The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Predicting what’s in their future

By Jerry Stalheim

Dec 24, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) gestures after a third quarter touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; New Orleans, LA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston (3) gestures after a third quarter touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports /
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Three Draft Picks Will Start Week One

When Jason Licht was hired as Buccaneers General Manager January of 2014 he spoke during his introductory press conference about what philosophy he was going to bring to the team:

"“Our philosophy is going to be to build through the draft. That’s where we find our stars. That’s where we find the next generation. But also in the short term and long term we’re going to supplement our roster through free agency” “But we’re going to look for value. We’re going to spend wisely.”"

Every year in the draft he has nailed that philosophy starting in 2014 when he drafted wide receiver Mike Evans in the first round. Also picking up receiving running back Charles Sims in the third round and starting left guard Kevin Pamphile in the fifth round. All have been part of the young cornerstones of the team.

In 2015, hitting the draft “Grand Slam” by selecting Jameis Winston, Donovan Smith, Ali Marpet, and Kwon Alexander in rounds one thru four. All of whom started immediately and have become cornerstones of the young rising Bucs.

In 2016, selecting three more starters in Vernon Hargreaves, Noah Spence, and struggling kicker Roberto Aguayo. With six of the seven draft pick still currently on the roster.
In the 2017 draft, he may have found three immediate starters with the obvious one being tight end OJ Howard who fell to them in the first round. Howard obviously will start immediately playing in the twelve personnel (two TE set) with Brate.

With Keith Tandy all but locked into one of the safety spots after his late season play.  That leave second rounder Justin Evans to compete with Chris Conte and JJ Wilcox, and you might say “They just signed Wilcox this off season to a contract why would they start Evans over him?” Do I need to remind of the Bruce Carter/Kwon Alexander off season?

Linebacker Kendell Beckwith was drafted in the third round to compete with Devonte Bond (who missed all of last season) for the Sam linebacker position. If 100% healthy Beckwith wins the battle being the two down sam linebacker which only plays on 45% of the snaps since he is a much better fit then Bond.

I am also tempted to say that wide receiver Chris Godwin could start on day one but not sure if ready to pull that trigger yet so wait and see.

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