Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ranking top-five team needs entering the draft
By Cory Kinnan
5. Cornerback:
Head coach Bruce Arians has publicly stated his belief in fourth-year cornerback Vernon Hargreaves, who has struggled to live up to the hype of a first round selection to this point in his career. However, getting back to a press, man coverage dominated defensive mindset could be just the change he needs to breakout in 2019.
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The Buccaneers also used second round picks on two cornerbacks in last year’s draft, netting Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart. While Stewart is moving to safety in 2019, Davis looks to be the front-runner to lockdown the second cornerback spot opposite Hargreaves.
Cornerback is not a heavy need just yet, as the Buccaneers may even add a veteran on a cheap contract after the draft. However, what is needed is a nickel cornerback who can play in the slot and defend the shiftier receivers in the league as well as running backs and tight ends.
If the Buccaneers do end up adding a cornerback in the second or third round, it would indicate Hargreaves would be moving to the slot. If they truly believe in Hargreaves outside of the numbers, then a cornerback will not be selected until day-three and he will be a competitor to win the job in the slot.