Tampa Bay Buccaneers Day 1 2014 NFL Draft Primer

The new-look Tampa Bay Buccaneers are about to add a few more threads to their ensemble.

A roster overhaul that began with a fast and furious approach in free agency continues Thursday night when the 2014 NFL draft kicks off in New York City.  Bucs fans will finally get their first taste of what the new regime has planned for this year's selection meeting, and there are plenty of rumors making their way around the league regarding their plans.

Though the Bucs did address multiple needs in free agency, holes remain at receiver and guard, and there's also a need for depth pieces that fit the team's new schemes on both sides of the ball.  Further, the Bucs could take advantage of their top-10 pick and take a chance on one of this year's top quarterbacks, who could sit behind veteran Josh McCown for a while.

One thing we can be sure of: Draft weekend isn't dull at One Buc Place.  Here's everything you need to know about the Tampa Bay Buccaneers heading into the first round.

Additions and Departures

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As should be expected when a 4-12 team gets a new sheriff in town, the Bucs roster went through quite an overhaul this offseason.

Tampa Bay already had a decent amount of cap space to make some substantial moves, but releasing Darrelle Revis freed up another $16 million, which it put to good use.  The Bucs filled multiple needs via free agency, making them look much improved on paper heading into the draft.

Departures

CB Darrelle Revis

OT Donald Penn

C Jeremy Zuttah

LB Dekoda Watson

LB Adam Hayward

G Ted Larsen

FB Erik Lorig

Additions

DE Michael Johnson

CB Alterraun Verner

OT Anthony Collins

QB Josh McCown

DT Clinton McDonald

C Evan Dietrich-Smith

TE Brandon Myers

G Oniel Cousins

LB Dane Fletcher

LB Jeremy Cain

Biggest Needs

Chris O'Meara/Associated Press

The Bucs made a hard and fast push in free agency to address some of their biggest needs, but there are still a few glaring weaknesses heading into the draft.  There are multiple spots at which a rookie could easily come in and start right away, and building depth to fit their new schemes on both sides of the ball will be vital.

Wide Receiver

Even though the Buccaneers made some acquisitions at the position in free agency, the likes of Louis Murphy and Lavelle Hawkins won't afford them the legitimate No. 2 target they need across from Vincent Jackson.  It's imperative that Tampa Bay comes away with an instant starter at receiver with one of its first two selections, and it wouldn't be a bad idea to grab another one later in the draft as well.

Guard

Paying big money to Davin Joseph and Carl Nicks has backfired in the worst way for the Bucs, leaving them with a very unsettled situation at the guard position.  Per Rick Stroud of The Tampa Bay Times, Nicks plans to be ready for training camp, but it's no sure thing.  Jamon Meredith was re-signed and should hold down at least one of the starting spots, but a top young talent should be added to the mix early in the draft.

Quarterback

Josh McCown will be 35 when the 2014 season opens, and it sure seems like the new regime isn't sold on Mike Glennon as the quarterback of the future.  The Bucs hope to not be picking in the top 10 again anytime soon, and since they can likely address their top needs on Day 2, taking a top quarterback this year could be their best bet.

Linebacker

This isn't a terribly big need, but it's important for the Bucs to build depth on defense with young players who fit what they want to do on defense.  Finding an athletic linebacker with range and coverage skills who could make an immediate impact on special teams should be part of the Bucs' draft plans for Day 3.

Nickel Corner

Alterraun Verner and Mike Jenkins give the Bucs two more solid corners to team up with Johnthan Banks, but you can never have too many reliable cover men in a division that features Drew Brees, Cam Newton and Matt Ryan.  Tampa Bay should be on the lookout for a slot corner with great instincts who can make plays as a blitzer off the edge, and it should be able to find a good fit in the later rounds.

Top Targets

1. Jadeveon Clowney, DE, South Carolina

Giving a sizable contract to free agent Michael Johnson helped address the Bucs' need for a dynamic pass-rusher, but if Clowney happens to slip past the first pick or two, he's the type of once-in-a-generation talent that would be worth a trade up.

2. Sammy Watkins, WR, Clemson

Easily this year's best prospect at the team's biggest position of need, Watkins has the size, speed and physicality to be a dynamic weapon in any offense.  Putting him across from Vincent Jackson would give Josh McCown plenty of firepower to re-energize an offense that has struggled with consistency.

