2013 NFL Draft: NFC South Bloggers Grade the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Draft Picks
By Leo Howell
Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Over the past week, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ division rivals have been just as busy as the Bucs, adding to the roster via the draft and free agency. And just like the teams, the writers of the teams have been hard at work scouring the web for information on the newest members of the division. To get an outsiders’ perspective of the Buccaneers’ draft choices, we got the chance to have the editors of the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers sites on the Fansided network grade the Bucs draft, and here’s what they thought of the job Mark Dominik and his team did.
Ken Dye of CatCrave graded the Buccaneers draft like this:
"2nd round: Johnthan Banks, Cornerback, Mississippi State – Grade: BBanks slid out of the first round due to lack of elite cover skills, but is a tall 6’2″ press corner. May need safety help over the top against faster NFL receivers, however.3rd round: Mike Glennon, Quarterback, North Carolina State – Grade: ARussell Wilson lost his job to this guy in college and Glennon has the best arm in the entire draft. Josh Freeman’s feeling some extra heat in his contract year.4th round: Akeem Spence, Defensive Tackle, Illinois – Grade: CNot sold on him as an NFL run-clogger but they could use the help and depth at the position. Moderate ceiling, but low floor.4th round: William Gholston, Defensive End, Michigan State – Grade: DCousin of Jets’ major bust at #6 overall Vernon Gholston, William has huge talent but was inconsistent in college. Sounds familiar….5th round: Steven Means, Defensive End, Buffalo – Grade: BGood value for a guy who could become a decent edge-rusher. Compare Means and Gholston as they develop, interesting.6th round: Mike James Running Back Miami – Grade: AGreat value for this guy. Big, strong, versatile. Ceiling isn’t all that high, but his floor should be."
Chris Roling of WhoDatDish graded the Buccaneers’ draft this way:
"2nd round: Johnthan Banks, Cornerback, Mississippi State – Grade: ABanks is a solid add for a secondary with arguably the best safety combo already in place.3rd round: Mike Glennon, Quarterback, North Carolina State – Grade: ASolid value pick here, and outstanding insurance should Josh Freeman falter.4th round: Akeem Spence, Defensive Tackle, Illinois – Grade: CGood value and depth here in the fourth round. Needs to develop.4th round: William Gholston, Defensive End, Michigan State – Grade: CInconsistency plagued Gholston in college, but could be a great rotational option.5th round: Steven Means, Defensive End, Buffalo – Grade: B-Good value here, even more depth and the potential for a scary pass-rush rotation.6th round: Mike James Running Back Miami – Grade: ASolid selection who fills the void as a bruising runner in short-yardage situations."