The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Reviewing how they addressed off-season needs

By Jerry Stalheim

Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) runs out of the tunnel as he is introduced before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 27, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) runs out of the tunnel as he is introduced before the game against the Seattle Seahawks at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Tony Stevens (8) runs the ball while guarded by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Auburn, AL, USA; Auburn Tigers wide receiver Tony Stevens (8) runs the ball while guarded by Texas A&M Aggies defensive back Justin Evans (14) during the second quarter at Jordan Hare Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports /

Safety – The Last Line of Defense

The Buccaneers have been looking for a quality safety since 2012 when they drafted a safety from Alabama with the 7th overall pick in the draft, who is now a linebacker for the Rams. With Bradley McDougald being the best out of the 3 and starting every game the last 2 seasons and both Keith Tandy and Chris Conte improving last season the secondary played better as a whole. Even though more passing yards per game were given up in 2015 than in 2016 (240 to 250.8 yards/game) completion percentage was down (70% to 63%) touchdowns were down (31 to 24) and interception were up (11 to 17), so the secondary and the defense did improve.

Once free agency began Conte and McDougald were unrestricted free agents and Conte was resigned on a two-year deal, but instead of resigning McDougald they chose to grab J.J. Wilcox on a two-year deal. It appeared that Wilcox would start at strong safety and Tandy/Conte at free safety.

Then came the second day of the draft and with the 50th overall pick the Bucs selected hard-hitting safety Justin Evans who played free safety and strong safety at Texas A&M. Pro Football Focus shows he mainly played free safety in college amassing 99 tackles and five interceptions in his two seasons at Texas A&M. Now it appears that Wilcox will play strong and rookie Evans will play free with Tandy and Conte backing them up, and now on paper it appears the safety position is much improved from last season.

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