Off-Season Brings Talent Across the Board

No other team in the NFL spent money on new free agents quite like the Bucs have done thus far in 2014 Arguably, no other team really did better in regards to drafting highly-coveted players that also happen to fill important needs. As a result, Vegas has the Bucs on the rise and winning seven games this upcoming season If they can win at least seven it will be a definite step in the right direction.

So who are the new additions to the roster that are going to take us to new heights? Here's my top ten:

1. WR Mike Evans - Drafting Evans with the seventh pick was a no-brainer. The guy has tons of potential with his size (6'5" 230 lbs) and ability to hustle and keep plays alive. He bailed out Johnny "Football" on many occasions over the last two years at Texas A&M. He should immediately move in as the second receiver behind Vincent Jackson and should eventually become the #1 guy in a few years.
2. DE Michael Johnson - This was one of the biggest free agency signings in the entire league this year. Johnson might not have put up ridiculous sack numbers (3.5) last year but he did force two fumbles and snagged one INT. The Bucs think he can consistently get a double digit sack count each season, and possibly even get close to 20. That is a lot of wishful thinking but the team is paying him a lot of money to rush the passer. He should get plenty of opportunity playing next to All-Pro DT Gerald McCoy in a division where he will face three very good QB's each twice per year. With some of the other guys on the roster this could turn out to be one real nasty D-line.
3. CB Alterraun Verner - Out goes Darrelle Revis and his stupid $16 million per year contract. Luckily, his entire salary was able to get cut from the salary cap and the team was able to go out and sign a good replacement. Verner was a pro-bowl caliber player for the Titans. The Bucs hope that he can fill the Ronde Barber-type role at corner. Verner doesn't need to be the all-world athlete that Revis thought he was, nor does he need to replicate Barber's career in Tampa. He just has to be disciplined and make his tackles when the opportunity presents itself. Everything else will just fall in line.
4. C Evan Dietrich-Smith - The Bucs cut two pro-bowlers at guard and tackle, and cut a multi-year starter at center this year in order to save some space under the cap. Replacements had to be brought in and this is the one new guy on the O-line that will be a definite upgrade at the position. Dietrich-Smith will be counted on to be a leader on the revamped line.
5. QB Josh McCown - I like this signing for a number reasons. Mostly, I just think it's healthy to have competition at every position right now. Let the team develop a little bit before you start giving anybody free passes. I do believe that Glennon will prove to be the better of the two QB's someday, but the young guy should be thankful that an 11-year vet is willing to come in and take some licks behind an O-line that needs some work. By the time the line does start to gel McCown might be out with injuries and Glennon will be primed for a breakout. If that doesn't happen it will be because McCown is healthy and playing well so it's a win-win for Buc fans. 
6. S Major Wright - Starters Mark Barron and Dashon Goldson could be a very good tandem this year. Wright gives the coaches a guy with some versatility and an ability to make plays. The more depth and flexibility we have on D the better.
7. DT Clinton McDonald - The Bucs got a nice little addition to their D-line rotation. There wasn't really much depth at tackle last year. With McDonald, the Bucs have increased their ability to rush the passer up the middle and keep the unit fresh through the fourth quarter.
8. TE Brandon Myers - Myers might not jump out at you on film or wow you too much with his stat sheet, but he has proven over the last two seasons to be a fairly reliable fourth or fifth option in an NFL passing game. He should compliment incumbent Timothy Wright well and will allow the team to explore more multi-TE schemes. 
9. TE Austin Seferian-Jenkins - Myers might bring some stability, but this guy could cause nightmares for  opposing defenders. His 6'6" 265 lbs frame definitely makes things interesting all of sudden.
10. OT Anthony Collins -Collins is not really an upgrade over Donald Penn, but he will be much cheaper and should at least be adequate. I really am not too comfortable with the idea of him watching our QB's backside until proven otherwise. He might be better suited to play left guard but the team is hopeful Carl Nicks will make a heroic return.

Honorable Mentions: 

• CB Mike Jenkins - Jenkins has a lot of NFL experience and he should, at the very least, provide the team with some insurance in case any of the starters go down with an injury. The coaches are hoping he could even push the younger Banks for a job but I don't see that happening in the long run.
• RB Charles Sims - The Bucs are looking for a guy that can catch the ball out of the backfield and possibly compete in the slot. Sims possibly has the best hands out of all the RB prospects coming out of college so he was worth the investment in the third round. 
• OG Kadeem Edwards - An underrated prospect due to playing at Tennessee State, Edwards has all the physical tools to be a an effective lineman in the NFL.
• LB Dane Fletcher - The team badly needed to add some depth at linebacker. They got a guy that can make plays on special teams and possesses some experience starting in the NFL. Fletcher fits that bill.

