2011 Tampa Bay Buccaneers NFL Draft Needs

Following a surprising 10-6 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the clock with the 20th overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. Let’s take a look at their biggest needs and how those needs might be addressed on draft day.

1. Defensive End: The Bucs experienced some bad luck with several of their 2010 draft picks. Each of their first three picks, defensive tackles Gerald McCoy and Brian Price and wide receiver Arrelious Benn, endured injuries. Still, the Bucs were able to rebound from a 3-13 season to win 10 games in 2011. More wins could be on the way if the pass rush can be improved. Tampa Bay finished 30th in the league last year with only 26 sacks. They could use an upgrade at defensive end and they will likely have several options when they pick 20th in the first round. Cal’s Cameron Jordan, Clemson’s Da’Quan Bowers, Purdue’s Ryan Kerrigan and Georgia’s Justin Houston will be among their targets. Jordan mostly played as a 5-technique in a 3-4 in college but could easily play on the left side in a 4-3. He is among the best at his position in this class at using his hands to get off blocks to make plays. Bowers is perhaps the most talented end in the draft but has seen his stock drop due to questions about a knee injury. He could be worth the risk if he were to fall to this stage of the first round considering he is a top 10 talent. Kerrigan is one of those high-motor guys. He was unblockable at times last year while playing in the Big Ten Conference, which features some of the best offensive lineman in the country. In fact, he led the nation in tackles for loss. Houston is a guy with a large upside, which means he could end up being a steal at this stage of the first round. He is pure power at 6-foot-3, 270 pounds.

2. Linebacker: The Bucs could stand to add middle and outside linebackers in this draft, but middle backer is the bigger need with Barrett Ruud entering free agency. He’s been seeking a contract for the last two years and it hasn’t come, which means he could jump ship for a better deal. The Bucs could choose to address this spot in the third round with a guy like Miami inside linebacker Colin McCarthy, but they could also go after an outside backer like North Carolina’s Bruce Carter in round two if they take the best overall player approach.

3. Cornerback: With Ronde Barber entering his 15th season, and with rumors swirling that Aqib Talib could be cut for off-the-field issues, this could be a good time to go after a cornerback. Since its unlikely that Nebraska’s Prince Amukamara will fall this far, the Bucs could choose to address this need in the second round with a guy like Virginia’s Ras-I Dowling. He has Pro Bowl-potential in my book because of his good size (6-foot-1, 200 pounds) and top-end speed.

4. Running Back: After being cut by Tennessee, LeGarrette Blount found a home in Tampa and helped the Bucs boast a top 10 rushing attack. Because he is more of a bruiser, it would be nice if the Bucs could add a change-of-pace guy to pair with him. Cal’s Shane Vereen might be a nice option in round three.

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