The NFL Combine gets underway on Thursday from Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, which constitutes one of the more important events of the NFL offseason.

College standouts will be in attendance looking to turn heads among scouts, coaches, and general managers and improve their draft prospects.

The Bucs' roster is in pretty good shape, particularly on the offensive side of the ball.  However, there are a number of players who could help the Bucs make the jump from playoff participant to true contender in the NFC. 

Here are five players who should have the attention of general manager Jason Licht and head coach Todd Bowles attention in Indy.

Jalon Walker, LB, Georgia

This should be the player that has Licht’s attention the most, in my opinion.  A swiss army knife who could play off the edge or as an off-ball linebacker, Walker could conceivably wear multiple hats in the Bucs’ defense. If his testing numbers as far as his short-range speed and burst check out in Indy, Licht should do everything he can to ensure he grabs him in the first round. 

Mike Green, Edge, Marshall

The nation’s sack leader last year, Green was a menace at the Senior Bowl last month, where he turned heads after wrecking a couple of offensive line prospects.  The Bucs sorely need help at edge opposite Yaya Diaby, so a good week in Indy could solidify him as a target on Tampa Bay’s board. 

Will Johnson, CB, Michigan

A big and physical presence at 6’2″, 205 pounds, Johnson could give the Bucs a terrific option on the outside to go with Zyon McCollum as potentially one of the top young cornerback duos in the NFC. That would make Jamel Dean expendable, but that would be a move that would make the team better in both the short and long run.  Lauded for his work ethic at Michigan, Johnsons is the most pro-ready defensive back in this draft, which likely will be confirmed when teams meet with him in Indy. 

Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia

Williams is a plus run defender, but he needs to develop into a more consistent pass rusher.  That being said, teams can fall in love with a player’s ability and coach them up to get that improvement and consistency.  Case in point, Travon Walker, who came into his own in years two and three in Jacksonville. If Williams can leave jaws on the floor at the Combine and show he has elite tools to similarly mold in the pass rush department, he could be a tempting option for the Bucs at 19. 

Nick Emmanwori

The Bucs could use an upgrade next to Antoine Winfield, Jr. on the back end, and Emmanwori would fit the bill.  He would provide a stark upgrade over Jordan Whitehead in the passing game – something the Bucs clearly need after last season’s struggles in the middle of the field in pass defense – and at 6’3″, 220 pounds, he can bring the thunder.  If he can put up a strong 40 time and test well, he should be firmly on Tampa Bay’s radar on Thursday night of the draft. 

Bucs just received a nice salary cap boost that can help them re-sign Chris Godwin before free agency starts

At this point, it's just a matter of "when" and not "if" the Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-sign Chris Godwin. The vast majority of signs were pointing in that direction after FOX Sports' Greg Auman reported Tuesday that the two parties agreed to push back Godwin's contract void date of February 17 to March 12, which […]