The 3 biggest remaining needs for the Bucs heading into Day 2 of the NFL Draft

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (enter something here about their first round pick), but there is still plenty of work to be done, despite the fact the franchise is shooting for its fourth-straight division title in 2024.Thanks to the Carlton Davis III trade, the Bucs have three picks on Day 2 – two of which are […]

Evan Winter NFL Managing Editor
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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers (enter something here about their first round pick), but there is still plenty of work to be done, despite the fact the franchise is shooting for its fourth-straight division title in 2024.

Thanks to the Carlton Davis III trade, the Bucs have three picks on Day 2 – two of which are three picks apart in Nos. 89 and 92 in Round 3. When considering how deep this draft is at multiple positions, it's logical to think Tampa can find some really good players.

So, with all that being said, let's take a look at the Bucs' three biggest remaining needs heading into Day 2 of the draft.


1. Cornerback

As mentioned in the intro, the Bucs traded CDIII in March. They signed a couple of veterans in Tavierre Thomas and Bryce Hall, but neither player represents a truly viable short- and long-term solution. Jamel Dean is the only completely proven player among the group.

All it takes is an injury to Dean and this room, with all due respect, is currently bottom-10, at best. The Bucs have to find a certifiable option on either the inside or outside on Friday.

Potential options: Michigan CB Mike Sainristil, Georgia CB Kamari Lassiter, Iowa State CB T.J. Tampa


2. EDGE

This position group should be led by YaYa Diaby in 2024, but that's also not guaranteed and there's no one else on the roster, currently, that warrants EDGE1 consideration.

The Bucs may not find a guy to warrant the same consideration in 2024, but they can certainly draft someone with the potential to be that guy in 2025 and beyond. When considering the fact that everyone in this position group, except Diaby and former UDFA Markees Watts, are slated to become free agents in 2025 (excluding JTS' pending fifth-year option, at the moment), it becomes even more apparent the Bucs need a long-term plan, here.

Potential options: Penn State EDGE Adisa Issac, Alabama EDGE Chris Braswell


3. Defensive line

Believe it or not, the Bucs could still use more juice on the defensive line, despite the presence of Calijah Kancey and Vita Vea. Logan Hall continues to look more and more like a rotational guy, at best, and the Bucs need a final third piece that finally completes the overall pass rush.

Potential options: Illinois DL Jer'Zhan "Johnny" Newton, Florida State DL Braden Fiske, LSU DL Maason Smith


These positions could use some help, too

  • Swing tackle: Justin Skule isn't the most ideal option, but it would be a bit of an overreach for the Bucs to take a swing tackle on Day 3. Still, they could use an upgrade.
  • Wide receiver: Mainly for depth purposes and not much to do with the future, though the Bucs should consider it, at least.
  • Quarterback: What happens if Baker Mayfield goes down? The answer to that is scary enough to where signal-caller should at least be considered on Friday.