Potential Targets on Defense for Tampa Bay Bucs in 2014 NFL DraftA Look at Players Who Could Help Lovie Smith Improve an Underachieving Defense.By Jeff Briscoe Yahoo Sports 4 hours ago 
New coach Lovie Smith brings a defensive background to the Tampa Bay Bucs. While Lovie Smith may feel pressure to draft a big-name offensive star with his first selection as new coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, he would be consistent with his background if instead addressing the defense. Though an anemic offense was the team's greatest struggle in 2013, the 4-12 squad obviously needs significant help in many areas. The Bucs' seventh-overall selection in the upcoming draft could make a huge impact at any one of those needy positions. Previously coaching in Tampa Bay from 1996 to 2000, Smith is a protege of Tony Dungy. Like his mentor, the former defensive coordinator likely would prefer to compete with a conservative, mistake-free offense and a ferocious, game-changing defense. The Bucs' new leader is also a former linebacker coach, who undoubtedly recognizes the gains that must be made within the team's under-performing front seven. Keeping an eye on how each player might benefit the rebuilding club, here is a look at potential targets on defense for the Bucs' first-round selection: Jadeveon Clowney (Defensive end, South Carolina) Just a year ago, with memories fresh of his game-changing backfield tackle on Michigan running back Vincent Smith in the final moments of the 2013 Outback Bowl, most believed this dominant defensive lineman would be the top overall pick of the 2014 draft. While such a scenario could still emerge, the outlook for Clowney is considerably less clear than it once appeared. Though Clowney generally remains the most respected defensive end in the country, the Houston Texans are no longer a lock to acquire his services in spot number one. With 40 tackles -- including a mere 3 sacks -- Clowney's numbers dipped considerably as a junior. Perhaps that decline was due to double-teaming by opponents, but the South Carolina native did not otherwise help his case. In addition to a nagging foot injury, the 21-year-old's stock was hurt by a pair of speeding tickets. There is also growing concern about Clowney's work ethic and some question if he can stay on the field for every play. Despite these worries, with underwhelming production from defensive ends Da'Quan Bowers and Adrian Clayborn, Smith would undoubtedly grab the dynamic player if still available with Tampa Bay's pick. Timmy Jernigan (Defensive tackle, Florida State) Selecting home-state players traditionally proves popular for the Bucs and this Florida State product will be a tempting option for any team looking to bolster its defensive line. Jernigan may represent the top prospect from college football's best defense and the big guy was critical to FSU's national title in 2013. Impressing during his first season as a starter, Jernigan racked up 63 tackles as a first-team All-ACC selection, including 11 for a loss. The 21-year-old showcased solid movement for a 300-pounder and has potential to mature into a pass rusher. While Tampa Bay is already strong at defensive tackle with Gerald McCoy, the club has yet to locate a complimentary player to line-up next to the two-time Pro Bowler. Akeem Spence was drafted with that objective last spring, but the rookie displayed only limited promise in 2013. Smith will continue the Bucs' long-standing use of the 4-3 defense and his system will depend on pressure from an athletic defensive line. If wanting to anchor the center of that line, Jernigan could fit the mold, and the Florida native should be available with the seventh pick. Similarly, if performing well in preparation for the draft, Stephon Tuitt of Notre Dame may offer similar appeal and can line-up at both tackle and end. Kony Early (Defensive end, Missouri) Even if Clowney does not slip to the seventh spot, there is still a good chance that the Bucs will choose a defensive end with their top selection. Though McCoy and Lavonte David provided a combined 15 sacks to lead Tampa Bay's pass rush in 2013, the team has lacked an elite edge rusher for nearly a decade. Michael Bennett enjoyed decent production prior to his departure in free agency last year, but it was Simeon Rice and his 15-sack effort in 2005 that represented the last time the Bucs possessed a feared traditional pass rusher. With his stock rising rapidly in the build-up to the draft, some scouts believe this defensive end has potential to be a dominant force in the NFL, especially if the 6'4" player continues to bulk-up. Competing for an overachieving Missouri defense that reached the SEC Championship, Early posted a strong campaign in 2013, marked by 43 total tackles, 9.5 sacks, and 14.5 tackles for a loss. Furthermore, Early can only benefit from the recent success of fellow Missouri products, including his former teammate on defensive line, Sheldon Richardson, who proved to be one of the more productive first-round picks a year ago. Khalil Mack (Outside linebacker, Buffalo) Big college programs dominate the first day of the draft, but small schools occasionally earn bragging rights when their underdog players become high picks. This once overlooked linebacker from Buffalo of the Mid-American Conference may soon bring such honor on his school, since he is widely projected as a top ten selection. Mack competed in 48 games during four years of college play and his stats impressively reveal steady improvement each season, including a career-best 100 tackles and 10.5 sacks in 2013. Another number jumping off the page is the 16 forced fumbles the Florida native produced in those 48 games. Such a knack for the ball would nicely work in Lovie Smith's system, which asks linebackers to move across the entire field. With rising star Lavonte David entrenched at the weak-side, a potential selection of this 23-year-old would address the Bucs' lack of depth at linebacker. And though some may question Mack's competition at Buffalo, it should be noted he played strongly in a game against Ohio State last year, which was highlighted by his interception return for a touchdown. Justin Gilbert (Cornerback, Oklahoma State) If Smith does address the Bucs' defense with the seventh-overall pick, it is very likely he will concentrate on the team's front seven. With glaring weaknesses on the defensive line and at linebacker, there is also a stronger talent pool at those positions that can be capably handled with that lofty selection. Despite improvements in the secondary in 2013 -- largely due to a trade for veteran cornerback Darrelle Revis and last year's drafting of second-rounder Johnthan Banks -- Tampa Bay still possesses little depth in an area of great import to the coach's "Tampa 2" scheme. A pair of highly-regarded cornerbacks has a chance of sneaking into the top ten. While Darqueze Dennard of Michigan State may offer the most promising coverage skills, Justin Gilbert of Oklahoma State is a dynamic all-around play-maker. Perhaps the fastest athlete in the entire draft, the 22-year-old led the Big 12 with six interceptions in 2013. Gilbert additionally accrued six kickoff returns for touchdowns in four seasons for the Cowboys. The Texas native could give fans the return specialist for which the Bucs have eternally longed. Smith enjoyed such a weapon in Chicago with Devin Hester and might be tempted to improve both the secondary and the special teams with one critical selection.
