Buccaneers: Forecasting the 2009 Season

With the 2008 regular season at a close, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are left wondering what led to a late season collapse from their 9-3 record to a finish of 9-7.

A consensus amongst fans and local media in the Tampa Bay area is that the defense ran out of gas, possibly due to lack of depth, and that the offense lacked real playmakers. 

Certainly, every position needs addressing as GM Bruce Allen referred to in a Friday news conference, but what positions should the Buccaneers be targeting in the NFL Draft?
    
If there is a stronger side between the offensive and defensive sides of the ball, the nod would have to go to the defense.  With multiple players becoming free agents at skill positions on the offense, look for the Buccaneers to go for a playmaker on offense in the first round.  

Quarterback, running back, and wide receiver are the most glaring needs and much has been publicized about head coach Jon Gruden’s inability to develop a young quarterback.  A player such as Mark Sanchez should be available around Tampa Bay’s pick at No. 19 should he declare eligibility for the draft, but the real value of 2009’s draft might rest at wide receiver.  

Jeremy Maclin, Percy Harvin, and Darius Heyward-Bey should be available for the Buccaneers and the nod would probably go to one of the larger, more physical receivers to compliment Antonio Bryant.  After hearing Gruden explain this year that Joey Galloway had trouble seeing the field because Antonio Bryant played the same position, it would be surprising to see the Buccaneers draft another undersized “speed” receiver.

In the second and fourth rounds, look for Tampa Bay to add depth to their defense, particularly the defensive line and at linebacker. In both areas, a lack of run defense has become apparent.

Granted, the run defense had problems around the time that Jermaine Phillips went out for the season. He was a valuable asset in run support, and with his injury the lack of depth that has always been a problem came out in the open.

A defensive end such as Greg Hardy or an interior defensive tackle who can play under and pressure the quarterback would be the most valuable additions for the team.

Another area of concern is that free agency looms with potential for high turnover on the Buccaneers roster.  Much had been theorized about Allen going after Donovan McNabb or Matt Cassel to solidify the quarterback position, but it appears that the Eagles and Patriots respectively will seek to retain each player.

This leaves few “splash” options at the position and it wouldn’t be the least bit surprising to see the Buccaneers maintain the status-quo and re-sign Jeff Garcia or Luke McCown to one- or two-year contracts. Then, they could compete with Josh Johnson and Brian Griese, where someone could possibly step up for the team.

Depth at running back will also be important as Cadillac Williams has injured his other knee, Warrick Dunn faded towards the end stretch of the season, and Earnest Graham also was plagued with an injury.

It is believed that the Buccaneers will have over $20 million under the salary cap to spend. While some might go towards players who are creeping towards free agency, the rest should be put straight towards the draft. Tampa Bay needs playmakers on offense and depth on defense so the collapse that occurred this year will never happen again.