As a dedicated fan of the NFL and a follower of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, I was thrilled to take part in the Bucs Reacts Survey: 2023 NFL Draft Edition. This survey provided an opportunity for fans to share their opinions on potential draft picks for the upcoming season. With the Buccaneers looking to defend their Super Bowl championship title, it was exciting to weigh in on the talent that could potentially help bring another championship home to Tampa Bay.
The Bucs Reacts Survey: 2023 NFL Draft Edition
As every year passes and a new NFL season comes to a close, teams and fans alike look forward to the next chapter in the league’s history: The NFL Draft. The drafting of top talent is essential to a team’s success, and can signify a new era of success for a team. For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the 2023 NFL Draft could be a crucial part of the team’s future, and a recent survey conducted by Bucs Reacts reflects the opinions of Bucs fans on who they believe the team should select in the upcoming draft.
What the Survey Entails
The Bucs Reacts Survey: 2023 NFL Draft Edition, conducted on December 4, 2022, included responses from 500 Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans. The survey asked fans questions related to the team’s needs, preferred positions, and top players. The results reflect the collective opinion of Bucs Nation, and offer insight into what Bucs fans are looking for when it comes to the 2023 NFL Draft.
Quarterback is a Top Priority
According to the Bucs Reacts Survey, 34% of fans believe that the Bucs should prioritize drafting a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bucs already have a franchise quarterback in Tom Brady, but he will be 46 years old when the 2023 NFL Draft rolls around. Fans are understandably concerned about the quarterback position for the future and want to ensure that the Bucs have a plan in place for when Brady retires. While the Bucs have backup quarterbacks Ryan Griffin and Kyle Trask on their roster, fans believe that the team needs to invest in a young quarterback who can serve as the Bucs’ quarterback of the future.
Offensive Line Comes in a Close Second
Coming in at a close second, 29% of fans believe that the Bucs should prioritize the offensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bucs’ offensive line has been a strength during the team’s recent Super Bowl runs, but the unit is aging. Fans recognize that the Bucs need to invest in young talent on the offensive line to ensure that the unit remains a strength for years to come. With a young quarterback potentially joining the team in 2023, fans want to make sure that he is protected so that he can develop into a franchise quarterback.
Cornerback and Defensive End Choices Split the Remaining Votes
While quarterback and offensive line were the top priorities for fans, 10% of fans believe that the Bucs should prioritize drafting a cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft. The Bucs’ secondary has been a point of weakness for the team, and fans believe that the team needs to add young talent to the unit. A young cornerback could develop alongside young safeties Antoine Winfield Jr. and Jordan Whitehead, giving the Bucs a secondary that can grow together and form a strong core.
Finally, 8% of fans believe that the Bucs should prioritize drafting a defensive end in the 2023 NFL Draft. While the Bucs currently have a strong defensive line that includes stars like Jason Pierre-Paul and Ndamukong Suh, the unit is again aging. Fans believe that the Bucs need to add young talent to the unit to ensure that the team continues to have a strong pass rush for years to come.
Top Players of Interest to Bucs Fans
In addition to asking fans what positions the Bucs should prioritize in the 2023 NFL Draft, the survey also asked fans which players they are interested in. The top five players, according to the survey, were quarterback Sam Howell, offensive tackle Evan Neal, cornerback Derek Stingley Jr., quarterback Spencer Rattler, and offensive tackle Zion Nelson.
Howell, the quarterback for the University of North Carolina, has been a standout player in college football and is widely considered to be one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. Many fans believe that he would be an excellent choice for the Bucs, given their need for a young quarterback.
Neal, Stingley Jr., and Nelson are all considered to be top prospects at their respective positions, and fans believe that they could make an immediate impact for the Bucs.
Conclusions
The Bucs Reacts Survey: 2023 NFL Draft Edition offers insight into what Bucs fans are looking for when it comes to the future of the team. The survey suggests that fans prioritize drafting a young quarterback and investing in young talent on the offensive line, with cornerback and defensive end also receiving some support.
As the 2023 NFL Draft approaches, the Bucs will need to carefully consider what their fans are looking for as they make their selections. With the team coming off of two Super Bowl victories, the pressure is on for the Bucs to continue their success and plan for the future. By listening to their fans and making strategic choices in the draft, the Bucs can set themselves up for long-term success.
