Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Review
By Jon Dove
This offseason was the second in a row where the Tampa Bay Buccaneers made some major roster additions. It again has created some playoff buzz for a team in a very tough division.
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were very busy in free agency, trade market and during the draft. They add as many as 5 new starters. Their biggest additions came along the defense line with Jason Pierre-Paul, Vinny Curry and Vita Vea.
Pierre-Paul and Curry are expected to dramatically improve what was an awful pass rush last year. The Buccaneers tallied a league-low 22 sack this past season. They obviously make a major effort to fix this problem.
These upgrades on the defensive line are also expected to help what was a leaky secondary. The thought process is that a better pass rush will decrease the time needed in coverage.
However, Tampa Bay used two second round picks on cornebacks. Both M.J. Stewart and Carlton Davis should see plenty of action. They are both physical cornerbacks with the ability to matchup against bigger targets.
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The offense’s biggest addition comes at the running back spot. Rookie Ronald Jones II is a game breaker who will be a major part of the offense. Jacquizz Rodgers is the only real competition for touches.
Things along the offensive line remain a question mark. Ryan Jensen was brought in to be the starting center, but both tackle spots are a concern. Donovan Smith and Demar Dotson are average players who are prone to consistency problems.
Tampa Bay has made enough upgrades to warrant playoff hype. However, it won’t be easy playing in the highly competitive NFC South.