Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Initial 2015 Round-by-Round Draft Big Board

When fans of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers thought about what the end of the 2014 season would look like, this wasn't exactly the kind of "relevance" they had in mind.

Despite high expectations and hopes for a quick turnaround after a 4-12 record in 2013, the Bucs took yet another step back in Lovie Smith's first year as head coach, managing a meager 2-14 record.

The silver lining of one of the most disappointing seasons in franchise history? Tampa Bay now owns the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft.

This will be the fifth time in team history the Bucs have owned the top overall selection in the draft, and they've seen the full spectrum of results with their past choices, from a Hall of Famer in Lee Roy Selmon to a player who never played a snap for the team in Bo Jackson.

Will Tampa Bay do what they did the last time they had the top pick—Vinny Testaverde in 1987—swinging for the fences on a Heisman-winning quarterback?  Will they trade down and target offensive line help or a pass-rusher?  Whom should they go after in the middle and later rounds?

Here's my preliminary look at the top five prospects the Bucs should be targeting in each round of the 2015 NFL draft.

1st Round

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1. Jameis Winston, QB, Florida State

Both of this year's top quarterbacks are worth taking at this pick, partly because the Bucs need desperately need that franchise guy. Now that Dirk Koetter has been named the team's new offensive coordinator, Winston is the best fit.  His experience in a pro-style offense, as well as success in close games and come-from-behind situations will likely give him the edge, given the Bucs are confident he won't be an issue off the field.

2. Marcus Mariota, QB, Oregon

Some will point to Mariota's struggles in the national championship game as a reason for him dropping down the board a bit, but it really comes down to Winston being a better fit for a Bucs team that wants to win now. This year's Heisman winner isn't the single-read spread quarterback some believe him to be, but he would likely take longer to develop at the next level in a more traditional offensive system.

3. Leonard Williams, DT, USC

If the Bucs don't feel completely comfortable taking a swing on a franchise quarterback, Williams could be the pure best-player-available pick, despite defensive tackle being one of the few strengths on their current roster. Gerald McCoy has already been signed to a long-term extension, and Clinton McDonald was arguably their most productive free-agent pickup last year, but you can never have too many disruptive players up front.

4. Alvin "Bud" Dupree, DE, Kentucky

If the Bucs make a blockbuster move and end up trading down into the latter half of the top 10, there are a couple of edge-rushers who would be great fits. Dupree wasn't used as effectively as he could have been at Kentucky, but he is a top-10 talent who would flourish with his hand in the dirt full-time.

5. Dante Fowler, DE, Florida

Similar to Dupree, Fowler would be a worthy top-10 target if the Bucs move down from No. 1 overall.  Michael Johnson disappointed in his first season after signing a lucrative free-agent deal, and Adrian Clayborn isn't likely to return after another season ended by injury. Fowler constantly camps out in opposing backfields and would help bolster Tampa Bay's lackluster pass rush.

2nd Round

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1. T.J. Clemmings, OT, Pittsburgh

With Demar Dotson likely making his switch to left tackle permanent, the Bucs should be looking to fill his spot on the right side with this pick. Clemmings is a dominant run-blocker who still needs some polish in pass protection, but he has tons of experience at right tackle and should be the pick if he happens to slide out of the first round.

2. Cam Erving, OL, Florida State

Erving moved from the more prestigious tackle spot to help out at center in 2014, and he actually elevated his draft stock, becoming a dominant force at the position.  His versatility will be attractive to a Bucs team that dealt with their share of injuries this past season, so don't be shocked if he's the pick at the top of the second round.

3. Benardrick McKinney, LB, Mississippi State

Mason Foster dealt with multiple injuries last year and might not be re-signed this offseason, which could leave the Bucs looking for a new starter in the middle of the defense. McKinney was one of the SEC's best defenders, and has the athleticism to be an effective Tampa 2 middle linebacker. He's easily worth a first-rounder, but if he slides, Tampa Bay could get a steal.

4. Ty Sambrailo, OT, Colorado State

If Clemmings is off the board but the Bucs still want to grab their right tackle, Sambrailo could be the guy. He struggled against Utah's Nate Orchard in the Las Vegas Bowl, which might allow him to slide out of the first round. Next week's Senior Bowl will be the perfect opportunity for Sambrailo to prove he can hang against top pass-rushers.