3. Teddy Bridgewater, QB, Louisville

Now is the time for the Bucs to grab their quarterback of the future.  Bridgewater's stock seems to be falling lately, but I stand by my opinion that he's the best in this class by a good bit.  If he's still on the board at No. 7, Tampa Bay should waste no time making him the pick.

4. Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Manziel might be the biggest risk of anyone in this year's draft, but the potential could be too much for the Bucs to pass up, especially if he falls to the seventh overall pick.  Manziel would instantly make the Bucs nationally relevant and would be a blast to watch in Jeff Tedford's offense.

5. Greg Robinson, OT, Auburn

If Robinson happens to be the best player available when the Bucs' pick comes around, it might behoove them to snatch him up and play him at guard.  A nasty mauler who is a much better run-blocker than pass-protector, Robinson was recruited as a guard out of high school and would fill a bigger need for Tampa Bay at that spot.

6. Derek Carr, QB, Fresno State

Even if only one quarterback is off the board when the Bucs pick, Carr might end up being their pick.  His close relationship with offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford has been well-documented, and he's the type of high-character guy off the field that Lovie Smith would want as the face of his franchise.

7. Aaron Donald, DT, Pittsburgh

A dark horse for the No. 7 overall pick, Donald has entered the conversation lately in the event that the defensive-minded Smith might not be able to pass up such a disruptive force with his first pick as the Bucs' new head coach.  If Tampa Bay does indeed plan to rotate its defensive lineman with regularity, taking Donald in the top 10 might just be possible.

What Are the Experts Saying?

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Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay (subscriptions required): Mike Evans, WR, Texas A&M

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McShay: The Bucs have a big need at receiver opposite Vincent Jackson, and Evans is the second-best wideout in this class. He is very competitive as a blocker and runner after the catch and brings down a high percentage of 50-50 balls because of his size, huge catching radius and big, strong hands. 

Kiper: Evans isn't a burner, but he dominates with the ball in the air and is a brutal matchup whether in the SEC or in the NFC South. He can take pressure off Jackson and eventually take his spot.

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I understand the need for a No. 2 receiver, but I just can't get on board with Evans here.  This year's receiver class is simply too deep to take a player who has plenty of growth to do as a route-runner and a consistent performer.  The Bucs would be much better off waiting until Round 2 to grab a receiver.

Dane Brugler: Blake Bortles, QB, UCF

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Could Lovie Smith and Co. really draft a quarterback with the first pick of the new regime in Tampa? It's certainly possible as the Buccaneers are doing their due diligence on all the quarterbacks, including in-state product Blake Bortles.

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I'm in the camp that believes the Bucs should take a chance on one of this year's top quarterbacks.  Bortles isn't my favorite in this class due to his lack of polish, but Tampa Bay could be an ideal situation where he could sit behind Josh McCown for a year and develop.

Pat Kirwan: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

"The Bucs just got exciting, and now they can trade Mike Glennon before the Friday draft starts."

Not only am I on board with the Bucs taking a quarterback at this pick, but I think Manziel is their guy.  It's a swing for the fences that many might not think Smith will be on board with, but Manziel brings instant excitement and playmaking ability to an offense that needs both.

Latest Rumors, Reports and Analysis

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Bucs Want Manziel, Willing to Trade Up to No. 2?

According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, the Bucs are reportedly interested in trading up to the No. 2 overall pick to secure Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel:

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When mentioning earlier the chatter about the Buccaneers moving up to No. 2 via trade with the Rams, the specific reason for the five-spot climb wasn’t clear.

Do the Bucs want receiver Sammy Watkinsor quarterback Johnny Manziel?

As we currently understand it, the Buccaneers would be making the move not for Watkins, but for Manziel.

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I'm all for bringing Johnny Football to Tampa, but I'm not sure the Bucs have the ammo to trade up that high for him.  Unless they happen to get a high pick in a trade for Mike Glennon, the Bucs have too many needs to sell the farm and move up for Manziel.

Speaking of Glennon...

Per NFL.com's Ian Rapoport, Tampa Bay is seeking a second-round pick from any team that wants to trade for QB Mike Glennon: 

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NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that if the Bucs draft a quarterback, the team is expected to shop Glennon if they can net a second-round pick in return for Josh McCown's backup.

While new coach Lovie Smith told Glennon that he'll have a chance to compete with McCown this summer, the new regime has been comprehensively lukewarm in its support of last year's third-round selection.

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Trading Glennon makes plenty of sense if the Bucs are targeting a quarterback early in the draft, but I would be shocked if they find a team willing to give up a second-rounder for him.  Even though Glennon put together a respectable rookie season in 2013, the rest of the league knows the team wants to deal him, which doesn't give the Bucs much leverage with which to drive a hard bargain.

