NEWSLETTER
The Buccaneers may be the reigning NFC South champions. Still, with a tight salary cap, key veterans aging, and many players on expiring contracts, shrewd talent acquisition through the NFL draft is crucial. Here’s a look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers top 5 NFL Draft priorities.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Positions to Address in the NFL Draft
The Bucs have found their quarterback, at least for now in Baker Mayfield and were able to retain Mike Evans. They’re set at the skill positions but if they have any hopes of competing in the NFC, filling needs through the NFL Draft is a must.
Offensive Line
Despite a strong receiving corps and threatening skill position players, the Buccaneers finished as a bottom-10 offense in the NFL. A lot of that can be attributed to inconsistency from their offensive line. Triston Wirfs has been fantastic at LT, but the rest of the line has suffered through injuries and just plain old poor play. Tampa Bay needs to find a reliable center to replace Ryan Jensen and get better at the guard position to hopefully improve upon their league-worst running game.
Edge Rusher
The Buccaneers finished the 2023 season as one of the worst passing defenses. This was made worse by their mediocre pass rush that finished 20th in overall pressure %. Tampa Bay has tried to sure up their pass rush in recent drafts but has missed the mark. Shaq Barrett leaving in free agency has elevated this position to a top priority in the 2024 NFL Draft
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Cornerback
The Buccaneers’ top corner Carlton Davis is gone, leaving Jamel Dean and Zyon McCollum on the outside. Neither is considered a lockdown corner, nor durable with both missing multiple games in at least one of the two previous seasons. If Tampa Bay is going to defend the new-look Atlanta Falcons in the division, they need to sure up their defensive backfield.
Linebacker
The loss of Devin White in free agency creates a significant void in the Bucs’ defense. While LaVonte David remains serviceable, he’s entering season 13, and not the force he once was. Finding a versatile linebacker who can complement his skillset and possibly take the reigns from the longtime defensive leader is crucial.
Wide Receiver
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a solid wide receiver corps but their top two pass catchers aren’t getting any younger and Chris Godwin is a free agent at the end of the season. With Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans locked up until at least 2026, the Bucs would be wise to add another young pass catcher to the offense who can take some load off Godwin and Evans. While also making sure they’re prepared for Godwin’s departure at the end of the season.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Additions
The Bucs have begun filling some of the aforementioned needs via free agency their most notable additions being on offensive line and at cornerback. See them below.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2024 NFL Draft Picks
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are slated to begin their 2024 NFL Draft with the 26th overall pick and currently have seven overall selections.
