There aren’t many headaches left in the process of signing draft picks, but the few that remain generally only relate to first-round picks.
The Buccaneers didn’t have one of those this year, so they shouldn’t have any problem getting their picks under contract. They started the process on Monday by signing two members of their six-player class.
Defensive end Steven Means, a fifth-round pick, and running back Mike James, a sixth-round selection, were the two players to agree to deals. The Buccaneers are pretty thin at defensive end and Means had 19.5 sacks while at the University of Buffalo, so he’s potentially a strong addition to the team’s pass rush. He did play linebacker in college, however, so there may be some lag time in his transition.
The Bucs traded up to take James, who ran for 1,386 yards at Miami. With LeGarrette Blount gone, the Bucs will be looking at James, Michael Smith and Brian Leonard for roles behind Doug Martin in their backfield this year.