2017 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Offseason Preview
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2016 Season Recap
Despite missing the postseason, the Buccaneers’ 2016 campaign caused a lot of optimism. The 9-7 record was their best in six years and the five-game winning streak from Week 10 to 14 was their longest since their Super Bowl season in 2002.
It continues with the team’s explosive passing combination: Jameis Winston and Mike Evans. Winston put up a franchise-best 4,090 passing yards and 28 TD throws, while Evans tied his own franchise record for TD grabs, with 12. Additionally, the WR’s 96 catches and 1,321 yards on the year are both top three all-time in the Bucs’ team history.
The defensive unit, meanwhile, is a little different, particularly in containing opponents’ attack. They are just 22nd in the league in passing and rushing yards allowed, and in 12 of their 16 games, they gave up 100 or more yards on the ground. The good thing, however, is that they were in the middle of the pack in points allowed (23.1 PPG, 15th in the league).
Top Free Agency Needs
Before trying to find guys in the market, the Bucs may want to retain these three guys on defense: William Gholston, Bradley McDougald, and Christopher Conte.
Gholston had 3.5 sacks and 37 tackles during the season, while the two DBs played a good part in the team’s pass defense, as both combined for four picks, a pair of fumble recoveries, and over 100 yards of return from their opponents’ turnovers.
On offense, they are in danger of losing tackle Gosder Cherilus, who has been a big help in protecting Winston for the past two seasons. With the aid of the nine-year veteran, the Bucs are only allowing 1.9 sacks since 2015.
With that, pass rushers, tackles, and DBs are the top three positions they have to focus on once free agency comes. Among the guys that the Bucs front office could attempt to lure, and realistically have a chance on, are DE Jabaal Sheard, LB Lawrence Timmons, CB Brandon Carr, CB Prince Amukamara, LT Andrew Whitworth, and LT Andre Smith.
Since they are short of threats at the wideout spot outside of Evans, All-Pro Alshon Jeffery should also receive a call. The veteran WR has been a primary target in the Bears offense for some years now and is likely on his way out of the Windy City.
Finally, they could also address the injury-plagued RB slot. Doug Martin and Jacquizz Rodgers gave the team a handful of decent performances, but both can’t get healthy, as they combined to miss 14 games. The two lead the Bucs in rushing, with both averaging 52-plus yards on the ground.
Top Draft Needs
Picking at the 19th spot in the first round, the Bucs should be in a comfortable position to acquire one of the top two receivers in this year’s draft – John Ross and Corey Davis. As stars in the high-powered offenses of Washington and Western Michigan, respectively, they collectively produced 2,600-plus yards and 36 TDs this past season.
However, it’s anyone’s guess if Tampa Bay wants to get a defensive player first. By the experts’ projections, LB Tim Williams, DT Malik McDowell, and DE Derek Barnett are the three best guys available in that spot.
Whether it’s a receiver, defensive player, tackle, etc., we should see the Bucs use the draft to acknowledge the needs in all the aforementioned positions.
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