Buccaneers Offseason: Team Needs

Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports

As this season comes to a close, there is a lot to like about where this team is heading. The most important thing we have seen from the Buccaneers is that they have finally found a franchise quarterback in Jameis Winston. This franchise has went so long without ever really having a quarterback who they can call, the guy, and the importance of having one cannot be emphasized enough. Everything gets easier this offseason now that the Bucs have that long missing piece filled and we can focus on some other needs that need to be filled in order for this team to take the next step and become a playoff contender next season. Let’s take a look at some key needs for the Buccaneers!

DEFENSIVE END:

In my mind the most important position that needs to be addressed this offseason whether it be through the draft or free agency is Defensive End. The pass rush for the Bucs has been terrible for a while now and without a consistent pass rush it makes the entire defense look bad. No matter what quarterback you are playing in this league, we have shown that if you give them all the time in the world in the pocket and let them get comfortable, they will rip you apart. Getting the quarterback out of his element and off his game is especially important for the Bucs due to having 3 of the top quarterbacks in the league all in their division! There are going to be some big names in free agency this year that could help the pass rush such as Jason Pierre Paul, Muhammad Wilkerson, and Malik Jackson. The draft is also loaded with talent at the position starting off with Joey Bosa (Ohio State), A’Shawn Robinson (Alabama), and Emmaunel Ogbah (Oklahoma State). As you can see, there is plenty to be had at the position this offseason and the Buccaneers should make it their number 1 priority to find their pass rusher!

CORNERBACK:

This season has been weird at cornerback for the Buccaneers with Johnathan Banks and Alterraun Verner (the season’s opening starters at the position) being sidelined due to ineffective play. Verner has shown flashes of being a good nickel corner but is being paid too much for that position so a restructure is a must. Also, Banks has regressed since last year when he looked like he was really getting in his groove and going to be a dominant player at corner. This led to the Buccaneers turning to some new faces as starters, Sterling Moore and Jude Adjei-Barimah. Moore has shown that he could be a pretty good corner in this league but I view him as a good #2 corner, not the #1 guy. Jude, aside from showing glimpses of hope, should not be a starter for this team next season. What Tampa is craving is a number one corner you can put on an island with the league’s top receivers so you can focus more on getting pressure on the quarterback. I think this particular need should be more focused on the draft rather than free agency. My reasoning for this is the fact that this upcoming draft is loaded with talent at the cornerback position. A few players I would keep an eye on are Jalen Ramsey (FSU), Vernon Hargreaves (Florida), and Tre’Davious White (LSU).

WIDE RECEIVER:

Now that two key positions on the defense have been addressed, time to move to the other side of the ball where Jameis Winston needs weapons. I am fine with Mike Evans being the Buccaneers number one receiver but with Vincent Jackson’s price tag next year being 10 million, it could be time to look somewhere else for a #2. I like the fact that we are tall at receiver and can throw the ball up and let our receivers win jump balls, but at the same time I would like a faster type of receiver who can really turn the burner on and take any short pass for six. Another problem with the way our receivers are set up is they really aren’t the type of guys to create separation which wouldn’t be that bad if we had a great offensive line, but we don’t. We need a true playmaker who can hit a quick slant route, catch the ball, and take it to the house and make defenses game plan for him. A couple players I like in the upcoming draft that fit this bill are Corey Coleman (Baylor), Pharoh Cooper (South Carolina, a mid round draft pick), and Tyler Boyd (Pitt).

This team is not far off from being contenders, and if these positions can be addressed heavily this offseason than I wouldn’t be surprised to see this team take a huge leap next year and become a true contender with last years draft picks having a year under their belt. Leave a comment of the names you like coming out of this draft or any other needs you think need to be addressed this offseason.