After analyzing the draft needs of all 32 teams, PFT will review how well each team addressed those needs. Up next: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What they needed: Cornerback, defensive end, tight end, quarterback.
Who they got:
Round 2: Johnathan Banks, CB, Mississippi State
Round 3: Mike Glennon, QB, N.C. State
Round 4: Akeem Spence, DT, Illinois
Round 4: William Gholston, DE, Michigan State
Round 5: Steven Means, DE, Buffalo
Round 6: Mike James, RB, Miami
Where they hit: They hit by acquiring the best cornerback in this year’s class — Darrelle Revis. Moving the 13th overall pick and some change in exchange for Revis immediately stabilizes things. Getting a guy with size in Johnathan Banks gives them options for a secondary that also includes Eric Wright, who played himself into another salary drive. Their secondary was a mess last year, but after signing safety Dashon Goldson to go with Mark Barron, and then adding the league’s best corner, they have remade themselves there.
Where they missed: The Bucs must have a crystal ball or a faith-healer on staff, because their pass-rush is in the hands of two guys with bad medical files — Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers. They were willing to let Michael Bennett walk even though he turned out to be cheap, and it’s hard to see where the depth is. They also have a lot of faith in Tom Crabtree emerging as a receiving threat at tight end.
Impact rookies: Spence has a chance to play immediately in the middle, as Roy Miller left in free agency, leaving Gerald McCoy and a bunch of try-hard guys who were previously deemed unfit to be Panthers (Derek Landri, Gary Gibson, Corvey Irvin). If Spence isn’t at least solid, they have problems. Glennon has some potential, but if he plays soon, it’s a sign of bad things.
Long-term prospects: The Bucs are another team where the future hinges on the play of an inconsistent young quarterback. If Josh Freeman plays well in the final year of his rookie deal, they could be a playoff team. But there are enough issues to give the whole operation a house-of-cards feel. For all the money spent and star power in the secondary, the defensive front four is a bit of a head-scratcher. They have a good offensive line and can run, but if Freeman doesn’t earn his big new contract, they’re going to be a middle-of-the-pack team.