For a look at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ team needs entering the 2015 NFL Draft, I got together with The Pewter Plank‘s Jose Martinez. Below are my questions followed by his answers.
The Pewter Plank
1. How have the team’s draft needs changed since free agency opened?
"So far, they haven’t changed. In fact, the Buccaneers’ inability to sign a single player to address their most important needs—offensive line and defensive end—has heightened the team’s focus on hopefully resolving those problem areas through the draft. Starting in the second round, Tampa Bay should direct their attention on snagging the best OL and pass rushers on the board when it is their time on the clock."
2. What would you say are the top three needs remaining?
"Offensive line. Offensive line. And, um, offensive line. Okay, realistically, I believe it’s offensive line, defensive end and quarterback. However, the QB need should be addressed with the No. 1 overall pick."
3. Are there any prospects that have caught your eye so far?
"Aside from Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota, offensive linemen, such as Florida State’s Cam Erving and Duke’s Laken Tomlinson, have caught my eye. I’ve been hearing a lot of buzz surrounding Miami tackle Ereck Flowers and UCLA defensive end Owamagbe Odighizuwa. Both may be available early in the second round or drop to the third where the Bucs can swoop in and take them."
4. What do you think would make for a successful draft for your team?
"The Buccaneers have the first overall pick. They need a quarterback. There are two solid options. They must take one of those guys. After that, they need to shore up the offensive line. Getting a strong tackle or guard who can start immediately is a good start, but if they can couple that with a few other developing options, it would make for a successful draft."
5. So much draft focus often goes to the first few rounds, but is there something you’d like to see your team do in the later rounds?
"Just piggybacking on the response to the last question, I like having options. Putting all your eggs in one basket in the hopes that this one early-round center, guard or tackle will pan out is a risky proposition. There could definitely be a diamond in the rough, who has a chance to really come into his own after some coaching at the NFL level. Or, take someone like Texas A&M tackle Cedric Ogbuehi into account. His stock has taken a dip after suffering a torn ACL in the Liberty Bowl game in late December. As a result, he could fall right into the Bucs’ lap. Mind you, Ogbuehi was considered a potential top 10 pick in the 2014 NFL Draft before he decided to stay in school for one more year. If he can eventually round back into form, this could be an absolute steal in the later rounds."
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Next: Post-Free Agency Frenzy 2015 NFL Mock Draft