2011 NFL Draft Team Needs: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

by Matthew Fairburn on Mar 16, 2011 5:09 PM EDT in Mocking the NFC South

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the NFL's biggest surprises in 2010. Led by second year pro Josh Freeman, and a pair of rookies in running back LaGarrette Blount and wide receiver Mike Williams, the Bucs finished 10-6. Despite narrowly missing the playoffs, Tampa Bay is constructing a winning roster. However, that roster is not without holes.

The Buccaneers really struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2010. They also have a pair of free agents at linebacker. On offense, the right side of the line needs to be addressed and a complement to LaGarrette Blount in the backfield would not be a bad addition.

Provided Josh Freeman continues his rapid development, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should contend with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons for the NFC South Division title in 2011. Depending on just how rapidly Freeman improves, the Bucs could find themselves in the Super Bowl within the next five seasons.

1. Defensive End: Tampa Bay recorded just 26 sacks in 2010. Only the Denver Broncos got the quarterback fewer times last season. Upgrades are needed at both defensive end positions. The interior of the defensive line looks promising after Tampa spent their first two 2010 draft choices on the position. Now, the Bucs need to put some pass rushers around Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Jordan would both fit nicely into Tampa Bay's defensive scheme.

2. Linebacker: The Buccaneers have a decent linebacker core, but both Barrett Ruud and Quincy Black are free agents. Even if both are retained, the Bucs allowed 4.7 yards per carry to opposing running backs in 2010. Akeem Ayers, Bruce Carter, and Mason Foster are all possibilities for the Buccaneers in the first couple of rounds.

3. Offensive Line: Tampa Bay allowed only 30 sacks in 2010, so the offensive line is not a desperate need. However, Jeremy Trueblood could be upgraded and they need a formidable guard across from Davin Joseph. Marcus Cannon, Rodney Hudson, and Danny Watkins are all promising interior offensive line prospects that could be available in the second round. Meanwhile, Florida's Marcus Gilbert makes a ton of sense in the middle rounds to fill the void at right tackle.

Poll

What is Tampa Bay's biggest offseason need?

Defensive End

139 votes

Linebacker

18 votes

Offensive Line

23 votes

Other (Explain in Comments)

2 votes

182 votes | Poll has closed

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Comments

DE by far, QB's will just keep backing away from Mccoy because no one DE on the roster can edge rush consistently

Aye, business is business and money is money i never said we were friends.

by 4QB on Mar 16, 2011 5:31 PM EDT reply actions

Also, I am interested in whoever said other

Aye, business is business and money is money i never said we were friends.

by 4QB on Mar 16, 2011 5:31 PM EDT up reply actions

If CB Peterson slips to 20...

:evil grin:

The 2010 Bucs: Considering their two-minute offense works wonders... Why can't EVERY offensive drive be run like that during the other 58 minutes of the damn game?!

by witty on Mar 17, 2011 12:15 AM EDT up reply actions

If

Aye, business is business and money is money i never said we were friends.

by 4QB on Mar 17, 2011 12:35 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL

if that happens I will cry

Kellen Moore is awesome
Katie Mcgrath is our savior
my dog <3

by manraj7 on Mar 17, 2011 1:34 AM EDT up reply actions

DE by far

I will say I think the Buc’s now have some quality backup offensive lineman they need another high quality starter on the line.

by Pirate25 on Mar 16, 2011 11:51 PM EDT reply actions

I keep seeing Clayborn's name, but I also keep seeing how he's not a pass rusher

even though getting to the QB is the top Number One priority that we need out of our DE draft pick. Can we at least list the DEs who will be available by the 20th pick who ARE scouted as pass rushers – like Kerrigan, or Aldon Smith?

As for LB, if the Bucs fail to re-sign Ruud at MLB then that becomes a major need. However, the MLB scouting for this year suggests a weak field, and the Bucs may have to wait until Second Round in this scenario. If Ruud leaves (which is possible because his tenure with Tampa has been hot/cold), what does the FA market look like for MLBs, in case a solid veteran is the better option? As for OLB, Black may be a potential departure (although unlikely, I’m not sure his FA stock is that high) but the Bucs could consider upgrading there either way.

The Bucs’ biggest problem with the offensive line was injuries: too many of them at nearly every position. While most of our line will be coming back (hopefully healthy), the need for quality depth is there. And getting rid of Trueblood (penalty-prone) to improve our options at ROT is a good idea.

Something you missed in the evaluation is the need for Safety. While Grimm impressed his rookie year, there’s still a good chance a better quality talent could be found. FA add-on Sean Jones was solid but unspectacular. And depth is still an issue. The big question is, will the Bucs give Tanard “Stash” Jackson a third chance after his second pot bust? If not, then a need at Safety is there, big time…

The 2010 Bucs: Considering their two-minute offense works wonders... Why can't EVERY offensive drive be run like that during the other 58 minutes of the damn game?!

by witty on Mar 17, 2011 12:13 AM EDT reply actions