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2013 NFL Offseason: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Year: 7-9)

2013 NFL Draft Grade: C+

Please note that the overall grade is not an average of all the individual grades. Other things are taken into account like team needs and goals.

Goals Entering the 2013 NFL Draft: The important thing for the Buccaneers is not to reach for a cornerback. This includes both drafting Xavier Rhodes at No. 13 or trading a bunch of picks for Darrelle Revis. They have to fix the corner position at some point, but Tampa Bay can just do that in Rounds 2-4. The No. 13 selection should be used on the best player available - preferably a defensive lineman.

2013 NFL Draft Accomplishments: The Buccaneers did indeed trade for Darrelle Revis, but they didn't nearly give up as many selections as anticipated. Thus, I feel like they did a good job of bolstering their cornerbacks when taking that deal and the Johnthan Banks selection into account.

Tampa Bay made some other solid choices, but the one pick that really sticks out was Mike Glennon in the third round. I think general manager Mark Dominik sent a terrible message to his players by selecting the N.C. State signal-caller. The team seemed to quit last year when Dominik dealt Aqib Talib, as there was apparent frustration because it seemed like the front office didn't think it could win now. Dominik is once again doing the same thing. Instead of helping this group win by giving Josh Freeman a tight end or slot receiver to work with, Dominik spent a valuable pick on the future. It's like he can't make up his mind.

Then again, it could be argued that the Buccaneers can't win with Freeman period because he's too inconsistent. That would be a valid point, but Glennon in no way is an upgrade of any sort. Had he been considered one, he would have gone much earlier than the 73rd pick.

2013 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

43. Johnthan Banks, CB, Mississippi State: A Grade
Think the Buccaneers shored up their secondary with Johnthan Banks and Darrelle Revis? Banks is a steal at No. 43. He was projected to go in the first round prior to running a 4.6 40 at the Combine. But as the Seahawks have proven, tall but slower corners can thrive in the NFL.

Follow @walterfootball for updates.

73. Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State: C Grade
There are so many teams that need quarterbacks, yet the Buccaneers were the first one to choose a player out of the Barkley/Nassib/Glennon/Wilson group? It may seem strange, but head coach Greg Schiano absolutely hates Josh Freeman, who struggled mightily down the stretch. Glennon has good upside, but he's a project. The Buccaneers probably would have been better off giving Freeman one more shot and then coming back with a quarterback in the awesome 2014 class.

100. Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois: B Grade
I thought Akeem Spence would go in the fourth round, so this is the right range for him. He's a one-technique in the 4-3, which is exactly what Tampa Bay needed in the wake of the Roy Miller departure. He should be an upgrade over Gary Gibson.

126. William Gholston, DE, Michigan State: B+ Grade
I had William Gholston here in my re-mock draft because it makes so much sense. William Gholston is a perfect fit in Tampa Bay's defense as a left end, a position vacated by Michael Bennett's departure to Seattle.

147. Steven Means, DE, Buffalo: D Grade
I wish I could give the Buccaneers a Millen grade for this, but it's the fifth round. Still, this is a bad selection. Steven Means is not a draftable prospect, and a second defensive end wasn't needed.

189. Mike James, RB, Miami: B Grade
This is a pick that makes sense. The Buccaneers just dealt LeGarrette Blount to the Patriots, so they had to find a second running back behind Doug Martin.

*** 2013 NFL TEAM NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Robert Michael 05-05-2013 08:13 pm xxx.xxx.xxx2.48 (total posts: 2)

Post Draft forecast -- 8 & 8.
Freeman runs hot and cold, again.