I think their best-case scenario would be to get either the Jacksonville Jaguars or Cleveland Browns—both QB-needy teams—to part with one of their extra fourth-rounders in return for Glennon.  The Bucs are missing their pick in the fourth round due to the Darrelle Revis trade.

Lovie Wants Donald, Glazers Pushing for Manziel?

Tony Pauline of Draft Insider reports that Smith wants to take Pitt DT Aaron Donald with the seventh overall pick, while the ownership is pushing for Manziel:

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One insider told me the feeling amongst the 32 general managers is the hope Manziel is gone before they are called to the clock so there’s no discussion or distraction of selecting the signal caller. I’m told nowhere is this more apparent than Tampa Bay where owners are pushing for Manziel but wish of head coach Lovie Smith is defensive tackle Aaron Donald.

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This scenario makes plenty of sense from both sides.  Lovie Smith is a defensive-minded coach, so it shouldn't surprise anyone if every bone in his body wants to grab a difference-maker on that side of the ball with his first draft pick.  Conversely, it would be nearly impossible for the Glazers to ignore the economic impact that Manziel could have on a franchise that has struggled to avoid blackouts for too many consecutive seasons.

7-Round Bucs Mock Draft

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Round 1, Pick No. 7: Johnny Manziel, QB, Texas A&M

Rumors are rampant that the Bucs could move up to the second overall pick to secure Manziel.  However, based on other information that is swirling about, per NFL Insider Jay Glazer, it's a real possibility that Johnny Football falls to the Bucs at No. 7 overall.

Even if McCown starts through 2014, offensive coordinator Jeff Tedford would no doubt have plenty of packages for Manziel to get involved in the offense early in his career.  It's a risky pick, but it's one that would instantly make the Bucs a national story.

Round 2, Pick No. 38: Donte Moncrief, WR, Mississippi

This year's receiver class is extremely deep, and though Moncrief might not be widely considered a top-40 pick, a run on pass-catchers in the late first round could leave him as the best available fit for the Bucs at this pick.

Though he's still a bit raw, Moncrief boasts a great combination of size and speed that would allow him to be effective on the outside as Tampa Bay's No. 2 receiver opposite Vincent Jackson.  The Bucs also reportedly had a private workout with Moncrief, per Gil Brandt of NFL.com, so there seems to be some interest there.

Round 3, Pick No. 69: Billy Turner, OL, North Dakota State

Guard is one of the Bucs' biggest needs, but they could wait until the third round to address it and still end up with an immediate starter.

Turner spent his entire career at tackle for the Bison, but he projects as a guard in the NFL.  His athleticism and versatility would be an outstanding addition to the Bucs' rebuilt unit.

Round 5, Pick No. 143: Lamin Barrow, LB, LSU

Most of the Bucs' starting lineup is set on defense, but building depth with players who fit the Tampa 2 scheme is vital.  

The team brought back last year's starter at "Sam" linebacker, Jonathan Casillas, but he's coming off a season-ending knee injury.  Barrow's skill set is still fairly raw, but his athleticism and versatility make him a perfect fit for the Bucs, who need linebackers who can fly around and constantly be near the ball.

Barrow met with Tampa Bay at both the combine and the Senior Bowl, so I wouldn't be surprised if he ends up a Buccaneer this weekend.

Round 6, Pick No. 185 (from BUF): Zach Kerr, DT, Delaware

The Bucs have Gerald McCoy and Akeem Spence returning at defensive tackle, and they also brought in free agent Clinton McDonald to help shore up the interior of the front four.  But new defensive line coach Joe Cullen plans to build a deep rotation, making depth essential.

At 6'1", 326, Kerr's size makes him a great fit to play the nose behind McDonald.  The transfer from Maryland was a first-team all-conference pick in 2013 after posting 57 tackles, 5.5 tackles-for-loss and 3.5 sacks.

Round 7, Pick No. 221: Aaron Colvin, CB, Oklahoma

Late-round picks are all about trying to find value or taking a chance on a player with a high ceiling.  Grabbing a talent like Colvin in the final round of the draft could be the best of both worlds.

Considered a top-100 prospect heading into the offseason, Colvin suffered a torn ACL during Senior Bowl week, putting his draft stock in limbo.  However, his technique, football IQ and ability to blitz off the edge could make him a great fit in Smith's defense, and if he fully recovers from the injury, he could end up being a steal this late.