NFL Team Needs: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team Needs

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are coming off a disappointing year and have several team needs to fill in the offseason.

It was a tough season for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers who failed to show any progress. There were many who saw them as a legitimate playoff contender. However, they now head into the offseason with more team needs to fill than expected.

The Buccaneers are projected to have around $64 million in salary cap space and all of their own draft picks. This gives them plenty of ammo to add talent to fill the roster holes.

Below are the top 3 team needs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

1. Cornerback

Tampa Bay saw Vernon Hargreaves take a step back in his development and struggle with injuries. His down year coupled with Brent Grimes free agent status makes the cornerback position a major need.

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The Buccaneers defense allowed the most pass yards in the entire NFL last year. This is an indication that the secondary as a whole is a problem. However, the defense also registered a league worst 22 sacks.

Cornerback is a bigger need than a pass rusher because injuries took their toll on the Buccaneers defensive line. They are expected to get the likes of Noah Spence back for next year which will help the pass rush.

However, the secondary needs to add talent and could realistically use two high end additions.

2. Left Tackle

The Buccaneers need to sure up their pass protection and that starts by upgrading the left tackle spot. Donovan Smith just doesn’t have the quickness and consistency to keep Jameis Winston from dealing with consistent pressure.

Tampa Bay’s entire offense struggle to find a rhythm thanks to the pressure. Smith isn’t a total loss as he would be a better fit at right tackle.

3. Running Back

Doug Martin‘s career with the Buccaneers has been a roller coaster ride. He has seen plenty of ups, but more recently it has been a lot of downs. It may be best for both parties if they go in separate directions.

The problem with moving on from Martin is that the Buccaneers don’t have another great option on the current roster. They would need to address this position either through free agency or in the draft.

Tampa Bay holds the No. 6 overall pick which might be a landing spot for the explosive Saquon Barkley.