NFL Draft 2011: How Should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Use Their Round 2 Selection?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lie in a similar position in Round 2 as they did in the first.

The Bucs should be the 19th team to select in the second at No. 51, and if Round 1 has been any indication, they are going to have a lot of directions to go in, using this pick.

Last night, Tampa Bay faced more options than any analyst thought possible. Great defensive ends remained on the board, yet they could have even opted for one of the best offensive tackles, linebackers or even taken Mark Ingram, the most explosive running back in the 2011 draft class at the No. 20 spot.

The first round belonged to the defense and offensive line, so it should be more of a skill position game to start Round 2—something that always plays nicely into the hands of the Buccaneers.

Buffalo, Cincinnati, Arizona and Oakland all have quarterbacks on their shopping list. The Patriots and Redskins could go for a running back, just as San Francisco, St. Louis and the Redskins again could all go for a receiver.

That's not even mentioning the unexpected players that are still on the board after Round 1.

Da'Quan Bowers and a few additional offensive tackles will be taken. What's more, there is a slew of cornerbacks with the potential to be high second-round selections.

If these picks play out, Tampa Bay should once again have a handful of options.

The entire linebacker class could potentially be up for grabs for the Bucs.

With Akeem Ayers, Bruce Carter and Justin Houston still on the board, Tampa can still pursue a pass rusher by using their second-round pick and solidifying them as a threat for the 2011 season.

Ayers is an impressive talent that can line up on the end or as outside linebacker—a nice hybrid that could start immediately for the Buccaneers. He does have some struggles against the run, but should get a nice rush off the outside.

The only reason he has fallen this far is due to his poor combine showing.

However, Justin Houston is my favorite remaining outside linebacker.

Tampa showed a couple of signs of a 3-4 defense last season, fitting Houston's playing style nicely.

He has the speed to get to the outside of blockers, the moves to make them miss and even the power to get a good bull rush.

What's more, he has the athleticism to drop back into coverage, which is a good sign as the Bucs look to face a talented crop of tight ends in 2011.

If Tampa Bay plan on once again targeting a strong pass rush, Houston is their man.

Bruce Carter also deserves a mention, but could continue to fall based on what we have seen in the draft so far. He tore his ACL in November and still has a long time to recover.

However, he is a sound and technical player, that makes smart cuts and fluid movements. He might struggle to get off bigger blockers, but that is not an issue if his initial burst is quick enough to get around them.

Once healthy, he could have a big impact at weak side linebacker for whichever team he plays for.