Now that the major free agent signings have been finalized, the Last Word On Sports NFL department will be looking at the top three needs for each team heading into the 2015 NFL Draft. Rounding out the NFC South, we will close things out by discussing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After making headlines over the last three seasons with their big-name free agent signings, the Buccaneers have failed to solidify the most important position in football: quarterback. With the draft’s top overall selection, Tampa Bay is expected to nab their franchise signal-caller. Beyond the first round, what positions do the Bucs need to address?
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2015 NFL Draft: Top 3 Needs
Quarterback
The expectation is that Tampa Bay will draft Jameis Winston with the top pick in this year’s draft, and that’s exactly what they should do. The Buccaneers finished 25th in passing offense in 2014 and had the second-most interceptions with 20. Longtime veteran backup Josh McCown couldn’t repeat his surprising 2013 campaign in Chicago; as a result, he is now in Cleveland. Tampa’s third-round pick in 2013, Mike Glennon, has shown flashes of being a capable option, but he doesn’t give anyone the feeling that he is “the guy.”
Assuming the Bucs do grab Winston, they should expect him to make the same immediate impact Matt Ryan did for the Falcons in 2008 and former No. 1 pick Cam Newton did for the Panthers in 2011.
Offensive Line
The Buccaneers offense was abysmal in 2014, thanks to a porous offensive line. Along with their eighth-worst passing attack, they ranked 29th in rushing offense. The 52 sacks they allowed were tied for the fourth-most in the league. Even though the signal callers didn’t produce, life was harder when they weren’t protected. High-priced free agent Carl Nicks did not work out. Their free agent signee from last summer, Anthony Collins, has proven to be a disappointment as well. Veteran Logan Mankins was a solid pickup, but he was the only bright spot. Tampa just hasn’t compensated for the departures of Davin Joseph and Donald Penn. Rounds 2-7 are filled with quality starters that the Buccaneers need on their front.
Pass Rusher
Outside of Pro Bowl defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, there is no such thing as an imposing presence along the Buccaneer defensive front. 2011 draft picks Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers have been busts for the Bucs. After signing a big contract with Tampa last offseason, Michael Johnson has not been the same since his 11.5-sack campaign with the Bengals in 2012 and he was cut this offseason. With the quarterbacks in this division, Tampa Bay needs guys who can–and will–disrupt their rhythm.
As for every other team in the NFC South, pass rushers are in high demand. Anyone in the ballpark of Danielle Hunter, Trey Flowers or Nate Orchard would work for Tampa Bay. Having that disruptive edge rusher will be paramount against the offenses in the NFC South.
Check out all of The War Room content
Main Photo:
