2021 NFL Draft: Ranking needs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Here are the needs for the Buccaneers in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jason Licht has been an unstoppable force in the draft for the Buccaneers in recent years. After a few less than stellar classes at the start of his time as the general manager, Licht is on the verge of keeping the team in Super Bowl contention by continuing his success in the 2021 NFL Draft.

In an effort to keep the success going, the Bucs will want to value their picks and their needs. There is a case to make that teams should generally just take the best player available, but it is also important to weigh the talent versus the need.

The Buccaneers don’t have many needs as it stands, but there are always ways to add to a team through the draft. The following are the needs for the Buccaneers ranked in order from most important to least important.

Need #1-A third pass-rusher

The first need comes down to an outside linebacker or a depth defensive linemen. In the end, the Bucs need a third outside linebacker based on their ability to use this player more in 2021. There are plenty of formations that will keep three pass-rushers on the field, and this player will have a bigger impact on 2021 than a lineman.

Need #2-Defensive line 

Ndamukong Suh won’t be young forever, and Tampa Bay will want to keep some depth on the roster for his eventual departure. This player likely won’t see the field much in 2021, but they can serve as a decent insurance option.

Need #3-Potential backup quarterback

Blaine Gabbert and Ryan Griffin aren’t the answer. Are you really going to follow up Tom Brady with a backup as the face of the franchise? The Bucs need to take a chance on a legitimate option, even if they don’t pan out.

Need #4-Interior offensive lineman

The Buccaneer offensive line is one of the best in the NFL and is starting to gain some legitimate recognition from the rest of the league. It could get hard to keep some of the bigger names down the road, and a rookie could save Tampa some money when it counts.

Need #5-Kick returner

The Buccaneers can also address this in free agency, but a player that can catch passes and return kicks would help the special teams unit and Tom Brady. Jaydon Mickens is likely on his way out, and the Bucs can take a speedy rookie to serve both roles with ease.

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