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NFL Free Agency: How the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Signing DeSean Jackson Impacts Draft Strategy

By Jon Dove

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Washington Redskins wide receiver DeSean Jackson (11) in action during the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Tampa Bay  Buccaneers are close to signing DeSean Jackson to a big-money deal which will have an impact on how they approach the 2017 NFL Draft.

According to Jason La Canfora, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are nearing a deal with DeSean Jackson which should help open things up for their passing attack. Jackson still has world-class speed and the ability to take the top off a defense.

He will be a great complement to Mike Evans who makes his impact due to his size and toughness. Adding Jackson means that the Buccaneers are pretty much set at the wide receiver position and can use the 2017 NFL Draft to improve the defense.

One of the bigger problem areas for the Buccaneers is in the secondary. They could use another cornerback and a game changer at the safety position.

The Buccaneers own the 19th pick in the 1st round which is prime position to land a top-end cornerback. Some of their options would include Washington’s Sidney Jones, Florida’s Quincy Wilson, LSU’s Tre’Davious White and Ohio State’s Gareon Conley.

Tampa Bay could be aggressive and make an attempt to move up to land someone like Ohio State’s Marshon Lattimore or LSU’s Jamal Adams.

Related Story: 2017 NFL Mock Draft

Another option would be for the Buccaneers to find a long-term replacement for Doug Martin. It’s possible that someone like Dalvin Cook could be available at pick No. 19. Tampa Bay has soured on Martin due to his injury history and recent PED suspension.

I wouldn’t rule out the possibility that the Buccaneers target an offensive tackle with their 1st round pick. Donovan Smith has done a solid job at left tackle but is still a bit inconsistent. Tampa Bay could target someone like Utah’s Garett Bolles and shift Smith to the right side.

Either way, the addition of Jackson gives the Buccaneers plenty of draft-day flexibility.

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