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.
DeSean Jackson headed to the Bucs today barring any unforeseen snags as has been reported. Skins hoped to make him think twice this AM
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2017
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.
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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.