NFL Draft 2011: Will the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Go Offensive Tackle Early?

Mark Dominik has said more than once he has two priorities for this Tampa Bay Buccaneer football team.

First and foremost, keep Josh Freeman upright, healthy, protected and able to do what he does best.

Second, improve the pass rush.

Last year the Bucs went defensive tackle and wide receiver in a big way, with two of each in the first four rounds.

This year, it could be defensive end, offensive tackle and linebacker.

Which begs the question: How early will the Bucs look for an offensive tackle?

Here's a look at the offensive players, not counting wide receivers, who have visited the team.

Offensive Tackle

Tyron Smith, Southern Cal (6'5", 307); Projection: First Round

Jason Pinkston, Pittsburgh (6'3", 317); Projection: Third or Fourth Round

Comment: Smith should be long gone by the time the Bucs pick at No. 20. Pinkston could make a lot of sense in Round 3 or 4.

Running Back

Mark Ingram, Alabama (5'9", 215); Projection: First Round

Kendall Hunter, Okla. State (5'7", 200); Projection: Second or Third Round

Evan Royster, Penn State (6'0", 212); Projection: Sixth or Seventh Round

Tight End

Jordan Cameron, Southern Cal (6'5", 245); Projection: Third or Fourth Round

The Bucs previously listed seven wide receivers, although with the emphasis on Arrelious Benn and Mike Williams last year, you'd expect not to see one this year until after the fifth round at least.

Running back certainly is not a need with LeGarrette Blount and Cadillac Williams, but it sounds like they're looking for a replacement for Kareem Huggins, who has failed to impress.

Which leads us back to the offensive line. The Bucs are most likely thinking right tackle, and that could also bring a player like Marcus Gilbert from Florida into the mix. Gilbert is 6'5", 320 and projected to be a third-rounder by some of the gurus out there. He's a right tackle guy in the NFL, not projected at left tackle, where the Bucs are in good shape.

So don't be surprised if an offensive tackle goes in the third round.

Josh Freeman must be protected!