OFFENSEQB: M. Glennon, S. Lobato (2)RB: C. Sims, D. Martin, M. James, B. Rainey (4)FB: E. Rodriguez (1)TE: B. Myers, AS. Jenkins, L. Stocker, C. Brate (4)WR: V. Jackson, M. Evans, L. Murphy, R. Sheppard, R. Herron, S. Patton (6)OL: ED. Smith, L. Mankins, D. Dotson, P. Omameh, K. Pamphile,G. Gilkey, K. Edwards, J. Warren (8 )(25)Lets start with the QB position. It is obviously an area where the Bucs will likely draft a QB. But there are some indications that assumptions may not be right. First, notice that the Bucs don't have any other veteran on the roster other than Glennon. Next, notice the Bucs are carrying only 2 QB's currently. This could be done as a strategic draft reasons obviously. But there could be more involved because of the Glennon trade rumors swirling. Next, the running back position has the greatest potential of improvement with a new OC. Had Tedford not bailed, this group would have been thought of more highly IMO. Bucs could draft a RB, but I think M. James or B. Rainey are in danger of losing a roster spot as a result. From my view that may be a potential downgrade given a rookie is an unproven NFL player. Upside has to be greater than Rainey or James to be wortwhile or bring a unique skill set (big bruising back). Anything else and the Bucs are wasting resources and just spinning their wheels.The full back position will be important in Koetter's offense and a combination of Rodriguez and Stocker will be interesting to watch. My bet is that Rodriquez emerges as the starter.The tight end position is pretty much in flux and anybody could emerge as the starter. I personally don't see ASJ pulling away unless he shows more than he did as a rookie. He has to take a quantum leap to be a legit NFL starter from my view. Brate is an interesting project but a project nevertheless.I am going to have to disagree with the Pewter Report staff and a lot of Bucs fans doing mock drafts. While it would be nice to upgrade the slot position I don't see the Bucs organization as enthusiastic to do so. First, Murphy is a proven slot WR and has NFL starting experience. Next, is that the Bucs may be high on Herron's upside despite his rookie struggles the Bucs chose to hold onto him. Bucs FO and coaching staff may have a desire to upgrade the KR/PR duties, but after playing musical chairs with the position they went back to the consistent Patton. And now, we arrive at the OL position which is obviously lacking OT's on the roster. The Bucs have loaded up on offensive centers, have a decent amount of guards, but lack OT's period. To me, OT will be targeted in the draft most likely and for obvious reasons. With that said, it is entirely possible the team is comfortable with playing Pamphille at RT and Dotson at LT. As for the interior, I would prefer to see an upgrade, but the Bucs organization doesn't seem to moving in great haste to address the interior. Bucs may feel comfortable with the progress with Omameh and Edwards moving forward. Overall, the offense is pretty much a work in progress despite heavy investment in the last draft. However, because of this heavy investment, it is entirely possible the Bucs do not spend more resources beyond the QB position. Many Bucs fans have assumed the Bucs need to upgrade RB, TE, WR, OT but fail to realize the current players on the roster. It is more likely the Bucs organization has big plans for Sims, ASJ, Herron and Pamphille. Or they expect these players to step up in their NFL careers and be the glue that is desperately needed on offense to form a young nucleus on offense with Mike Evans.Positions on offense likely to be drafted by the Bucs: QB, OTDEFENSEDE: J. Smith, W. Gholston, L. English, L. Sidbury Jr, TJ Fatinkun (5)DT: G. McCoy, C. McDonald, H. Melton, A. Spence, M. Masifilo (5)LB: D. Lansana, L. David, B. Carter, O. Lemon, J. Williams (5)CB: A. Verner, J. Banks, M. Jenkins, S. Moore, I. Frye, L. Johnson (6)DB: M. Wright, B. McDougald, K. Tandy, C. Conte(4)(25)Defensive end is the weakest spot on defense, and arguably the entire team. Even with a rotation, the Bucs simply put don't have enough players based on what they have on the roster. This is highly likely to be addressed through the draft.Next, defensive tackle on the other hand is simply put stacked with a mix of veterans and players with upside. Simply put, if the Bucs do draft a DT it is because they feel that player has more upside than Masifilo and Spence. However, that is not a likely scenario. Linebacker group is probably the one part of the defense the Bucs organization has an high opinion of compared to outside observers. Bucs clearly like Carter and Lasanah making splash plays with David. And Lemon with Williams as special teams mavericks bring up the rear. Still, given that most NFL teams carry at least 6-7 LB's during a season (depth, special teams) it is highly likely the Bucs draft a LB. But it is not a given the Bucs will draft a MIKE and an may in fact draft an OLB. Magee was cut recently so there is a roster spot open in my opinion for a drafted or undrafted LB to stick to the final roster.The defensive backfield is a lot more set than Bucs fans believe given that the Bucs have their top outside CB's starters returning and Jenkins re-signed. Furthermore, Frye and Johnson bring up the rear with Moore. If the Bucs draft a CB that is because they feel that player has higher upside than Frye or Johnson. The safety position seems like total chaos because it is. Wright, Conte, etc are stop gaps at best. McDougald and Tandy are the only safties with upside on the roster. I would say drafting a true ranging free safety is very pressing need but who knows what the Bucs are thinking here?Positions likely to be drafted by the Bucs on defense: DE, LBSPECIAL TEAMSLS: A. DePaola (1)Punter: A Wilder (1)Kicker: P. Murray (1)(3)Bucs could draft a punter, but it seems unlikely given the Bucs have two punters they have signed to compete with Koenen. Simply put, Koenen isn't likely to last to the final roster because it isn't likely he can outperform both new comers. But anything is possible but it doesn't seem likely.Overall: The Bucs need trench players like OT, DE possibly OG. They also need some players for depth/special teams purposes LB, WR, S.
