Buccaneers: Fixing the Safeties

With free agency well underway, Jason Licht has done a good job of addressing some of the needs of this team. Next up for the Buccaneers is how to fix the safeties.

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The Buccaneers have gotten some serious work in on this roster. Chris Baker, J.J. Wilcox, and of course, DeSean Jackson, are all going to make this team better. Jason Licht is clearly not satisfied with 9-7, knows this team has a chance to win now, and is going to do all he can to make that happen.

J.J. Wilcox plays safety, but the team is not deep at the position at this point. We know the team needs help back there, so let’s take a look:

Chris Conte

Well Bucs fans, its done. No use crying over spilled milk, Chris Conte has been re-signed. Conte will most likely start the season as a backup safety. The problem with Conte has always been consistency. Last year, he made plays at times, the play against Kansas City literally closed the game out for the Bucs. The pick-six against Chicago got the Bucs off to a fast start. Set aside all that, he was brought in with Lovie but has remained even after Lovie’s departure. The coaching staff clearly likes Chris and whether we like it or not, he’s a Buc for this year at least.

Bradley McDougald and Keith Tandy

McDougald had a career year last year while starting all 16 games. He finished the season with 91 tackles, two interceptions and one fumble recovery. Tandy meanwhile, was a pleasant surprise. Another career year from a guy who has been a backup during his time in Tampa. Tandy should be the starter going into camp next year.

J.J. Wilcox

The new free agency signing from Dallas is coming of a year where he played 13 games and finished with 49 tackles and a pick. Wilcox reminds me a little bit of the San Diego Chargers safety, Jahleel Addae. Wilcox love to punish wide receivers who come across the middle of the field. Wilcox will have a chance to compete for the starting job in camp. Safety is a position that I think the Bucs will go into camp with plenty of competition.

While I was hoping the Bucs would pursue Lardarius Webb in free agency, I’m glad they did address the position. The draft is loaded with talent at the safety position. While talent like Malik Hooker and Jamal Adams will probably not be there at pick number 19, the Bucs do have a couple of options.

Budda Baker

Budda may not be there at 19 either, but if he is, he’s one of my favorite players in the draft. His size is a bit concerning at 5’10, but he check every other box. He tackles low which offsets his height. He has quite a nose for the ball, he’s fast, athletic and with no off the field issues, he’s an exciting prospect. With the signing of D-Jax, if Budda is there at 19, the Bucs may have found their safety of the future.

Obi Melifonwu

While Budda is 5’10, Obi is on the other end of the spectrum at 6’4. Obi played 4 years at UConn each year improving on the last. His combine performance seems to have raised his draft stock. The Bucs would be wise to at least take a look.

Next: Winston Will Be Just Fine

Overall I predict the safety position to be hotly contested in camp. I’m hoping the Bucs draft a someone in such a deep safety class to bring some competition to the position group. Even guys like Marcus Maye and Eddie Jackson can bring some competition to the safety position. With the resigning of Gholston and signing of Baker, safety seems to be one of the few holes left on what was a surging defense to close out the year.

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