Buccaneer's Draft Board: Top Ten Prospects Destined to Wear Pewter Pants

1. OT Greg Robinson (Auburn) - Robinson might be the best prospect in the entire draft, but he could slip down if teams start making a run at the top QB and defensive talent. If he is still sitting there when the Bucs make their selection consider it a done deal. He would instantly upgrade one of the O-line positions on the Bucs' offense.
2. DE Jadaveon Clowney (South Carolina) - Clowney would definitely be welcome along the Bucs' D-line but I really don't think he is that much better than the rest of the talent in the draft like most other fans think. I seriously have to question his lack of production in college and whether or not he can turn it on in the pros. Having said that, I still believe there is about a 0% chance he slips down out of the top five, which means there is about a 0% chance that he will become a Buc. Besides, the team addressed the defensive end position already in free agency with the signing of Michael Johnson.
3. OT Jake Mathews (Texas A&M) - A talent like Mathews doesn't always come your way when picking out of the top five selections so the team would have a tough time passing up on him if he slips down. Like Robinson, he would instantly be an upgrade somewhere along the line.
4. OLB/DE Khalil Mack (Buffalo) - Many "experts" have the Bucs taking Mack with the 7th pick, but he could be gone several spots before that. If the team does take him they will get a pro-ready defender that could be the final piece towards building a dominant front seven.
5. WR Sammy Watkins (Clemson) - Watkins could do a lot of damage immediately as the teams' third wideout with Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams already on board. However, it would be hard decision to choose between him and Evans if the Bucs do decide to go after a receiver.
6. WR Mike Evans (Texas A&M)- Crazy specimen at 6'5" 230 lbs. could instantly help the Buccaneer offense become more deadly in the red zone. His ceiling is somewhere between Rob Gronkowski and Calvin Johnson.
7. OT Taylor Lewan (Michigan)- All off-field issues aside, you rarely see guys of Lewan's stature (6'7" 307 lbs.) possessing the athletic ability that he does. His combine performance, including a 4.87 forty time, puts him in the Bucs' top ten for sure.
8. CB Darquez Dennard (Michigan State) - Was simply one of the best defenders in the country...period. His solid workout at the combine and pro day surprised some scouts and cemented his spot at the top of the DB class.
9. OLB Anthony Barr (UCLA) - A guy that has slid down some draft boards due to a lot of late-risers at the combine, Barr still has a lot to offer a team looking for a do-it-all type of 'backer. The Bucs could potentially trade down several spots and nab him somewhere in the middle of round one.
10. CB Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State) - A guy that truly broke-out and rose to the top at the combine. You really can never have enough speedy guys to cover today's NFL passing games.

Buccaneer's Free Agent Prospective, 2014

The Tampa Bay Buccaneer's are about $11 million dollars under the salary cap for 2014. One quick glance over their payroll and it is quite clear that they have a lot of moves to make before training camp this summer. Some of those moves may or may not include restructuring bloated contracts, cutting bloated players, and signing new guys to unbloated deals.

Some of the players currently on the roster that should be approached about restructuring their deals to save some money include CB Darrelle Revis ($16 million), WR Vincent Jackson ($12.4 million), OG Carl Nicks ($9.4 million), OG Davin Joseph ($6 million), and Punter Michael Koenen ($3.25 million). If those that the team reach out to don't agree to new deals then they might be at risk of being cut.

Buccaneer Free Agents:

So, with the money the Bucs currently have they will look to resign some of their own free agents first. We have listed the Bucs that are set to be unrestricted free agents next month in order of priority at which they should be resigned (This list does not include restricted free agents):

