2011 NFL Draft Grades: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Grade and Review

1. Adrian Clayborn, Defensive End, Iowa

2. Da'Quan Bowers, Defensive End, Clemson

3. Mason Foster, Linebacker, Washington

4. Luke Stocker, Tight End, Tennessee

5. Ahmad Black, Safety, Florida

6. Allen Bradford, Running Back, USC

7. Anthony Gaitor, Cornerback, Florida International

7. Daniel Hardy, Tight End, Idaho

General manager Mark Dominik stuck to his 2010 draft strategy of full steam ahead for the Tampa Bay Buccaneer defense.

After taking two defensive tackles with his first two picks last year, Dominik opted for two defensive ends with his Round 1 and 2 selections this season. The combination of Gerald McCoy and Brian Price with new talent Clayborn and Bowers will no doubt create the best young defensive line in football.

Bowers was easily the most talked about Buccaneer draft pick. At one point he was on boards at No. 1 overall before he slid to pick 51 with the Bucs on Friday. It is anyone's guess as to whether his knee will hold up, but this pick has unlimited potential for Tampa Bay. Clayborn and Bowers can both put monumental pressure on opposing quarterbacks and look to greatly improve the Buccaneers' sack and turnover statistics.

Foster is a machine at middle linebacker and can even jump to the outside if necessary. He has a true nose for the football and got good reviews from NFL scouts for his instinctual style of play. He wasn't a huge value pick—what you see is what you get—but Foster can provide consistent numbers for years to come in a Bucs jersey.

Luke Stocker was a great value pick in the fourth round and could contribute immediately to the offense. Ahmad Black was another solid pick in Round 5 and could see starting time by the end of the season. Even Allen Bradford at running back could have impact on the offense early in his career.

Positives

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers managed to cover a lot of their bases with the draft and got one of the biggest steals taking Bowers in the middle of Round 2. Their defense will provide much-needed pressure, greatly improving their team. While the Bucs' only offensive selections were late, they could improve the entire dynamic of the team.

Areas of concern

There is a good amount of uncertainty surrounding both defensive end selections, Bowers' health being the most pressing issue. The Buccaneers also failed to address cornerback until the seventh round, which could haunt them. There were no additions to the offensive line.

Draft grade

Just because of the seemingly boundless potential here and the value that Tampa Bay received in all selections, the Bucs managed to have one of the best drafts in the NFL. There is also no doubt that Dominik knows his stuff when it comes to the sixth and seventh rounds. I give the Tampa Bay Buccaneers an A-.