Tampa fan 05-03-2013 05:30 am xxx.xxx.xxx6.94 (total posts: 1)

@matt, I see your points, but I would like to point out that overvaluing future draft classes this early is silly. The weak qb class this year consisted of a Matt Barkley, who if he would have came out last year, would have been a top ten pick. He went in the forth round this year. Manzel could have a tough time with the SEC this year and finish with 8 wins and end up like Barkley. Bridgewater may not play to the high level he did against Florida, and get knocked for playing in a lesser conference. Tahj Boyd may be viewed as Aaron brooks and not rg3. The hope for Glennon is to back up freeman and if freeman plays poorly, to overtake him. The players you mentioned you would have drafted instead of Glennon would all have been backups with the hopes of pushing the starters. Bottom line, Russell Wilson was a great pick, but it is rare you get an instant franchise changer in round 3. You draft depth with hopes you get more. I think because it was QB at the pick, it is easy to say bad pick. But it is a backup with starter potential at a position we were thin at. Which is what you want from a third round pick.

Paul 05-01-2013 07:51 am xxx.xxx.xxx.238 (total posts: 2)

Also, if you haven't noticed, since Schiano, the Bucs try to emulate everything the patriots do. They got Mallet in the 3rd and everyone said it was an epic draft for them. I don't get all the jock sniffing of the pats.

Paul 05-01-2013 07:45 am xxx.xxx.xxx.238 (total posts: 2)

There was no TE even close to worthy of pick #73 for the Buc's 3rd round pick.

Matt 04-30-2013 11:59 am xxx.xxx.xxx.176 (total posts: 2)

@Tampa fan: I myself am a huge Bucs fan and I have to agree with Walt in this instance about Glennon.

If Freeman is inconsistent and becomes a free agent next season, chances are the Bucs will have a bad record and be in the running for a top-16 draft pick. If that happens where the Bucs are picking in the top 16, or even anywhere from 1-20, then I would think they would probably target a top-notch quarterback in the much-better quarterback class of 2014.

So if the Bucs release Freeman, that means Mark Domenik might be fired. If he is fired, Schiano will want a 1st round-quality quarterback from a good quarterback class over a mid-round quarterback from a weak quarterback class. If he's not fired, he will probably be forced to take new quarterback.

Orlovsky already has a year in our system. I would want Glennon over Orlovsky in the long run, however the coaches are all focusing on Freeman since this has to be his year. Coaching staffs are more able to develop back-up quarterbacks when their starters are somewhat established. The fact that Freeman has been in four offensive systems in four years and is on the hot seat means he is not established.

I agree with you in that Glennon fit out system more than Barkley, Wilson, and Bray. I would also like to say that there were a few teams picking after us in the 3rd round and before us in the 4th round that were looking for quarterbacks.

I think we should have drafted Dallas Thomas, maybe maybe maybe Terron Amstead, Demontre Moore, on John Jenkins in the third round. There were other quarterbacks like Glennon that would have been available after the fourth round. Because if Freeman does fail and we are drafting in the top-16 for the fourth time in five years, we will probably be drafting a quarterback in the first round. Then what would it look like if the Bucs took a quarterback in the 3rd round in 2013 when they were going to get on in the 1st in 2014 who was deemed a better prospect? It would look like a waist of a pick.

Tampa fan 04-29-2013 10:00 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.218 (total posts: 1)

So they upgraded the biggest weakness by far on the team with revis and banks (a four year starter in the SEC and Thorpe award winner for the nations best defensive back) and filled depth on there roster at all the main positions of need, were able to trade the number 6 reciever on the roster for an extra pick, and trade the number 3 RB on the roster for a pic, yet they somehow just had a C draft? TE is not as big a need in Sullivan and Scianos offense, which is why with an ancient Dallas Clark they were still able to finish in the top 10 in total offense. They have both pro bowl guards returning and addressed the slot reciever position with either olgeteee or Steve Smith. The only pick that made me scratch my head was Glennon, but the more I thought about it, the more I understood the selection. Orvlosky is a decent back up, but will never be anything more. Of all the QBs left in the draft, Glennon was the only one that fit perfectly with the vertical pass offense that is in place. Also, if Freeman post another inconsistent year, and is allowed to leave via FA, I would prefer to have a QB with a year in the system that has a lot of upside be on the roster as opposed to orvlosky. Is the 3rd a bit early for Glennon... Probably. But would he have been there in the 4th when we picked... Doubtful. I don't think this draft itself is franchise altering, but the addition of revis makes Tampa a strong threat for the playoffs, which is why I would grade the draft process a B+

