Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Year: 9-8)
NFL Draft Team Grade:
B+ GradeGoals Entering the 2024 NFL Draft: The Buccaneers made it to the second round of the playoffs last year, but have a lot of work to do to reach that plateau again. Offensive line upgrades must be made, while the defense needs to be completely re-worked. The secondary, in particular, is problematic. Tampa Bay also needs to find a young receiver to eventually replace Mike Evans and/or Chris Godwin.
2024 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Tampa Bay did a great job of investing in the weak points of its roster. The team began by selecting an offensive lineman at No. 26. Graham Barton could have gone a bit earlier than that without any complaints, so he was a good pick, as he’ll be able to help at every position.
The next two picks were used on defense, with the Buccaneers improving their pass rush with Chris Braswell and secondary with Tykee Smith. Both were solid value picks, earning B+ grades. Jalen McMillan was then taken to provide needed depth and a future starting option at receiver.
The Buccaneers had seven picks throughout the entire wekend, and only one scored worse than a “B” grade. They did a very good job of upgrading their overall roster and plugging big needs.
NFL Draft Individual Grades:
26. Graham Barton, OL, Duke – A Grade
I’m listing Graham Barton as “OL” because he can play tackle, guard and center. This is going to be very useful for the Buccaneers, who have immense problems in the interior of the defensive line. I thought Barton would go a bit earlier than this, so I like the value.
57. Chris Braswell, DE/OLB, Alabama – B+ Grade
I had Chris Braswell going a bit earlier than this, so I like the value. The need makes sense as well, given that the Buccaneers let go of Shaq Barrett. Pass rusher was a huge need, and Braswell is a talented player who can easily fill that hole.
89. Tykee Smith, S/CB, Georgia – B+ Grade
Tykee Smith has some size limitations, but he’s an instinctive player, so I like this pick. The Buccaneers had some major problems stopping the pass last year, so I like them adding someone like this.
92. Jalen McMillan, WR, Washington – A Grade
Jalen McMillan is the forgotten receiver for Washington, but he should have gone earlier than this. In fact, McMillan could have gone in the second round without any complaints. McMillan has some injury question marks, but he’s talented and could take over for one of the Tampa veterans in a year or two.
125. Bucky Irving, RB, Oregon – B+ Grade
Bucky Irving could have gone a bit earlier than this, so I like the value for the Buccaneers. The pick makes sense as well. Bucky Irving is a shifty and quick runner who can compete for early-down snaps with Rachaad White, who is a terrific receiver but a mediocre runner.
220. Elijah Klein, G, UTEP – C Grade
We didn’t have Elijah Klein as a draftable prospect, but I don’t mind the Buccaneers adding more interior protection, which was their biggest need. They could have signed Klein as a UDFA though.
246. Devin Culp, TE, Washington – B Grade
Tight end depth was a need for the Buccaneers. Devin Culp was projected to be chosen in the seventh round, so this pick makes sense.
Season Summary:
The Buccaneers were projected as a bottom-five team entering the 2023 season. They were able to win nine games, though many of their victories were very fluky. It’s highly unlikely that Tampa Bay has the same success next year unless it makes lots of upgrades.
Offseason Moves:
Team Needs:
- Quarterback: Baker Mayfield is an impending free agent. The Buccaneers will probably work to retain him, but a long-term option at quarterback is needed as well. Re-signed Baker Mayfield
- Two Cornerbacks: Tampa Bay’s biggest problem last year was defending the pass. Cornerback was a huge issue that must be addressed with multiple upgrades. Signed Bryce Hall and Tavierre Thomas
- Two Safeties: Make it one safety if Antoine Winfield is re-signed. Winfield was tremendous, but the Buccaneers had another liability in the secondary at their other safety spot. Re-signed Antoine Winfield
- Two Interior Offensive Linemen: The Buccaneers struggled to protect Mayfield in key situations. They’ll need to get better at guard and center.
- Wide Receiver: Mike Evans is due to hit free agency. If he leaves, there will obviously be a huge hole at the position. Re-signed Mike Evans
- Two Linebackers: Speaking of free agents, Lavonte David and Devin White will see their contracts expire this March. They’ll need to be retained or replaced.
- Edge Rusher: Shaq Barrett will turn 32 during the 2024 season, so some youth on the edge is needed.
- Running Back: Rachaad White is an excellent pass-catching back, but he’s not the best runner. Some competition could be added here.
- Kicker: Chase McLaughlin is another free agent-to-be. Re-signed Chase McLaughlin
Follow me @walterfootball for updates.
2024 NFL Free Agent Signings:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Agents:
Salary Cap: TBA.
NFL Free Agent Tracker:
QB | RB | FB | WR | TE | OT | G | C | DE | DT | OLB | ILB | CB | S | K/P | FA Grades | FA Rumors
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