2020 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers first-round targets

First-round 2020 NFL draft targets for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

An uncertain future paired with a valuable core is a rare sight in today’s NFL, but Tampa Bay has managed to acquire the assets to fit into this slim category. Likely departures Jameis Winston, Shaquil Barrett, and Ndamukong Suh created a veteran presence to lead this team to a disappointing 7-9 record. Other staple-players still keep this team in a winning situation, such as Devin White, Vita Vea, and Mike Evans.

One of the lacking units on this roster has been the secondary, lacking the top-end talent to keep up with today’s aerial offenses. Departures of key pieces over the years combined with a poor talent pool have left Tampa in a pinch for safeties and corners. The defensive front-seven has been able to make up for this lack of talent though with their overall play in coverage as well as pressuring the quarterback.

The Tampa Bay offense is a conundrum, bolstering a down-trending Mike Evans, promising Chris Godwin, and a combination backfield of average running backs. Offensive tackle has persisted as an issue, with Winston’s blindside being left vulnerable for years. Winston will also likely be leaving this offseason, meaning a quarterback can be drafted and developed under a bridge quarterback.

Tampa Bay currently holds the #14 overall in the first round of the 2020 NFL draft, meaning they will be looking at the second-tier of the first-round talent in this year’s crop of prospects. The following 5 players fit either the current or anticipated needs of the roster and can add a new dimension to their position group upon arrival.