Baker Mayfield had the best statistical year of his career, Mike Evans topped 1,000 yards receiving for a record-tying 11th consecutive season and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are NFC South champions for a franchise-best fourth straight time.

It would be safe to say, though, that the Bucs (10-7) would not be in the playoffs for a NFC-high fifth year in a row without the contributions of a solid rookie class that has helped the team withstand key injuries and rebound from a four-game skid to go 6-1 over the final seven weeks of the regular season.

Fourth-round draft pick Bucky Irving and third-rounder Jalen McMillan have received most of the attention, with Irving becoming Tampa Bay’s first 1,000-yard rusher since Doug Martin in 2015 and McMillan catching seven touchdown passes over the past five games.

But first-round selection Graham Barton has been the starter at center since Day 1 of training camp, solidifying an offensive line that has helped transform the NFL’s worst rushing attack into one of the most productive in the league.

Safety Tykee Smith and reserve linebacker Chris Braswell — selected in the third and second rounds — helped a decimated defense stay afloat despite injuries that sidelined safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead as well as cornerback Jamel Dean for significant stretches.