Plank Think Tank: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fans Predict the Bucs’ First Draft Pick

Mandatory Credit: Matt Stamey-USA TODAY Sports

We learned this weekend that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are unlikely to take a cornerback with the number 13 pick in the upcoming NFL draft, and will focus on improving the position in free agency. So what is the plan for the first round pick? We asked Buccaneer fans on Twitter, and here’s some of the reactions.

@thepewterplank would love if Werner fell to us otherwise maybe Lane Johnson or another OT if someone drops

— Kunal Agrawal (@agrawalk1991) March 3, 2013

Bjoern Werner is certainly a possibility, and it’s unclear where he’ll go in the draft. He could go anywhere from the top 5 to somewhere in the middle of the first, according to mock drafts.

@thepewterplank vaccaro

— Steven Ploor Jr (@Swagga_Steve82) March 3, 2013

This is an option we’ve explored on the site. He fits a need (we need a future free safety) but he’s unlikely to pass Mark Dominik and Greg Schiano’s test of what a “Buccaneer Man” is.

@thepewterplank trade it for Revis…. — Davien Washington (@DBeeeZy843) March 3, 2013

Another option that comes up often on Twitter. The main issue here is money, as Revis will command a very large salary. With Gerald McCoy and Josh Freeman running out of contract in the next two years, it would be tough to manage Revis’ big contract needs.

@thepewterplank Sheldon Richardson/Johnathan Hankins/Star Lotulelei or Trade Down — Louis Ptack (@TBBucs2002) March 3, 2013

Defensive tackle is an interesting idea, as Roy Miller is likely to leave for free agency this offseason. But who is the best fit to play alongside Gerald McCoy? Richardson has character concerns, Hankins might not be worth the 13th pick, and Star has health concerns. There’s talent at DT in this draft, but what are the risks?

@thepewterplank @tbbucs2002 I don’t think they draft a DT in 1st, only need a 2-down run stuffer to replace Miller, should be easy to find

— Kunal Agrawal (@agrawalk1991) March 3, 2013

This is the other concern. How much would a second DT play? Miller did not play that often, missing over 50% of snaps by the end of the season.

@utepminers A Tackle that can play RT and then transition to LT when Penn is done.

— Drew Hamilton (@DrewRHamilton) March 3, 2013

This is the most interesting idea. The Bucs are pretty solid on offense, but the thought of one of the top 3 tackles (Luke Joeckel, Eric Fisher, Lane Johnson) falling to 13 would be an interesting scenario for Tampa Bay. This is unlikely, because the top 3 tackles could be gone in the top 10, but if the Buccaneers want a tackle, they have the ammunition to trade up and get one.