Killing falcons 04-29-2013 02:46 pm xxx.xxx.xxx59.8 (total posts: 1)

I'd personally consider this a good draft "B" give or take a plus or minus as time goes by to see this all unfold. Revis for #13, a steal. Banks at #43, a steal again (how did his teammate, Slay go ahead of him at cb?). But, the third round on a QB? We have a capable back up. I mean, who could run the offense better in 2013? I see them probably equal at best. I just don't know. At least it wasn't Barkley. Mallett in third to the patriots was worth the talent and he could learn from the best, I don't see this scenario in the same light. Thank goodness for the picks in the 4th round. Tampa needs an improved pass rush and the lost two very good starters, so DT and a DE that have great ability was reassuring.

Problems, well concerns about what they didn't draft. Tight end... That's a desperate area of need. I agree with Walter here, help Josh now. Some teams have a better second TE than whoever we start. A running back? Franklin went at #125 and we picked at #126. Stefan Taylor? Barnes to the Panthers... Darn it. God forbids something happens to Doug Martin, who will step up? Just don't know much about this back from Miami, but hoping for the best. Maybe Tampa can acquire Justin Fauria.

So, a "B-ish" grade.

Robert Michael 04-28-2013 09:25 pm xxx.xxx.xxx2.48 (total posts: 2)

522

Glennon can't dance. If Bucs are really thinking about him as a solution, then they better start making plans to up-grade both OTs.

Netwalker 04-28-2013 06:41 pm xxx.xxx.xxx52.3 (total posts: 1)

I love these draft graders. If they know so much about the right player to draft, wouldn't they give themselves an A plus? What nonsense these grades are. Grade the draft in three years, not now. This stuff is just sports writers imagining.

Bid D 04-28-2013 12:34 am xxx.xxx.xxx2.42 (total posts: 1)

This is overall a fair draft...

Would say Glennon should be bumped when you factor in two unique traits of the pick: He's prototype for the Bucs' O, even if not one of the more premiere guys -- IMO he wasn't overdrafted. He wasn't drafted to necessarily compete for the starting job... his expectations are low and only to develop, so with that in mind his grade shouldn't be counted out the same as a guy whose expected to come fill a spot soon.

Means' grade is also off IMO. If you grade it from a neutral perspective you could say it was a reach. But, when you realize the staff likes his character, mean streak, and physical tools, then you know why they feel his ceiling is high. Then you realize he's going to be a LB/pass rushing specialist. So while not a "name" if fits perfectly with what the Bucs want to develop. I'd rather this than a "safe pick" whose ceiling is to be the gunner on KO.

Mike 04-27-2013 03:14 pm xxx.xxx.xxx4.74 (total posts: 1)

Steven Means most likely won't be a DE in Tampa. He has good size the play the SLB position and has 4.60 speed. He was a leader and started a lot of games at Buffalo. He's a project and probably could have got him much later, but Tampa needs LB depth.

Bubba 04-27-2013 03:07 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.38 (total posts: 1)

He's projected to play OLB...a BIG area of need.

Matt 04-27-2013 12:28 am xxx.xxx.xxx.176 (total posts: 2)

Walt, I think I can answer why the Bucs would talk Glennon out of all the quarterbacks you mentioned. He has the strongest arm out of Barkley/Nassib/himself/Wilsin while they don't have as strong arms and the Bucs offense relies on the long ball.

I wish we would have taken Damontre Moore at DE or Dallas Thomas at OL because we depth there as well and those guys were considered better players than Glennon.

Not only that, but the Steelers, Chiefs, Browns, and Texans were going to be picking after our 3rd-round pick and before our 4th-round pick. If we had waited until the 4th, those four QBs might not have been there.

