2009 NFL Draft Team Needs: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Author: Dustin Staggers from The Pewter Plank

Defensive Tackle

This is the Buccaneers most pressing draft need.  The problem is at the 19 spot, we might have to reach for a DT who fits Jim Bates scheme if we truly want to select a pick based on need.  We only have one DT who is the kind of mauling run stopping type of player that Jim Bates prefers at the DT position, Ryan Sims. The two tackle positions generated 1 sack last year, which obviously is not going to cut it.  Gone is starting DT Jovan Haye to the Tennessee Titans and in his place will probably be the aforementioned Ryan Sims.  Last years’ starter Chris Hovan is not the greatest fit for our new defensive scheme but barring a selection in the draft that truly fits, Hovan will probably end up being the starter.

Ideal Pick – BJ Raji

Realistic Pick – Ron Brace

Wide Receiver

The Bucs franchised WR Antonio Bryant this offseason as well as resigning Michael Clayton to a multiyear contract, but even still, in my guestimation and apparently the front offices, the Bucs are still in need of another threat at the receiver position.  Michael Clayton has shown over the last few years to have suspect hands, and while I love what Antonio Bryant did last year, his production over the years has been up and down because of personal issues, and expecting him to repeat last years’ production shouldn’t be a given.  Even if he were to repeat last years’ numbers, he still will be a free agent at the end of the season barring a multi-year deal or another franchise tag (please no!).  After our top 2 guys, Maurice Stovall, Parris Warren and Dexter Jackson are the next 3 receivers on the depth chart, and none has produced at the NFL level.

Ideal Pick – Jeremy Maclin

Realistic Pick – Darrius Heyward-Bey

Defensive End

Starting DE’s Gaines Adams and Greg White generated 11.5 sacks last season, which is the total we should be getting from one of our starting DE’s.   I personally feel like the lack of pressure or push or any need to double team from the DT position is part of the reason we generated so few sacks, something still needs to be done.  I think Jimmy Wilkerson is the perfect 3rd DE/DT because of his versatility.  He had 23 tackles, 5 sacks, and 1 FF last in 2008.  The wearing down of our defensive line last season contributed to our 0-4 finish and catastrophic collapse.

Ideal Pick – Brian Orapko

Realistic Pick – Michael Johnson

Cornerback

This could be the spot the Bucs surprise most people and end up taking in the first round this weekend.   There is a plethora of good physical corners in this draft, and the Bucs will be in prime position to take one at the 19th pick in the first round.  If we end up trading down, I would guarantee this would be one of our first few selections.  Last years’ 1st round pick, Aqib Talib, is going to be a stud.  He is physical, fast and in his rookie season had 23 tackles and 4 INT as the nickel corner.  This year he moves into the number one corner spot on the team.  I’m not sure what Ronde Barbers’ role is going to be in this new defensive scheme.  Jim Bates prefers physical man corners, and Ronde Barber is simply just not that.  He seems more like a roaming nickel corner to me in this scheme.  Surprise special teams player Elbert Mack I would imagine is going to see a much more expanded role.   He is a physical tackler but it is yet to be seen if he has the coverage skills necessary to be on the field for 60 snaps a game.

Ideal Pick – Malcolm Jenkins

Realistic Pick – Vontae Davis