Tampa Bay Buccaneers 1st Round Options: 2013 NFL Draft

Feb 21, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Greg Schiano speaks at a press conference during the 2013 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

In 2010 the Buccaneers were one of the surprise teams in the league when they went 10-6. However, in 2011 they couldn’t follow that success up and seen a dramatic drop in Josh Freemans play and their defense, which caused them to go 4-12. Then last year they rebounded some when they went 7-9. Part of the reason they were 3 games better this season was the key additions they added to their team in free agency and the draft. They signed Vincent Jackson who made the pro bowl and Carl Nicks who is one of the best OGs in the league. In the draft they also added Mark Barron who played well at safety, Doug Martin who made the pro bowl at RB and Lavonte David at LB who was in the running for DROY. Josh Freeman also played better this year. They still had the worst pass defense in the league and they lost some key players in Michael Bennett, Roy Miller and Eric Wright is suspended to begin the year.

Nov 17, 2012; College Park, MD, USA; Florida State Seminoles defensive back Xavier Rhodes (27) prior to the game against the Maryland Terrapins at Byrd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mitch Stringer-USA TODAY Sports

Xavier Rhodes – The Buccaneers were dead last year in passing yards given up per game. They traded Aqib Talib to the Patriots last year and Eric Wright is suspended to start the year. E.J. Biggers also signed with the Washington Redskins this offseason. Xavier Rhodes is a big, strong, physical CB who excels at press coverage. Rhodes has very good ball skills, showing good instincts and is confident that he can make a play on the ball. Is strong in the run game, has the ability to shed blocks and tackle the ball carrier in space. He does get overaggressive in his coverage at times, being too physical down the field which can result in pass interference and illegal contact penalties.

Sep 15, 2012; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies cornerback Desmond Trufant (6) prior to the game against the Portland State Vikings at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-USA TODAY Sports

Desmond Trufant – Trrufant has shown that he faster and a better athlete than many thought that he was with his 4.38 40 time at the combine. Trufant also has very fluid footwork and has shown the quickness and ability to drive on the football. He is physical when the ball is in the air and he fights for the ball very well. However, that physical nature doesn’t carry over to the run game. He isn’t very good at wrapping up the ball carrier and doesn’t have elite strength to bring bigger ball carriers down. He is a different type of CB than Rhodes, so it just depends on what type of CB the Buccaneers want.