Ranking the 2015 Impact of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Free-Agent Signings So Far

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't make any big splashes in free agency this year, changing course from their offseason pattern of the last few years.

But after swinging and missing on so many of the bigger names, it should come as no surprise that general manager Jason Licht and company decided to be more conservative with this year's signings, looking for better values who fit their system.

Tampa Bay needed plenty of help, and while some of its biggest needs remain unaddressed, that doesn't mean the additions it has made so far won't have a significant impact on the 2015 season. Which of the newest Bucs will make the biggest mark this year? Here's my take.

Ranking Criteria

• Overall talent level/expected productivity of player
• Role/projected place on depth chart
• Importance of position within scheme

S Chris Conte

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Injuries and ineffectiveness plagued Tampa Bay's safeties for much of the 2014 season, as Year 1 in defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier's Tampa 2 scheme saw plenty of growing pains throughout the unit.

Dashon Goldson looked uncomfortable in the scheme and might still be cut, while Major Wright was unable to stay healthy. Bradley McDougald showed plenty of promise, but the depth at safety needed to be addressed, leading to the signing of Conte.

The former Bear is well acquainted with the Tampa 2, having played for Bucs head coach Lovie Smith for two seasons in Chicago. That said, durability is a big concern with Conte, who has dealt with multiple concussions. His experience in the Tampa 2 is definitely a plus, but he shouldn't be counted on as anything more than a depth piece.

P Andy Wilder

It's not often a player who went undrafted and didn't play a snap in the NFL for an entire year would have a sizable impact, but Wilder could do just that for the Bucs in 2015.

The Northern Arizona product handled both punting and kicking duties for the Lumberjacks, leading all FCS punters with a 46.3-yard average in 2012.

Wilder could go from free agent to NFL starter if the Bucs decide to part ways with veteran Michael Koenen, who is set to make $3.25 million this season, according to Spotrac. If Tampa Bay wants to go younger and cheaper when it comes to the punting duties, Wilder could be its man.

DT Henry Melton

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He's no Ndamukong Suh, but the Bucs added an economical interior defensive lineman who has experience in the Tampa 2 defense by signing Melton, who will help provide solid depth behind Gerald McCoy and Clinton McDonald.

Thirteen of Melton's 20.5 career sacks came during the two seasons he played under Bucs head coach Lovie Smith in Chicago, adding five more sacks in 2014 for the Dallas Cowboys despite making just three starts.

Defensive tackle was already one of Tampa Bay's strongest positions, and adding Melton to the rotation with McCoy, McDonald and Akeem Spence only makes the group more formidable. This kind of depth should keep all four players fresh and allow them to be even more effective.

Melton could be more valuable as a reserve than he would be as a starter, and his familiarity with the Tampa 2 should allow him to make an immediate impact.

CB Sterling Moore

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Yet another former Dallas Cowboy to join the Bucs, Moore could end up being a much-needed upgrade at a vital position for Tampa Bay.

The nickel corner spot is incredibly important in today's NFL, and especially so in the Tampa 2 defense. Both Leonard Johnson and Isaiah Frey struggled in that role for Tampa Bay last year, with opponents taking advantage of the weakness on a regular basis.

Moore has bounced around to multiple teams, but he's shown plenty of promise. He has plenty of connections to the Bucs' current staff and should be a perfect fit for what the team needs from the slot corner position. Moore is yet another economical signing who could pay big dividends at a key position.

LB Bruce Carter

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Mason Foster was a solid player, but he wasn't the type of athlete the Tampa 2 defense requires at the middle linebacker position. The Bucs hope they've found the right fit for that spot with Carter, who can play either the middle or on the outside.

The former 2011 second-round draft pick has dealt with injuries throughout his career, but he put together his best season yet in 2014, showing his prowess in coverage with a team-high five interceptions.

Lavonte David has the weak-side spot locked down, and Danny Lansanah impressed last season and should man the strong side. Carter is the missing piece to the linebacking corps, and if he can stay healthy, he has the best chance to make the biggest impact of any of the Bucs' free-agent signings.