Arrow indicates direction team is trending.

Final Power Ranking: 13

Preseason Power Ranking: 30

Biggest surprise: LeGarrette Blount. The running back wins a very close call over receiver Mike Williams, mainly because Blount was an undrafted free agent and Williams was a fourth-round pick. Blount initially signed with the Titans, but was cut by Tennessee at the end of the preseason. The Bucs took a shot on Blount and brought him along slowly. With Cadillac Williams starting the season ineffectively, the Bucs turned over their running game to Blount. He produced 1,000 yards and gave the Bucs a power running game. The best part of all is that Blount is still very raw. An offseason of coaching and working with his teammates could make him a lot better.

Biggest disappointment: Tanard Jackson. The safety was one of the best players on the team and big things were expected of him this season. But Jackson was suspended early in the season for violating the league’s substance abuse policy. His absence created a scramble at safety, but that at least allowed the Bucs to find out that Cody Grimm and Corey Lynch can play a bit. But this is an area that probably still needs to be strengthened in the offseason. Jackson isn’t eligible to apply for reinstatement until late September and there is no guarantee he will be back with the Bucs.

Biggest need: A pass rush. The Bucs used their first two draft picks to solidify the middle of their defensive line. They selected defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. Each showed some potential before getting injured. Both should be back and healthy next season, and they should bring some push to the middle of the defensive line. But the Bucs need to focus on the outside of the line this offseason. Stylez G. White and Tim Crowder are not elite pass-rushers. The Bucs have assembled an offense that can score some points. Now, they need to fix up the defense to generate some sacks and turnovers to put teams away when the Bucs take a lead.

Team MVP: Josh Freeman. In his second season -- and first full season as a starter -- Freeman left no question that he truly is a franchise quarterback. He carried the team all season and seemed to get better each week. The Bucs are letting Freeman and his young receivers grow up together, and that means the rapport should only get stronger. Freeman established himself as a leader on and off the field, and this is his team now. Freeman hasn’t even hit his full potential and the Bucs came close to making the playoffs. He should continue to get better, and that means nothing but good things for the Buccaneers.

Can’t stand still: The Bucs showed a knack for finding guys who can play at the bottom of the scrap pile. Players such as Blount, Williams and Grimm prospered when they were given chances, and the Bucs were proud to tell you how many rookies they were playing this year. That’s great, but you’re not going to hit on every player you reach for. The Bucs need to continue with their youth movement because it’s working nicely. But they might be wise to at least do a little in free agency and sign a proven player or two to help the youth movement along.