Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2017 Mock Draft: Adding Weapons for Winston

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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) points against the New Orleans Saints during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers defeated the New Orleans Saints 16-11. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are a team on the rise. With Jameis Winston entrenched as their starter, the focus turns to adding the weapons he needs to succeed.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished the 2016 season with a much-improved 9-7 record, up from 6-10 in 2015, and second-place NFC South. Despite starting the season 3-5, the Bucs would end the season on a 6-2 run. Impressive victories over the Falcons, Seahawks, and Chiefs, not to mention sweeping the Carolina Panthers, highlighted the potential this team possesses and the hope it has for the future. However, several devastating losses exposed an offense in desperate need for help on offense.

In free agency, the Bucs landed former-Redskin DeSean Jackson. Jackson’s presence will provide a speed threat that has been lacking opposite Mike Evans. A running game that revolves Doug Martin has struggled of late and will likely need to be addressed early. Needs on the offense line as well as tight end could be improved also.

The overall theme of this draft should center around Jameis Winston. The Bucs will live and die by his success and if they can give him the weapons he needs, they become a sleeper team capable making noise early in the season.

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