Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Biggest 2015 NFL Draft Need
By Erik Lambert
Jan 1, 2014; Tampa, Fl, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes offensive linesman Brandon Scherff (68) blocks against the LSU Tigers during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
A lot of problems are left to sort through for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and it may take a solid 2015 NFL draft to cover them all.
Lovie Smith needs stability up front before anything else
Part of winning football games is being able to dominate in the trench. That is why the Buccaneers have struggle so much this season. They can’t rush the passer on defense and they can’t protect the passer or run the ball on offense. Yes, the quarterback situation is an issue too but honestly until those other two problems are solved, head coach Lovie Smith is better off avoiding that question for the time being. Based on the outlook of the current draft class, it would be the best call for Smith and the Bucs to get themselves a blocker on the offensive line.
Best Answer To Problem: Brandon Scherff – OT – Iowa
Smith is a coach steeped in the old school. He believes if you can run the ball and play great defense, a lot of wins follow. He proved that in Chicago. So adding a mauler up front on offense would certainly serve those purposes and it doesn’t get much better than Brandon Scherff. The Iowa left tackle has size, power and nastiness in his game. That belies though how good he is in pass protection as well. Adding him to the offensive line could solve a whole bunch of issues for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, not just in pass protection but also opening lanes for Doug Martin or whomever ends up their running back moving forward.