Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Analyzing NFL.com’s evaluation of team needs
By Cory Kinnan
Linebacker
The Buccaneers are potentially out two linebackers entering the 2019 season. Four-year starter Kwon Alexander has departed Tampa Bay for the other Bay, signing a rich four-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers for $13.5 million annually. Losing Alexander is a big loss in the middle of the defense of a team hoping to compete in 2019.
More from The Pewter Plank
- Devin White posts cryptic message to Lavonte David on Twitter
- ESPN predicts surprising outcome to Devin White trade saga
- Updated Buccaneers depth chart after signing two players from rookie minicamp
- Todd Bowles sends clear message about Baker Mayfield’s role with Bucs
- The Athletic is wrong about Bucs one ‘must-watch’ game in 2023
In addition to the loss of Alexander, the team still has no update on the status of 2017 third round pick Kendell Beckwith. After a successful rookie season, Beckwith missed the entire 2018 season after suffering a broken ankle riding as a passenger in a car accident last offseason. At the combine, general manager Jason Licht stated that he would have an update in about a month on Beckwith’s status, however, the team has yet to notify of any update; Beckwith’s career could be in jeopardy.
Parr nailed this need as the Buccaneers have to potentially replace two backers. Even after the signing of Deone Bucannon, Tampa Bay should be on the lookout for a traditional middle linebacker as Bucannon is more of a safety/linebacker hybrid.
If the Buccaneers seek to take a linebacker in the first round, the two names to keep an eye on are Devin White and Devin Bush. If they wait until day-two, Blake Cashman, Drew Tranquill, and Bobby Okereke are names that could get a phone call from the Buccaneers.
Did Parr get need right?: YES