fan support are putting him firmly in the conversation.
Who’s Missing-and Why
Of course, the flip side of this is who isn’t showing up in the voting. Injuries have played a major role here.
Mike Evans, Chris Godwin Jr., and rookie running back Bucky Irving have all missed significant time. Right tackle Luke Goedeke has also been sidelined, and the offensive line has been shuffled more than a Vegas poker table.
At tight end, no one has stepped up to Pro Bowl form.
But beyond the injury report, there are a few names that feel like snubs-players who, based on production and impact, should at least be in the top 10.
Let’s start with Baker Mayfield. While his early-season MVP buzz has cooled off, Mayfield has still played at a level that warrants more respect than he’s getting in the fan vote.
The fact that Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart is sitting eighth in the voting despite just two wins in 10 games is a head-scratcher. Mayfield’s leadership and ability to keep the Bucs offense afloat through injuries should count for something.
On the defensive side, Lavonte David, Vita Vea, and Antoine Winfield Jr. all have cases to make. David isn’t playing at a peak Pro Bowl level, but seeing someone like Bobby Wagner-on a struggling team-get the nod over him raises eyebrows. David’s leadership and consistency remain invaluable to the Bucs’ defense.
Vita Vea, a two-time Pro Bowler, hasn’t put up gaudy sack numbers this season (just 3.5), but his impact on the interior goes beyond the stat sheet. He anchors the defensive line and regularly eats up double teams to free up his teammates.
Then there’s Antoine Winfield Jr., who’s quietly having a bounce-back season. The former All-Pro has racked up 63 tackles, a sack, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery, and six pass breakups.
He’s been a stabilizing force in the secondary, and his improved health has translated into consistently strong performances. Not seeing him in the top 10 is a genuine surprise.
Still Time to Climb
With over a week left in fan voting, there’s still time for things to shift. The four Bucs already in the top 10-Wirfs, Dean, Smith, and Egbuka-have a legitimate shot at climbing even higher. For the others, it may take a strong finish to the season and a late surge in support to crack the list.
But what’s clear is this: even in a season where the Bucs have battled injuries and inconsistency, there’s emerging talent making noise on the national stage. From a rookie wideout lighting it up to a veteran corner finally getting his due, Tampa Bay has some Pro Bowl-worthy stories worth watching down the stretch.