Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ranking top-five team needs entering the draft
By Cory Kinnan
2. EDGE:
When the leader on the team in sacks is a saavy veteran at the age of 30, then it is time to overhaul the entire defensive front; the Buccaneers are doing just that. After claiming Carl Nassib after he was waived by the Cleveland Browns last year and adding Shaquil Barrett in free agency, Tampa Bay has two quality pass rushers to work off of. The only problem is neither have served in more than a rotational role throughout their career.
This season, if he makes it through camp, is Noah Spence’s last chance to prove he can be the pass rusher he was thought to be when he had first round potential back in 2016. Outside of these three names mentioned, the Buccaneers have no other pass rusher off the edge to name as Jason Pierre-Paul looks to take over an interior defensive end role in the new 3-4 scheme.
The Buccaneers are almost certainly going to use one of their first three picks to address their pass rushing problem, however it is up to how the board falls as to which pick it will be. It could be the fifth overall pick in the draft if Kentucky pass rusher Josh Allen slips, or it could be a third rounder if Florida prospect Jachai Polite falls to the 70th pick in the draft.