As a Tampa Bay Buccaneers fan, it’s never too early to start thinking about the team’s future. That’s why I’m already looking ahead to the 2023 NFL Draft and what the team’s needs will be. After winning Super Bowl LV, the Buccaneers proved they have a talented roster. However, some positions will need to be addressed in the coming years, such as offensive tackle and defensive end. In this article, I’ll dive into the Bucs’ 2023 draft needs 2.0 and potential prospects to keep an eye on.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2023 NFL Draft Needs 2.0
As the defending Super Bowl champions, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have proven that they have a roster full of talent capable of winning at the highest level. However, with the NFL Draft just around the corner, it’s time to analyze the Bucs’ current roster and evaluate what areas they could improve on in order to maintain their status as a top team in the league. Here are the top needs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
1. Defensive Backs
While the Buccaneers have an impressive pass rush led by Shaquil Barrett and Jason Pierre-Paul, their secondary could use some upgrades. In particular, the Bucs need to address their cornerback depth. Carlton Davis and Jamel Dean are solid starters, but they’ve struggled with consistency and injuries. The team doesn’t have much depth behind them, and they’re certainly lacking a reliable slot cornerback.
One potential target the Buccaneers could look at is Alabama cornerback Josh Jobe. Jobe is a versatile corner who can play both outside and in the slot. He has great size and athleticism, and he’s a physical defender who can handle press coverage. Another option is Ohio State’s Sevyn Banks, who has good size and speed and is an effective press-man corner. Banks has shown the ability to make plays on the ball, which is exactly what the Buccaneers need in their secondary.
2. Offensive Tackle
The Buccaneers have a number of talented offensive linemen, but they could use some help at tackle. In particular, starting right tackle Tristan Wirfs has been fantastic, but the team needs a reliable backup option in case of injury. That’s where the 2023 NFL Draft comes in.
One potential target for the Buccaneers at tackle is Darrian Kinnard out of Kentucky. Kinnard is a massive tackle with great size and strength, and he’s shown the ability to be a dominant run blocker. He’s also a skilled pass protector who can handle speed rushers off the edge. Another option is Notre Dame’s Jarrett Patterson, who has experience at both tackle and center. Patterson is a great athlete who moves well and has outstanding technique.
3. Running Back
While the Buccaneers have a solid running back duo in Ronald Jones and Leonard Fournette, they could use some help in their backfield. Jones has shown flashes of brilliance, but he’s also struggled with injuries and inconsistency. Fournette played well in the playoffs, but he’s not a long-term solution at the position.
One potential target for the Buccaneers at running back is Georgia’s Zamir White. White is a powerful runner with great size and speed, and he’s shown the ability to break tackles and create yards after contact. He’s also a reliable receiver out of the backfield, which is a must in head coach Bruce Arians’ system. Another option is Ohio State’s Master Teague III, who is a tough, physical runner with good size and strength. Teague is also a reliable receiver and pass protector, making him a great fit for the Buccaneers’ offense.
4. Wide Receiver
While the Buccaneers have a talented group of receivers, they could still use some help in this area, especially considering Antonio Brown could leave in free agency. The Bucs have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin, both of whom are Pro Bowl-caliber players, but they need more depth and a viable third option.
One potential target for the Buccaneers at wide receiver is Ohio State’s Garrett Wilson. Wilson is a dynamic playmaker who can play both in the slot and on the outside, and he’s shown the ability to make big plays down the field. He has great speed and quickness, and he’s also a reliable route-runner. Another option is Clemson’s Justyn Ross, who has great size and athleticism and can make contested catches down the field. Ross is also a skilled route-runner who can create separation from defenders.
5. Linebacker
The Buccaneers have a talented group of linebackers, but they could still use some more depth and talent at the position. Devin White and Lavonte David are both Pro Bowl-caliber players, but the team needs a reliable third option.
One potential target for the Buccaneers at linebacker is Alabama’s Christian Harris. Harris is a versatile linebacker who can play inside or outside, and he’s an excellent tackler who can make plays all over the field. He’s also a good pass-rusher and can defend the run effectively. Another option is Penn State’s Brandon Smith, who is a highly athletic linebacker with great size and speed. Smith is also a skilled pass-rusher and can cover tight ends effectively.
Conclusion
Overall, the Buccaneers have a talented roster that doesn’t have a ton of glaring weaknesses. However, if they want to maintain their status as a top team in the NFL, they’ll need to address a few key areas in the 2023 NFL Draft. Specifically, they should focus on improving their defensive backfield and offensive tackle positions, adding depth at running back and linebacker, and potentially adding a playmaker at wide receiver. There’s no doubt that the Buccaneers will continue to be a top contender in the league, but the right picks in the draft could make all the difference in sustaining their success in the years to come.