1. K Ryan Lindell - 14-year vet is solid and can hit from beyond 50 yards. There might not be much better options out there so I would resign him.
2. QB Dan Orlovsky - A decent backup with some experience, it would not be a bad idea to resign him to continue adding support from a backup role. 
3. FB Erik Lorig - Strictly a blocker that should be retained for a good value.
4. OL Jamon Meredith - Started eight games but hasn't been spectacular. Resigning him wouldn't hurt considering the uncertainty surrounding Carl Nicks' future.  
5. OL Ted Larsen - Larsen has started plenty of games over the last few years and adds versatility by playing both center and guard. I would resign him unless his asking price was too high. 
6. Dakota Watson - We keep waiting for Watson to truly emerge as a starter but he has been too inconsistent. He might get one more chance with the Bucs because he can be an effective special teams player. He might look elsewhere for an opportunity though.
7. LB Adam Hayward - Hayward has spent all seven years of his career as a reserve on the Buc's roster. His special teams play might be enough for the team to want to resign him.
8. WR Tiquan Underwood - Resigning him would help with depth but he has been too inconsistent to be a top priority. 
9. LB Jonathan Casillas - Casillas isn't a difference-maker but he is a solid four-year vet that provides a nice insurance policy for the linebacker position.
10. RB Brian Leonard - Leonard's versatility and experience might just be enough for the team to make a move to keep him.
11. DE Daniel Te'o-Nesheim - Although he has started 26 games in the last two years, he has only managed five sacks so his resigning isn't a huge priority either. I expect the team to look for an end early in the draft to add depth up front. If he is resigned it will be to shore up any depth issues.
12. DT Gary Gibson - A run stopper that adds depth but doesn't provide the pass-rush up the middle that the coaches will be looking for in their tackles.
13. TE Nate Byham - Is probably in the same boat as Adams but might have a slight edge to get a new contract.
14. CB Michael Adams - Another backup that will probably sign with another team. 
15. LB Jacob Cutrera - Strictly a reserve that will probably move on.
16. TE Kyle Adams - Even if he is resigned he might not be around for too long unless he can prove that his skills have improved. The Bucs will probably look elsewhere for depth at tight end.
17. RB Spencer Larsen - It's a crowded backfield in Tampa and there might not be enough room for Larsen.
18. CB Danny Gorrer - Definitely not a priority. The team will add other talent at corner to provide depth for the starters.

Buccaneer's Biggest Needs Going into Free Agency:

Defensive End - Adrian Clayborn is emerging as a stout run-stuffing end after missing most of 2012 with an injury. He can get to the QB but he isn't a sack-artist like Simeon Rice was a decade ago and fellow fourth-year player Da'Quan Bowers doesn't appear to be a real player for the Bucs. Coach Lovie Smith will want to get more out of the position so I expect them to make some moves to get a guy in free agency or early in the draft. More pressure on the QB would help a rising secondary reach that next level.

1. DE Greg Hardy (Carolina Panthers) - If the Bucs could pull this off they would be doing themselves two big favors, because not only would they be adding a top pass-rusher, but they wouldn't have to face him twice a year either. Hardy had 15 sacks in 2013 and would completely solidify the end spot and relieve the team from having to draft another one this April.
2. DE Lamarr Houston (Oakland Raiders) - He's not the big pass-rusher off the edge that most fans covet but he is a big, strong workhorse that will help shut down opposing running games. After all, the Bucs only ranked 15th against the run and the new coaches will want to be in the top five. Houston could probably get some snaps at tackle too.
3. DE Michael Bennett (Seattle Seahawks) - If they can't get Hardy the Bucs could bring back Bennett after he played a huge role in the 'Hawks Super Bowl run. However, he might be asking way too much for my blood.
4. DE Jared Allen (Minnesota Vikings) - If he was a little younger he might be a little more attractive to sign to a multi-year deal, but Allen's rare ability to make timely plays and fire up the rest of the defense makes him worth a look or two. I'm afraid he'll probably be asking too much to actually get signed.
5. DE Michael Johnson (Cincinnati Bengals) - Isn't an elite pass-rusher that you think you would be, but he is a good enough overall player to be a starter if they really want to get a new one on the line.
6. DE Tyson Jackson (Kansas City Cheifs) - Jackson might have been miscast as an end in the Cheifs' 3-4. If he's willing to come at a good price and work his ass off he could help out the depth at both end and tackle. 

Tight End - Timothy Wright emerged late in the season as a viable pass-catcher. It will be interesting to see how he continues to develop. The time is running out, however, on Luke Stocker to prove himself. The team must look for another option at the position, whether it is in free agency or the draft. There appears there might be some decent bargains that will be available when the free agency period begins.