Banks 04-26-2013 11:20 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.166 (total posts: 1)

Ran a 4.51 in his pro day. He wasnt in good shape at the combine. Was a consensus first rounder for two yrs and runs a 4.6 at the combine and we steal him mid 2nd. Ill take the Thorpe award winner as a 2nd or nickel corner.

Matt 04-26-2013 11:01 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.225 (total posts: 1)

Brandon Browner is 3 inches taller and 30 pounds heavier than Banks, and ran essentially the same 40.

Not only did Banks have a bad 40, he had a bad 3-cone, a bad broad jump, a bad vertical leap, a bad weigh in, and a bad bench press.

He won't hang in the NFL. The only similarity physically to Browner and Sherman is that he's over 6 foot.

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Season Summary:
Things looked so promising for the Buccaneers when they were 6-4 and heading into a pivotal matchup against the Falcons in late November. They played valiantly, but lost by a point. This caused a cascade of losses, culminating with a 41-0 shutout at New Orleans and a 15-point home defeat to the Rams. Josh Freeman started hot, but completely collapsed down the stretch. However, a Week 17 dismantling of the Falcons should give the fans hope for next year.

Offseason Moves:

Buccaneers announce retirement of S Ronde Barber

Buccaneers sign DT Andre Neblett

Patriots acquire RB LeGarrette Blount from Buccaneers for RB Jeff Demps, 7th-round pick

Buccaneers acquire CB Darrelle Revis from Jets for No. 13 pick and other selections

Buccaneers re-sign QB Dan Orlovsky

Buccaneers cut QB Dan Orlovsky

Buccaneers cut RB D.J. Ware

Buccaneers sign DT Derek Landri

Buccaneers sign K Nate Kaeding

Buccaneers sign DE George Selvie

Buccaneers sign WR Steve Smith

Buccaneers sign FB Brian Leonard

Buccaneers sign OLB Jacob Cutrera

Redskins sign CB E.J. Biggers

Buccaneers sign TE Tom Crabtree

Eagles acquire WR Arrelious Benn and 2013 7th-rounder from Buccaneers for 2013 6th-rounder and conditional 2014 pick

Jaguars sign DT Roy Miller

Seahawks sign DE Michael Bennett

Buccaneers sign WR Kevin Ogletree

Buccaneers cut OLB Quincy Black

Redskins sign OT Jeremy Trueblood

Buccaneers sign S Dashon Goldson

Buccaneers sign OLB Jonathan Casillas

Buccaneers re-sign RB LeGarrette Blount

Buccaneers sign P Chas Henry

Team Needs:

Two Cornerbacks: Tampa Bay had one of the worst secondaries in the NFL for a reason. Aqib Talib was traded, while Eric Wright dealt with injuries and suspensions. Wright can't be counted on to start next year (there's a good chance he'll be cut in the offseason), and neither can E.J. Biggers, who's a free agent. The front office could easily double dip at the position in the 2013 NFL Draft, beginning with Xavier Rhodes at No. 13 overall. Signed Darrelle Revis
Defensive End: Michael Bennett is one of the better defensive ends in the NFL. He's also a free agent. If he leaves, Tampa Bay will have to find someone to compete with Da'Quan Bowers for the starting job across from Adrian Clayborn. Bowers, by the way, was arrested Feb. 18 for trying to bring a gun through airport security. Signed George Selvie
Tight End: Dallas Clark is a free agent, so Tampa Bay will bring in someone to challenge Luke Stocker, who hasn't developed like the front office envisioned when it took him in the fourth round two years ago. Josh Freeman would really benefit from a dependable intermediate target. Signed Tom Crabtree
Defensive Tackle: Roy Miller (a free agent) and Gary Gibson both thrive at stopping the run, but the Buccaneers need to find someone who can rush the quarterback from the interior alongside Gerald McCoy. Signed Derek Landri
Strongside Linebacker: Lavonte David was awesome as a rookie next to Mason Foster. The Buccaneers got nothing out of the third linebacker spot, however. A Day 2 selection could be used on an upgrade over Quincy Black, who was released. Signed Jonathan Casillas
Quarterback: Josh Freeman's late-season meltdown should prompt the front office to bring in some competition for him in 2013.
Offensive Tackle: With Jeremy Trueblood heading for free agency, depth is needed behind Donald Penn and Demar Dotson.
Wide Receiver: Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams form an awesome tandem, but the Buccaneers are awfully thin behind them. Signed Kevin Ogletree and Steve Smith
Running Back: The Buccaneers could use a better No. 2 option than the unreliable LeGarrette Blount. Signed Brian Leonard

