With The First Pick
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2018 NFL Draft: Top Team Needs for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers

By Jon Dove

TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans celebrate in the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 31: Tampa Bay Buccaneers fans celebrate in the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on December 31, 2017 in Tampa, Florida. The Buccaneers won 31-24. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hoping that by filling a couple of key team needs in the 2018 NFL Draft they can make a strong run at the playoffs.

Things didn’t go as planned last season, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers struggled to find a rhythm. So far this offseason, they did a lot of work to improve the defensive line which was their biggest weakness. Tampa Bay will now use the 2018 NFL Draft to round out the roster.

The additions of Jason Pierre-Paul and Vinny Curry will go a long way to improving the team’s pass rush. Beau Allen was an under the radar signing that will help help the slow down the run game.

These moves have likely changed how the Buccaneers will attack the draft. They no longer need to focus on adding defensive line help and can work on other areas of need. Below is the Tampa Bay Buccaneers top team needs:

1. Safety

Tampa Bay’s top three safteys on the roster are Chris Conte, Josh Evans and Keith Tandy. Evans showed some promise as a rookie but the other two are better suited for backup roles. Luckily, the Buccaneers are in prime position to address this need at pick No. 7 in the draft.

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It’s possible that both Alabama’s Minkah Fitzpatrick and Florida State’s Derwin James are available when the Buccaneers are on the clock. At this point, it would come down to a matter of preference as these are two different type of prospects.

Fitzpatrick is more of a coverage guy who can plays some cornerback. James is a freak athlete who can work near the line of scrimmage. Either way, Tampa Bay could receive an upgrade with one of these two players.

2. Running Back

Doug Martin has moved on to the Oakland Raiders leaving the Buccaneers with Jaquizz Rodgers and Peyton Barber. It’s imperative that they come out of this draft with another starting option.

Tampa Bay shouldn’t hold their breath for Saquon Barkley, but there are plenty of solid options in the mid to later parts of the draft. Someone like Georgia’s Sony Michel would make a ton of sense at the top of the round.

3. Cornerback

Vernon Hargreaves is coming off a rough year, but still has enough upside to get back on track. Brent Grimes continues to play solid football and should be able to hold his own for at least another season.

The problem is the Buccaneers have little depth at the position and need to find some more youth. This draft has strong depth at cornerback including potential fits at No. 7 overall. Ohio State’s Denzel Ward has received top-10 love and could be an option for Tampa Bay.

4. Offensive Tackle

Demar Dotson and Donovan Smith are solid contributors, but can be exposed at times. They have both battled inconsistency throughout their careers. The Buccaneers are in a tough spot as this draft doesn’t have a ton of depth at the position.

It looks like their best bet might be holding steady for another season.

5. Guard

Evan Smith is veteran presence who is a weak link along the offensive line. Tampa Bay may want to invest in more talent at the guard position.

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