Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Brent Grimes, Keith Tandy set for monster 2017

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense should get ready for a big boost from the secondary duo of Brent Grimes and Keith Tandy in 2017.

Lately, all we have been hearing about (and rightfully so) is how good the Tampa Bay Buccaneers receiving corps is. Like I prefaced, they are worthy of all praise. However, there is another aspect to the team, specifically a duo that may influence the Buccaneers' success this season: cornerback Brent Grimes and strong safety Keith Tandy. After posting strong performances in the 2016 campaign, the pair are proving to be an integral part of the Tampa Bay defense.

A former West Virginia Mountaineer, Tandy had a tremendous 2016 season. He recorded 57 tackles and four interceptions, including two against Cam Newton on New Year's Day. The 57 tackles were a sizable leap from the 42 he had in 2015.

Tandy has proven to have a nose for the football as well as adept coverage skills, something that has translated well to preseason workouts.

It appears that the wave of positive momentum is continuing for Tandy as coaches are continuing to take notice. Tuesday, Pewter Plank wrote that Tandy appears to be in a great spot to be the starting safety for the 2017 season. If Tandy's upward trend can continue, he can cement his standing as one of the top players on Tampa Bay's defense. Since being drafted by the Bucs in 2012, Tandy has recorded 150 total tackles and eight interceptions.

Top playmaking can also be found in the secondary in the form of Brent Grimes. A former Miami Dolphin and Atlanta Falcon, Grimes recorded 57 tackles, forced a fumble, and recorded four interceptions in 2016, marking his fourth season in a row with at least four interceptions. He also deflected 24 passes, marking a career-high.

Grimes' breakout season came in 2009. He played 16 games, starting in eight and recorded six interceptions. He also managed to find his way into the backfield, recording 30 tackles. The consummate ballhawk, Grimes' 30 total career interceptions ranks tied for No. 7 on the active interception leaders list.

The combination of Tandy and Grimes should provide the Bucs with a solid defensive base heading into 2017. They have shown that they can be consistent productive playmakers, something that should be valued highly. Especially in the NFC South with quarterbacks like Drew Brees and Matt Ryan, and wideouts like Julio Jones and Kelvin Benjamin, players like Grimes and Tandy should be valued as tremendous assets.

They may not be the two most-talked about players in the NFL, but together Grimes and Tandy are primed to have a monster 2017 campaign.