1. TE Jimmy Graham (New Orleans Saints) - This is more like wishful thinking than anything. I don't see Graham leaving NOLA, otherwise this would be a top priority signing.
2. TE Dennis Pitta (Baltimore Ravens) - Capable of catching 70-80 balls for a team willing to chuck it to him, Pitta would be a nice safety valve for young QB Mike Glennon. He is one of the best pass-catchers on the entire market.
3. TE Jermichael Finley (Green Bay Packers) - Not sure what his asking price will be after missing 10 games due to a neck injury, but he could really pay some dividends if all goes well for him. 
4. TE Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit Lions) - More of a blocker as of a late but can grab 50+ balls a year for you. His 6'5", 265 lbs. frame makes for a good red zone target on occasion as well.
5. TE Ed Dickson (Baltimore Ravens) - Not a spectacular player by any means, but he would bring a lot of experience to the position.
6. TE Andrew Quarless (Green Bay Packers) - Filled in well when Finley was out but might have some injury issues of his own.
7. TE Tony Sheffler (Detroit Lions) - Strictly a backup candidate that can surprise a lot of teams with his ability to sneak out and grab TD's. 
8. TE Fred Davis (Washington Redskins) - Staying healthy is an issue for Davis, but he could probably come in and challenge for spot in the rotation if all other options fall through.

Interior Offensive Line - There is some real talent here with Donald Penn, Carl Nicks, Jeremy Zuttah, Davin Joseph, and Demar Dotson as the starters, but Nicks is still recovering from a bad infection that has threatened his career and Joseph is a strong candidate to be cut in order to save money under the cap. Finding some guys to fill in on the interior will be a priority of this offseason and we should see one or two draft picks along the O-line as well as some free agency movement.

1. C Alex Mack (Cleveland Browns) - Although the Bucs are good with Jeremy Zuttah at center, Mack is a bit of an upgrade that would allow Zuttah to work at guard. The team could then be free to cut guard Davin Joseph which would free up $6 Million under the salary cap if he's not willing to resturcture. Sounds like another win-win to me. It might be worth mentioning that new line coach George Warhop coached Mack in Cleveland over the last four years.
2. OT Michael Oher (Baltimore Ravens) - Oher has started every game of his five-year career at tackle, but I think he would make a fine guard as well. Either way, he would be a starter somewhere on the line.
3. OG Richie Incognito (Miami Dolphins) - After an incident that led to his suspension, Incognito could come at a fair price. My bet is he will also come in eager to work and get on with his life as well. He would come in and compete for a starting job if needed. 
4. OL Eugene Monroe (Baltimore Ravens) - When healthy, Monroe is a versatile player capable of starting at left guard or left tackle. 
5. OG Jon Asamoah (Kansas City Cheifs) - If Joseph is cut and Nicks doesn't come back the Bucs will need to add some bodies up front. Asamoah isn't as talented as either of those two guys but he could be serviceable.

Wide Receiver - It's not so much that the Bucs need new starters, as Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams are more than capable of handling passes, but the depth at the position is weak. There will be a few viable option in free agency but I would be surprised if the team didn't take a guy in the first three or four rounds of the draft in April.

1. WR Dexter McCluster (Kansas City Cheifs) - Although he is one of the smallest players in the league, McCluster has  caught over 150 passes in the last three years and possesses some game-changing capability. The Bucs need a slot receiver and he would bring a new dimension to the offense.
2. WR Eric Decker (Denver Broncos) - A four-year vet that has caught at least 85 passes in the last two seasons. He might not want to leave the comforts of the Mile High City though, where a future Hall of Famer is throwing passes instead of a second-year player still trying to prove himself in the league.
3. WR Hakeem Nicks (New York Giants) - Nicks might want some new scenery after the Giants' disastrous 2013 season. He has averaged 62 receptions and over five TD's per season since coming into the league in 2009. Personally, I think he would look great in a Buc uniform.
4. WR Emanuel Sanders (Pittsburgh Steelers) - Emerged from the depths and caught 67 passes last season. Sanders could challenge Mike Williams for a starting job or fill the role as the team's #3 receiver. He probably is looking for a big pay day so the price tag might be too high.
5. WR Andre Roberts (Arizona) - Could come in at a decent price and take over the #3 receiver role. The Bucs need better depth at the position.

Sam Linebacker - The Bucs have tried Dekota Watson and Jonathan Casillas, as well as a myriad of other players, here but nobody has stepped up and nailed down the starting job yet. Watson and Casillas could be resigned but the team will look to add talent. At the moment I believe Anthony Barr out of UCLA is a good candidate to be taken with the Bucs #7 pick in the first round of the draft as there really aren't a lot of great options out there in free agency.

1. LB Jason Worilds (Pittsburgh Steelers) - Might be able to come in and take the starting job on the strong-side of the defense, but might not be a natural in the 4-3 defense that the Bucs will utilize. 
2. LB Michael Boley (Cincinnati Bengals) - A bit past his prime at 31 years of age, Boley could challenge for a role on the team. He only started one game in 2013 if that tells you which direction his career is headed.

Up Next: The 2014 NFL Draft