The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were one of the NFL's biggest surprises in 2010. Led by second year pro Josh Freeman, and a pair of rookies in running back LaGarrette Blount and wide receiver Mike Williams, the Bucs finished 10-6. Despite narrowly missing the playoffs, Tampa Bay is constructing a winning roster. However, that roster is not without holes.
2011 NFL Draft Team Needs: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Buccaneers really struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks in 2010. They also have a pair of free agents at linebacker. On offense, the right side of the line needs to be addressed and a complement to LaGarrette Blount in the backfield would not be a bad addition.
Provided Josh Freeman continues his rapid development, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers should contend with the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons for the NFC South Division title in 2011. Depending on just how rapidly Freeman improves, the Bucs could find themselves in the Super Bowl within the next five seasons.
1. Defensive End: Tampa Bay recorded just 26 sacks in 2010. Only the Denver Broncos got the quarterback fewer times last season. Upgrades are needed at both defensive end positions. The interior of the defensive line looks promising after Tampa spent their first two 2010 draft choices on the position. Now, the Bucs need to put some pass rushers around Gerald McCoy and Brian Price. Adrian Clayborn and Cameron Jordan would both fit nicely into Tampa Bay's defensive scheme.
2. Linebacker: The Buccaneers have a decent linebacker core, but both Barrett Ruud and Quincy Black are free agents. Even if both are retained, the Bucs allowed 4.7 yards per carry to opposing running backs in 2010. Akeem Ayers, Bruce Carter, and Mason Foster are all possibilities for the Buccaneers in the first couple of rounds.
3. Offensive Line: Tampa Bay allowed only 30 sacks in 2010, so the offensive line is not a desperate need. However, Jeremy Trueblood could be upgraded and they need a formidable guard across from Davin Joseph. Marcus Cannon, Rodney Hudson, and Danny Watkins are all promising interior offensive line prospects that could be available in the second round. Meanwhile, Florida's Marcus Gilbert makes a ton of sense in the middle rounds to fill the void at right tackle.
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