5. Chris Hackett, S, TCU

It might be a little early to think about the safety spot, but Dashon Goldson's future isn't exactly crystal clear, given his price tag and performance since coming to Tampa Bay. Should the Bucs want to move on from the expensive veteran, Hackett is a name to keep an eye on.  Multiple analysts are reporting high reviews of Hackett from NFL scouts already, and it wouldn't shock me to see him go this high.

3rd Round

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1. Markus Golden, DE, Missouri

Teammate Shane Ray gets more attention, but Golden could easily end up being the better value of the two Missouri pass-rushers.  Jacquies Smith was a breath of fresh air off the edge for the Bucs over the second half of the season, but they still need big plays behind the line of scrimmage.  If Tampa Bay hasn't added some pass-rushing help with their first two picks and Golden is still on the board, they should pull the trigger.

2. Senquez Golson, CB, Mississippi

A pass-rusher may be the Bucs' top defensive need, but coming in right behind it is the perfect fit at nickel corner.  Neither Leonard Johnson nor Isaiah Frey established themselves at the position for Tampa Bay in 2014, but they could end up with the right guy if Golson falls to them in the third round.  He has the skill set of a top-50 player, but Golson's lack of ideal size could cause him to slip a bit. If he does, the Bucs would gladly snatch up a player with his instincts and nose for the big play.

3. Rashad Greene, WR, Florida State

It's not one of their bigger needs, but grabbing a slot receiver who could eventually take over for Vincent Jackson as the Bucs' No. 2 target should definitely be on their radar in this draft.  Greene isn't the biggest guy, but his smooth routes and sure hands make him a perfect fit in the slot, and his overall skill set and talent level would allow him to eventually develop into a full-time starter on the outside.  He's likely to be gone by the third round, but if he happens to fall, the Bucs should think long and hard about grabbing him.

4. Jake Fisher, OT, Oregon

If Tampa Bay waits until the third round to address the right tackle spot, they could still come away with a potential starter in Fisher. The senior has starting experience at both left and right tackle, but he is more experienced on the right side and will be projected there at the next level. Durability could be a minor concern, but overall, he'd be a solid value at this point.

5. A.J. Cann, G, South Carolina

Veteran Logan Mankins didn't live up to expectations after being traded for just prior to the start of the regular season, and the other guard spot was a revolving door for the Bucs all season long.  If their other targets are off the board, Tampa Bay could add one of the draft's top interior blockers in Cann, who enjoyed plenty of success in the tough trenches of the SEC.

4th Round

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1. Laken Tomlinson, G, Duke

Even if the Bucs wait this long to grab a guard, they could still come away with a day-one starter, with multiple options to choose from.  Tomlinson is a mauler in the run game, but he needs some refinement as a pass-blocker, which could cause him to fall to the fourth round.  If he does, the Bucs would be wise to snatch him up.

2. Preston Smith, DE, Mississippi State

Smith would be an ideal option if Tampa Bay waits until the fourth round to bolster the pass rush.  Smith has the long frame and wingspan Lovie Smith seems to want out of his defensive ends, and though he doesn't have a lightning-quick first step off the edge, he's able to effectively convert speed to power on his way to the quarterback.

3. Justin Hardy, WR, East Carolina

Much like Florida State's Rashad Greene, Hardy has all the tools needed to fit what the Bucs need as far as receiver depth goes.  Hardy's skill set could easily allow him to develop into an eventual replacement for veteran starter Vincent Jackson, and he could make an instant impact in the slot, where he lined up plenty for the Pirates in 2014.

4. Josue Matias, G, Florida State

If Tomlinson is gone or just isn't their guy at the guard spot, Matias could very well be the pick. Together with teammate Tre Jackson, Matias helped pave the way for productive seasons from both Dalvin Cook and Karlos Williams.  Could he be reunited with his quarterback and join Jameis Winston in Tampa Bay?

5. Owamagbe Odighizuwa, DE, UCLA

Another potential option for improving the pass rush could be Odighizuwa, who flashed some impressive ability this past season.  Injuries are a serious concern here—he missed all of 2013 following hip surgery—but he could be quite the find if he's able to stay healthy and reach his full potential.

5th Round

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1. Kevin White, CB, TCU

Another spot where the Bucs could come away with a late-round starter, their search for the right fit at nickel corner could end with White.  Similar to Ole Miss cover man Senquez Golson, White overcomes his lack of size with great instincts and a nose for the ball.

