With the annual NFL Combine starting next week and the anticipation of the 2014 NFL Draft.
Captain Fear: Needs You In Tampa!
It’s time to start discussing, What position teams need? Why they need them? And who’s likely to fill them?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Needs:
Defensive end
Offensive line
Tight end
Wide receiver
Quarterback
Defensive End: The Bucs lack of a pass rush was painfully obvious during the season. The Bucs ranked in the bottom half of the league with only 35 sacks. The Bucs need to get more aggressive up front and pressure opposing quarterbacks. Sadly, Jadeveon Clowney will be out of the Bucs reach, unless they decide to trade up. I don’t believe that they will. Instead, I’m almost certain the Bucs will sign one DE in free agency and still draft one fairly early. Like all positions, its going to come down to what the player is worth and how much he can do to help the team win.
Free Agents: Greg Hardy, Jared Allen, Michael Bennett, Michael Johnson, Robert Ayers
Draft Prospects: Kony Ealy, Stephon Tuitt, Scott Crichton, Dominique Easley, Kareem Martin
Offensive Line: I’m not saying get rid of everyone and start over. But the Bucs are paying too much money and not getting an equal return on investment. When healthy, Carl Nicks is worth the money. However the issue is that Nicks hasn’t been healthy much, only starting a hand full of game last season. Since he appears to have gotten healthy, not to mention his guaranteed money Nicks won’t be going anywhere. I would like to see Davin Joseph return to top form. But the Bucs need to not only better protect their young quarterback Mike Glennon, but become more physical, to open up running lanes for Doug Martin.
The amount of money the Bucs choose to spend in free agency will ultimately determine what happens to Davin Joseph, Jeremy Zuttah, and Donald Penn. It will be interesting to see what happens with Penn, who is carrying the highest cap figure on the offensive line at $8.083 million.
Free Agents: Branden Albert, Kevin Boothe, Alex Mack, Geoff Schwartz, Eugene Monroe
Draft Prospects: Jake Matthews, Greg Robinson, Gabe Jackson, La’el Collins, Travis Swanson
Tight End: I’ve said it before, I like Timmy Wright. He’s young, he has great chemistry with Mike Glennon. But the Bucs need more offensive weapons, and depth. A fast pass -catching tight end who can catch the ball up the middle would fill a big hole. Obviously Jimmy Graham will not be coming to Tampa, but I wouldn’t be surprised if the Bucs go after a tight end in Free Agency. This is especially true considering how important the position can be for a young quarterback.
Free Agents: Jimmy Graham, Dennis Pitta, Jermichael Finley, Brandon Pettigrew, Garrett Graham
Draft Prospects: Eric Ebron, Jace Amaro, Austin Seferian-Jenkins, Troy Niklas, Richard Rodgers
Wide Receiver: I’ve said before I like Bucs wide receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams when healthy. But with Williams impending legal problems, its more important than ever to add depth at the position. The Bucs need experienced ball catchers, speedy receivers who can spread the defense, and a true slot receiver. With Lovie Smith and Leslie Frazier, the Bucs defense is going to be improved. But the Bucs desperately need offensive play-makers. This team will not compete for Super Bowls until it can score points regularly.
Free Agents: Eric Decker, Jeremy Maclin, Hakeem Nicks, Julian Edelman, James Jones
Draft Prospects: Sammy Watkins, Mike Evans, Marqise Lee, Kelvin Benjamin, Allen Robinson, Odell Beckham, Jr
Quarterback: You might have noticed I didn’t name any Free Agent quarterbacks. Why? Because I don’t like any free agent QB’s. I also don’t see the Bucs moving up for a top prospect in the draft. Glennon may not be the Bucs quarterback for the next ten years, but I do believe he’s the best option for the upcoming seasion. The Bucs announced Monday that the team had signed quarterback Mike Kafka. I would like to see the Bucs sign a more experienced QB to help Glennon develop.
Free Agents:
Draft Prospects: Teddy Bridgewater, Johnny Manziel, Blake Bortles, Derek Carr, Tajh Boyd
Football fans will be eagerly awaiting the NFL Combine, Draft, and start of free agency. For a losing team like the Bucs, this time of the year comes with hope. Hope that maybe the team can put the right pieces together and become a winner. The Bucs have about $13.7 – $15.3 Million in salary cap room. This will greatly affect how and what moves the Bucs make in free agency. #ItsABucsLife
Breaking: The Bucs have just signed TE Steve Maneri and CB D.J. Moore.
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