The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have dropped one spot in ESPN's latest power rankings, sliding from 17th to 18th since February's "way-too-early" edition. While the slight dip might raise eyebrows, the real story lies in what the Bucs are building—especially off the edge.

According to ESPN's Bucs reporter Jenna Laine, the team's most improved position group is the edge rush. That's no small feat for a squad trying to recapture the dominant pass-rushing form that fueled their 2020 Super Bowl run. Back then, Tampa Bay boasted a seven-percent sack rate, the seventh-highest in the NFL. But by 2025, that number had fallen to 5.8 percent—ranking 23rd in the league and marking the lowest sack rate for a Todd Bowles defense since his 2017 Jets.

Enter two former Miami Hurricanes who could change everything: veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad and rookie Rueben Bain Jr. Muhammad, 31, signed a one-year deal worth up to $6 million after a breakout season with the Detroit Lions. Known around the league as "AQM," he exploded for 11 sacks and 53 pressures last year—a massive leap from his three sacks in 2024. He also added 25 tackles (15 solo). For context, his previous career high was six sacks back in 2021 with the Indianapolis Colts.

Muhammad's journey hasn't been smooth. The 6-foot-3 edge rusher has played for five teams over nine seasons, bouncing between cuts, practice squads, and even a six-game suspension in December 2023 for violating the NFL's performance-enhancing drugs policy. But if he can recapture his Lions form, Tampa Bay might have a steal on their hands.

Pair him with rookie sensation Rueben Bain Jr., and the Bucs' pass rush suddenly looks revitalized. Together, they aim to restore the Super Bowl-level dominance that once defined this defense. For a team that's slipped just one spot in the rankings, the edge position could be the key to climbing back up.