2. Lynden Trail, DE, Norfolk State

A small-school prospect who is likely to generate some buzz at the Senior Bowl next week, Trail has the impressive frame and wingspan Lovie Smith is looking for in his defensive ends. If Trail can prove himself against the nation's top competition next week, it's likely he doesn't fall this far, but Tampa Bay could luck out and end up with a raw player full of potential.

3. Phillip Dorsett, WR, Miami (FL)

If the Bucs are looking for a true slot receiver, Dorsett could be their man in the fifth round. With his blazing speed, Dorsett could a be a potential big-play machine lining up between Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson, and he'd make an instant impact as a return specialist.

4. Cedric Reed, DE, Texas

Another defensive end who fits the tall, long-armed mold Lovie Smith seems to prefer, Reed tallied 5.5 sacks this season for the Longhorns, with three of them coming in one game against West Virginia. Injury concerns could cause Reed to slip, but he'd be a good fit and a solid value this late.

5. Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland

Yet another player with plenty of talent but held back by injuries, Diggs has the skill set to contribute immediately as a slot receiver and the playmaking ability to have an instant impact as a return specialist. 

6th Round

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1. Josh Shaw, CB, USC

The late rounds are where teams can afford to take risks on prospects with top talent who have fallen due to any number of different concerns.  Shaw's suspension that caused him to miss 10 games of the 2014 season is definitely concerning and could cause teams to shy away from using a premium pick on him.  That said, he's still incredibly talented and could be a steal in the later rounds if he stays out of trouble.

2. Hayes Pullard, LB, USC

If Shaw isn't there, his defensive teammate could be a good fit if the Bucs want to add some depth at linebacker.  Pullard has the athleticism to cover the deep middle in the Tampa 2, and he could develop behind Mason Foster if he re-signs, or whatever veteran starter the Bucs would bring in to replace him.

2. Dezmin Lewis, WR, Central Arkansas

A small-school prospect who needs some refining, Lewis has the size and skill set to eventually develop into a special player in the right spot. He has the frame to add some bulk and strength, and his height and leaping ability could make him an effective red-zone threat.

4. Damarious Randall, S, Arizona State

Even if Dashon Goldson returns, the Bucs need to build young depth at safety, especially if they don't bring back veteran Major Wright. Randall is a sure tackler in the open field and seems just as comfortable in coverage as he is playing the run.

5. Adam Shead, G, Oklahoma

Tampa Bay's starting offensive line was bad enough last year, but there was very little depth behind them. Stockpiling new blood up front should be part of the plan this offseason, and Shead has all the tools to develop into a solid backup or spot starter at guard.

7th Round

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1. B.J. Finney, C, Kansas State

If the Bucs prefer to grab some depth at center rather than an immediate replacement for disappointing veteran starter Evan Dietrich-Smith, Finney should be near the top of their list in the later rounds.  Per multiple reports—including this one from B/R's own Dan Hope—Finney has been turning heads at this week's Shrine Game practices.

2. Xavier Williams, DT, Northern Iowa

The other player noted in Dan Hope's report, Williams has been turning in his own impressive work at the Shrine Game practices this week, proving he can hang in the trenches with prospects from bigger programs. Gerald McCoy missed time with multiple injuries this year, exposing depth issues at defensive tackle that Williams could help solve if he develops.

3. Andre Davis, WR, USF

Sticking with players who are impressing at the Shrine Game practices, Davis also caught the eye of B/R's Dan Hope with an impressive performance in practice so far.  Plagued by a revolving door at quarterback for the Bulls this year, Davis was unable to take full advantage of his abilities, but the Bucs could keep the local product at home by grabbing him in the later rounds.

4. Xzavier Dickson, OLB, Alabama

Dickson was a rush linebacker in Alabama's 3-4 scheme, but his frame and pass-rushing ability could allow him to translate into a 4-3 end spot.  Nick Saban is known for churning out some successful NFL players, so grabbing one this late couldn't hurt.

5. Justin Coleman, CB, Tennessee

Another prospect who could end up being a good fit in nickel packages, Coleman's size alone will likely force him inside at the next level.  That's just fine for Tampa Bay, who need an undersized slot corner more than the bigger cover men on the outside.