Defensive Positions Not To Draft Early:
ILB - Lavonte David, Deone Bucannon, Kevin Minter, Kendall Beckwith(?)
The addition of Deone Bucannon doesn't necessarily make up for the loss of Kwon Alexander, but the familiarity in Bowles defense makes Bucannon an underrated puzzle piece in 2019. Possessing plus speed, athletisicm, ball skills, and pass coverage ability, Bucannon has the potential to duplicate the success he had early in his career under the coaching staff he now rejoins here in Tampa. He and David will make for an above average inside tandem. Kevin Minter is a plus backup and special teamer. If Beckwith somehow makes a return, that would only further bolster a strong unit on the defensive side.
S - Justin Evans, Jordan Whitehead, Andrew Adams, MJ Stewart.
While none of these guys have separated themselves from the pack in a major way, there's just too much young, promising talent to take a S high in the draft. I foresee FS Evans/ SS Whitehead with Adams and Stewart mainly playing special teams and dime packages. Unless a guy like Darnell Savage falls to the 3rd round, I prefer to see what we have with the young guys, before committing more premium resources to the back end.
CB - Vernon Hargreaves, Carlton Davis, Devante Harris, Ryan Smith
While CB appears to be a major need, what we truly need is a nickel corner. Hargreaves has had an up and down career so far, but also hasn't been allowed to play to his strengths as a Buc. He and Carlton function best as press-man, outside corners. Bowles' defensive scheme will be a perfect match for what those two bring to the table. I don't see us taking another CB in the first 2 rounds, but could see us targeting a nickel corner as early as round 3. I personally have my eyes on Carlton Davis' former teammate at Auburn, Jamel Dean.
Defensive Needs: DL, OLB, NCB
Quick Fix: 1 - DL Ed Oliver
2 - OLB Jachai Polite
3 - CB Jamel Dean
Offensive Positions Not To Draft Early:
QB - Jameis Winston, Blaine Gabbert, Ryan Griffin
Drafting a QB early would be a shocker. The team has repeatedly stated that they intend to win a lot of games in 2019. Drafting a QB high, that likely won't see the field all year, would not be part of a winning formula.
WR - Mike Evans, Chris Godwin, Breshad Perriman, Bobo Wilson, Justin Watson, Sergio Bailey
Evans and Godwin will be a lethal combination for Winston to work with on the outside. Perriman projects to be the slot receiver, though the competition is very much open to Wilson, Watson, and Bailey.
TE - OJ Howard, Cameron Brate, Antony Auclair
Despite early speculation that Brate could be a cap casualty trade target, it looks like we will roll into 2019 with the TE cupboard fully stocked. Don't sleep on Auclair who will take another step forward this year due to the departure of Alan Cross.
Offensive Needs: RG, RT, RB
While the offense boasts some of the best playmakers in the league, the lack of a running game prevents the offense from operating efficiently as a unit. With an emphasis on implementing a downhill running game, the smartest route to take would be drafting offensive linemen early, and taking a mid round RB prospect to add to the current stable.
Quick Fix:
1 - RT Jawaan Taylor (possibly via trade back, acquiring additional draft capital)
2 - G Chris Lindstrom
3 - RB Miles Sanders
Putting It All Together:
RG, NCB, DL, OLB, RT, RB
No Trade Scenario:
1 OLB Josh Allen
2 RG Chris Lindstrom
3 CB Jamel Dean
4 RB Rodney Anderson
5 DT Trysten Hill
Trade Down Scenario:
1 DL Brian Burns
2 OLB Jachai Polite
2 RG Chris Lindstrom
3 CB Jamel Dean
4 RB Rodney Anderson
5 RT Oli Udoh
