Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2008 NFL Draft Needs
Written April 16, 2008 by Jack Jones
The Buccaneers are coming off a pretty impressive season after finishing 9-7 and taking home the NFC South title. Their season was ended in the first round of the playoffs by the hands of the eventual champions in the New York Giants. The season was a surprise to many fans around the league, as many people had them picked to finished 3rd in the division. In effort to improve the team in 2008, the team has gone out and signed the likes of C Jeff Faine, CB Eugene Wilson, and WR Antonio Bryant. These along with other signings helped get things geared for next season, but there are still some pieces that need to be addressed in the draft. Here are the top 5 positions we think the Bucs will target in this year’s draft.
1. Wide Receiver
There is no question that the team needs some more big play players on offense. While Joey Galloway had another solid season, they can’t rely on this guy forever. We are almost certain that the Bucs will draft a receiver early in the draft, and could do so with the 20th pick in the first round. Look for a guy like Cal’s DeSean Jackson or Oklahoma’s Malcolm Kelly if he is still on the board.
2. Cornerback
The team is starting to look pretty thin here for the future. While they will have Ronde Barber and Phillip Buchanon next year, Barber is 32 and it’s unclear if Buchanon will be back after next season. Eugene Wilson will be a big help but don’t be shocked if they go after a corner early in the draft. Look for them to take a look in the 2nd round at a guy like Wisconsin’s Jack Ikegwuonu or Penn State’s Justin King.
3. Running Back
If everyone is healthy then yea they aren’t looking to bad here, but Cadillac is coming off a season ending injury, and it doesn’t look like Michael Pittman will be back for next season. Earnest Graham was a surprise last season and should see plenty of action in 2008. The team also brought in veteran Warrick Dunn, but they will still likely grab a guy for the future. Maybe a guy like Georgia Tech’s Tashard Choice or East Carolina’s Chris Johnson could be just what they are looking for.
4. Defensive Tackle
Though the defense is pretty solid all around the team could use another big guy in the middle to help sure up the run defense, and maybe add a little more pressure against the pass. The team will likely use its early picks elsewhere so look for a guy like Auburn’s Pat Sims or Florida State’s Letroy Guion
5. Quarterback
Jeff Garcia is unhappy with how he is getting paid, and its not like this guy has a ton of years left in the tank. The team brought in Brian Griese to help as a backup, but the future seems unclear in the long run. We don’t see a reason they won’t take a shot at a guy like San Diego State’s Kevin O’Connell.
Be sure to continue to check back as we will continue to be bringing you team-by-team draft articles. Also, be sure to check out our first round Mock Draft. Feel free to leave any comments you might have on the draft and each team’s draft needs in our comment box.