2011 NFL Mock Draft: Going All 7 Rounds With the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a few holes to fill in the 2011 NFL draft. With a good draft position and a GM with an impressive drafting history, their 2011 NFL draft class could prove to be very impressive.

The Bucs finished impressively last season, there is no doubt about that. But, outside of their conference, the teams they beat had a combined record of 40-72. The Buccaneers will have to set a goal in 2011 to prove that a weak schedule isn't the only reason they got to 10-6.

The list of positions that need help is a pretty sizeable one. And most of those problems lie on the defensive side of the ball. Tampa Bay, especially toward the end of the year, had a very hard time stopping the ball, with over 130 yards per game given up on the ground.

Tampa Bay's 2011 NFL draft will center around their defense. Holes at both inside and outside linebacker will need to be filled. A couple defensive ends wouldn't hurt either. And addressing the less-than-stellar strong safety play is high on the list.

The offense is stronger, likely only needing a running back to help LeGarrette Blount shoulder the load, and an interior offensive lineman.

The following are my predictions for all of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 2011 NFL draft picks.

Round 1, Pick 20: Akeem Ayers, OLB

Ayers will likely fall to the 20th spot due to a slow time in the NFL Combine. He is a very versatile pass-rusher.  He is the perfect example of throwing away the combine statistics and looking at his game tape.

His 2010 UCLA numbers didn't show this in his sack total, mostly because he played off the line. Rushing from the outside with the Bucs and even being tried as an athletic defensive end will definitely show his true worth.

Other possible options: Justin Houston, DE or trading up to snag J.J. Watt, Cameron Jordan or Da'Quan Bowers.

Round 2, Pick 19: Quan Sturdivant, ILB

Sturdivant is one of the best inside linebackers in the 2011 NFL draft. Pick 19 might be a little early, but they are going to take a quality pick rather than wait for an ILB lower on the board.

Despite missing five games to injury last season, he ended third on the Tar Heels with 61 tackles. Not to mention that his last college play was an interception.

Sturdivant will add a solid anchor to the inside of the Bucs defense and finally fill some of their run-stopping holes.

Other possible options: Curtis Brown, CB, to fill the possible hole from Talib and assist aging Ronde Barber. Or Jeremy Beal, DE.

Round 3, Pick 20: Dontay Moch, DE/OLB

That's right, three LBs in a row. I told you they needed them. Due to the versatility of Moch and the two players preceding him, they can fill all of their front seven defensive woes in the first three rounds of the draft.

Dontay Moch is the fastest linebacker in football. Maybe ever. He posted a 4.08, a 4.18 and a 4.2 for NFL scouts. He is the definition of freakish talent. The only real question is whether or not he will fall this far.

If he does, he will be a fantastic addition to the Buccaneers. With the ability to play defensive end and linebacker, the Bucs will be able to focus on other positions and can rest assured that they have a high quality 2011 draft class.

Other possible option: Lance Kendricks, TE, if Moch is taken, Kendricks will be their pick. The Bucs are worried about Kellen Winslow's blocking ability and Tampa Bay won't hesitate.

Round 4, Pick 19: Derrick Locke, RB

Locke is just the change of pace back that Tampa needs to offset last season's breakout star, Blount. He has great quickness and the hands to catch the ball out of the backfield. And, despite his 5'8", 190-pound frame, he can hold his own on a pass rush.

His speed and shiftiness will enhance the power run game and provide the balance the Buccaneers' offense has been missing.

Round 5, Pick 20: Zachary Hurd, OG

Hurd has the potential to start at guard right away. He can handle the hard pass rush and can work on both sides of the ball. The reason he slips, however, is one that could prove a weakness in the NFL—he has a hard time handling smaller, speedy rushers with an array of spins and twists.

His size, strength and work ethic make him a natural to fill the position, and could very well see the starting line up on opening day.

Round 6, Pick 22: Dom Decicco, SS

Round 6 and 7 is where GM Mark Dominik makes his money. He has a history of making some great late picks. Sammie Stroughter, Cody Grimm, Geno Hayes all went in the last two rounds. Blount went undrafted.

Dom Decicco led the Pitt Panthers in tackles, and has the size to be a standout safety. He can make the big play and isn't afraid to step up and be the quarterback of the defense.

Round 7, Pick 19: Aldrick Robinson, WR

With Benn's ongoing rehab, it would be a wise choice for the Bucs to take a late receiver. Robinson is very fast and the best wideout left on the board.

Round 7, Pick 37: Karl Klug, DT

He has the ability to move to the outside or line up at tackle for Tampa Bay. He lacks the explosiveness to apply pressure on passing plays, but has potential to stop the run.