2011 NFL Draft: Can the Tampa Bay Rookies Lead the Bucs to an NFC South Title?

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made big strides in 2010, finishing at 10-6. But after the 2011 NFL Draft, they can prove they are not a fluke and take the South.

I’ll give it to you that the Buccaneers finished 10-6 last year largely because their opponents were among the worst in the NFL. I’ll give it to you that the only true challenges they faced ended up beating them. But, I will say back to you that Tampa Bay completed their 10-6 season, narrowly missing the playoffs, I might add, with injuries across the board and virtually no pass rush.

With these thoughts in mind, and through additions all over the field in the draft, I don’t think it is out of the question to assume that the Buccaneers are a playoff team in 2011. I’ll even take this prediction one step further and tell you that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win the NFL South. Let me tell you why.

For starters, as previously addressed, Tampa Bay faced a slew of losses and injuries in their 2010 season. Tampa Bay released tight end Jerramy Stevens due to legal issues, and starting safety Tanard Jackson was suspended for a year. Promising rookie receiver Aurrelious Benn went to IR along with first-round draft pick defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, center Jeff Faine, free safety Cody Grimm and linebacker Quincy Black, just to name a few.

Well, guess who is healthy again! With the exception of Stevens, Tampa Bay will be getting back starters all over the offense and defense. They get a one-two punch as Benn joins standout receiver Mike Williams. Big man Gerald McCoy will be disrupting backfields in 2011. Their offensive line is back up to strength. Provided the Bucs' starters can stay off the sidelines for the 2011 NFL season, the Buccaneers have as much talent as other NFC contenders.

Secondly, I think that anyone worth their salt can argue that the Tampa Bay Bucs had the best 2011 NFL Draft. They are easily in the top 5. Their draft was stacked with talent. And, beyond that, they got the positions that they needed to fill. This is huge in advancing their talents further into December. The defensive talent they were able to add to their roster will make a big impact in their 2011 campaign.

Addressing the first two rounds with defensive ends, Tampa Bay took a huge leap in their pass rush, potentially bumping their meager total of 26 sacks into the 40s. If Da’Quan Bowers can be back to full health by the beginning of the season, he can easily make a run for the Defensive Rookie of the Year. First-round pick, Adrian Clayborn will be coming at quarterbacks from the other side. The two could easily see upwards of 15 sacks between them, countless quarterback hits and hustles and a disruptive amount of forced and recovered fumbles. These two selections alone improve the defense drastically.

With their third-round selection they got an instinctual linebacker, Mason Foster, who can play inside or outside. His ball-hawking abilities will provide greatly to the run-stopping game up the middle. With their Round 5 selection the Buccaneers acquired safety Ahmad Black, a player that will receive time in certain defensive sets at the beginning of the season. Don’t be surprised to see him in a starting role by the middle of the year after he shows coaches and fans that he is not afraid to make the big hit. And despite his lack in size and speed, he shows impressive abilities to read the quarterback getting in key positions to make the big play. Both Foster and Black will also immediately contribute to the special teams game.

The draft didn’t just improve the Tampa Bay Buccaneer defense. Using only their fourth and sixth-round selections on offensive players, the Bucs managed to snag two men who could make big strides in opening up the offense.

Fourth-round pick, tight end Luke Stocker will give the Bucs the ability to run an effective two tight end set. His blocking talents will open up holes for their running backs and allow Josh Freeman the opportunity to complete the critical first down. He also shows great hands over the middle and could become a favorite red-zone target. One certain aspect of adding Stocker is that it will improve the game of fellow tight end Kellen Winslow. Winslow will have the chance to get more looks and run more routes with an additional blocking tight end to hold the line.

Sixth-round pick, running back Allen Bradford could also see significant time improving Tampa Bay’s offense. Bradford matches LeGarrette Blount’s size and running power and could be used to open holes for last year’s standout running back. While Blount often struggled in short yardage, Bradford can pound in the ball in goal-line stands. He has the potential to accrue an impressive amount of touchdowns his rookie year. He also can work as a third-down back, showing great yards per carry and pass-blocking ability in college.

Sure, Tampa Bay’s NFC South foes improved their team. And sure they are more proven. But, it is a new year, and we can already tell that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the NFL's most improved team.