After opting not to sign any quality defensive line players in free agency, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers will be looking to add a few pieces in the draft.
The 2019 NFL Draft is officially 15 days away, team needs are likely solidifying now that free agency has quieted down and trades have dwindled. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have remained quiet for a few weeks now, and do not look primed to make a splash within the next two weeks.
Their team needs remain along the all three levels of the defense as the offense posted franchise highs last season. On Monday, we covered one linebacker at every round of the draft as the departure of Kwon Alexander has left a hole in the middle of the Tampa Bay defense. Today, we cover one defensive lineman in each round the Buccaneers could target.
The current starters along the Buccaneers’ defensive line consists of last year’s first round pick Vita Vea, Jason-Pierre Paul as he moves to defensive end in defensive coordinator Todd Bowles’ 3-4 scheme, and Gerald McCoy. Beau Allen, Rakeem Nunez-Roches, and William Gholston provide depth along the line as well.
With rumors swirling around McCoy, the Buccaneers may need to invest another high draft pick into the defensive front again this year to fill that void. Good news for general manager Jason Licht: this is an incredibly deep and talented draft class along the defensive line.