2013 NFL Free Agent Signings:

Dashon Goldson, S, 49ers. Age: 28.
Signed with Buccaneers (5 years)

Dashon Goldson had some issues in coverage back in 2011, but did what he needed to do to correct them this past season. Goldson made the Pro Bowl for good reason.
Nate Kaeding, K, Dolphins. Age: 31.
Signed with Buccaneers

Nate Kaeding was one of the most accurate regular-season kickers prior to suffering a plethora of injuries the past two seasons. He went 8-of-10 in 2012, but didn't try a kick beyond 50.
Derek Landri, DT, Eagles. Age: 29.
Signed with Buccaneers (2 years, $3.25 million)

Derek Landri is a solid rotational defensive tackle who can put pressure on the quarterback occasionally.
Kevin Ogletree, WR, Cowboys. Age: 26. -- Signed with Buccaneers
Brian Leonard, FB, Bengals. Age: 29. -- Signed with Buccaneers (1 year)
George Selvie, DE, Jaguars. Age: 26. -- Signed with Buccaneers
Jonathan Casillas, OLB, Saints. Age: 26. -- Signed with Buccaneers (1 year)
Tom Crabtree (RFA), TE, Packers. Age: 27. -- Signed with Buccaneers
Andre Neblett (RFA), DT, Panthers. Age: 25. -- Signed with Buccaneers
Steve Smith, WR, Rams. Age: 28. -- Signed with Buccaneers

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

Michael Bennett, DE, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
Signed with Seahawks (1 year, $5 million)

One of the more underrated players in the NFL, Michael Bennett is a solid pass-rusher and a premier run-defender. He plays all three downs and deserves a big contract.
E.J. Biggers, CB, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
Signed with Redskins

E.J. Biggers took over for a suspended Aqib Talib in Week 6 and played surprisingly well in coverage. He's a liability in run support, however.
Ronde Barber, S, Buccaneers. Age: 38.
Announced retirement

It's remarkable that Ronde Barber was able to perform on such a high level this past season as a 37-year-old. He could retire though.
Roy Miller, DT, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
Signed with Jaguars

Roy Miller doesn't offer anything as a pass-rusher, but he's a primary reason why the Buccaneers had one of the league's top run defenses in 2012.
LeGarrette Blount (RFA), RB, Buccaneers. Age: 26. -- Re-signed with Buccaneers (1 year, $1.75 million)
Dallas Clark, TE, Buccaneers. Age: 34.
Jeremy Trueblood, OT, Buccaneers. Age: 30. -- Signed with Redskins
Brandon McDonald, CB, Buccaneers. Age: 28.
Corvey Irvin (RFA), DT, Buccaneers. Age: 28.
Sammie Stroughter, WR, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
Dan Orlovsky, QB, Buccaneers. Age: 30. -- Re-signed with Buccaneers
D.J. Ware, RB, Buccaneers. Age: 28.
Quincy Black, OLB, Buccaneers. Age: 29.
Roscoe Parrish, KR, Buccaneers. Age: 31.
Jacob Cutrera (RFA), OLB, Buccaneers. Age: 25. -- Re-signed with Buccaneers

2013 NFL Free Agent Positions:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades

2013 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 21

2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 21

Charlie's 2014 NFL Mock Draft - May 20

2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 3

NFL Picks - Feb. 3

2013 NFL Offseason: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Draft Grades, Season Previews, Team Needs, Free Agents