5 Biggest Needs Tampa Bay Buccaneers Have Yet to Address This Offseason

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers took a much more reserved approach in free agency this year, bringing in a small handful of mid-level additions rather than breaking the bank for any big names, as they’ve done over the past few offseasons.

Though these signings should help bolster their depth, the Bucs are still staring at plenty of holes in their starting lineup.

Bruce Carter should fill the void at middle linebacker left behind by the departure of Mason Foster, but Tampa Bay seem to already have their sights set on this year’s draft as the means by which they will fill their remaining needs.

What are the areas the Bucs have yet to address this offseason? Let’s take a look.

Defensive End

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After backing out of the race to sign Greg Hardy and cutting one of last year’s big-ticket free agents in Michael Johnson, the Bucs are extremely thin at defensive end.

Johnson posted just four sacks after signing a lucrative deal last offseason, and he was plagued by nagging injuries all season. Jacquies Smith was a pleasant surprise, posting 6.5 sacks over the final eight games of the season, but he’ll need a better pass-rusher across from him than William Gholston.

Should they do what’s expected and take a quarterback with the top overall pick, the No. 34 pick would be a perfect spot for Tampa Bay to take advantage of this year’s deep class of edge-rushers. UCLA’s Owamagbe Odighizuwa, Utah’s Nate Orchard and Missouri’s Markus Golden are all names to keep an eye on.

If the Bucs spend that second-round pick on an offensive lineman instead, Mississippi State’s Preston Smith and Kentucky’s Za’Darius Smith would be good fits in the third round.

Right Tackle

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Demar Doston was moved from right to left tackle for the last few games of the season due to the ineffectiveness of Anthony Collins, and the change could end up being permanent. I expect that to be the case, which means the Bucs will have a gaping hole at right tackle with few options remaining in free agency.

That should force Tampa Bay to address this need early in the draft, and thankfully for them, this year’s class is extremely deep and should allow them to find an immediate starter on Day 2.

Oregon’s Jake Fisher would be the perfect pick if he falls to the Bucs’ second-round pick, but it’s more likely they take a pass-rusher with that selection. If that’s the case, Wisconsin’s Rob Havenstein, Oklahoma’s Daryl Williams and Penn State’s Donovan Smith should be on their radar at the top of the third round.

Slot Receiver

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The Bucs re-signed veteran Louis Murphy, but he’s best suited for depth on the outside behind Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson.

Tampa Bay needs an experienced slot threat with speed and reliable hands, who can run smooth routes and make plays after the catch.

This year’s draft is full of great options that should be available in the middle rounds. Kansas State’s Tyler Lockett, Miami’s Phillip Dorsett and Duke’s Jamison Crowder should all be on Tampa Bay’s radar as prospects who could come in and make an immediate impact in the slot.

Right Guard

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Veteran Logan Mankins will return on the left side, but the revolving door at right guard continued all through the 2014 season, as the Bucs failed to find an effective starter between Patrick Omameh, Garrett Gilkey.

Rookie Kadeem Edwards spent most of the season injured and has potential, but the Bucs shouldn’t bank on him being able to immediately solve the need for an upgrade at this spot.

The Bucs are fortunate to be looking at a very deep offensive line class in this year’s draft, and it’s possible they could find a new starting guard as late as the fourth round. If things fall that way, Arizona State’s Jamil Douglas and Louisville’s John Miller are two prospects who have the tools and ability to make an impact from Day 1.

Return Specialist

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The Bucs went through a long list of potential candidates last year but none of them could prove himself to be a consistent threat in either the kick or punt return duties.

Solomon Patton, Bobby Rainey and Marcus Thigpen are just a few of the names who got a shot to secure the role in 2014, but they all disappointed for the most part.

Even if the Bucs fail to grab a starting slot receiver in the middle round who could also handle the return responsibilities, they could still grab an effective specialist in the late rounds. One name fans should get to know is West Virginia’s Mario Alford, who blew scouts away with a 4.27 40-yard dash at the Mountaineers’ pro day.