Ranking the Remaining Offseason Priorities

Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Ranking Remaining Offseason Priorities By Luke Easterling , Featured Columnist May 13, 2015 Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Another offseason, another significant facelift for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.Last year, the Bucs gutted the front office, coaching staff and a decent chunk of their roster, but a 2-14 record has led to even more changes heading into the 2015 season.A new franchise quarterback, a second attempt at overhauling the offensive line and a more economical approach to free agency have been the blueprint for Tampa Bay this offseason as the team hopes to work toward its first playoff victory since hoisting the Lombardi Trophy after the 2002 season.But even with the big changes they've already made, there's still plenty of work left to be done. Here's my take on the Bucs' biggest priorities left to take care of this offseason.1. Keep Jameis Winston out of TroubleKim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Hope and excitement abound in Tampa Bay with Jameis Winston on board, but keeping him out of off-field trouble has to be the team's top priority throughout the rest of the offseason and beyond.Winston's record of off-field incidents has been discussed as much if not more than his on-field talent, but throughout the entire predraft process, the Bucs decision-makers made it clear they felt comfortable with the former Florida State quarterback as both a person and a player, and they proved that by making him the No. 1 overall selection.The Bucs have plenty of resources at their disposal to help Winston mature, from Hall of Fame linebacker Derrick Brooks to former head coach Tony Dungy, both of whom are still heavily involved in the Tampa Bay community. Winston has already appeared at local charity events and is saying and doing all the right things to try to prove he's maturing as a young man.That said, any slip-up off the field will be magnified by both fans and media now that he's in the big leagues, and the Bucs can't afford to have their new franchise quarterback doing anything to embarrass the team or make them regret their pick.2. Add a Pass-RusherKim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Heading into this offseason, one of the Bucs' most glaring needs was at defensive end, where they lacked both depth and the presence of a dynamic pass-rushing presence.But free agency and the draft have come and gone, and the Bucs haven't done much at all to address the need. They traded for George Johnson, who notched six sacks in rotational duty for the Detroit Lions last year, but they didn't spend a single draft pick on the position, despite a loaded class of edge players.Barring any additional moves, Johnson is likely to start across from Jacquies Smith, who caught fire last season with 6.5 sacks over the final eight games of the season. Still, both players have never been full-time starters with a consistent track record of production.The Bucs should be pursuing any potential trade to add a quality starter to this group before training camp gets rolling.3. Figure out Offensive Line SetupKim Klement-USA TODAY Sports The Bucs spent two of their first three draft picks on offensive linemen, attempting to improve a unit that struggled mightily in 2014, despite having replaced four of five starters from the year before.This year, the group will likely have more new faces, as second-round picks Donovan Smith and Ali Marpet should challenge for starting spots. Smith looks to be penciled in as the starting left tackle, but it's possible the Bucs could end up going with the more experienced veteran in Demar Dotson to protect Jameis Winston's blind side while Smith gets acclimated to the speed of the NFL game.Marpet will also need time to develop, but the Bucs have a huge need at right guard, and he's their most talented option. The Hobart College product could also play center, which could give the Bucs valuable depth behind veteran Evan Smith, should Marpet not start immediately at guard.These rookies will give the Bucs more talent and versatility, but they'll need to figure out the best spots for both of them during training camp.4. Keep Adding DepthDennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports Injuries exposed a severe lack of depth on the Tampa Bay roster last season, which, when combined with several huge misses on big-money free agents, led the Bucs to the worst record in the NFL.This year, the Bucs took a much more conservative approach in free agency, looking for cost-effective players who could bolster their depth and fit their schemes, such as Henry Melton and Chris Conte. Bruce Carter and Sterling Moore should be the new starters at middle linebacker and nickel corner, respectively, improving the team's depth by pushing last year's options down the depth chart.The team didn't stop there, claiming two young players off waivers on Tuesday in safety D.J. Swearinger and linebacker Khaseem Greene, per the club's official website. These kinds of signings improve depth at their respective positions while strengthening their special teams units as well.The Bucs would be wise to keep their eyes peeled for more solid additions as preseason cuts start coming down in a few months.5. Sort out Safety Depth ChartTroy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports Injuries and ineffectiveness plagued Tampa Bay's safeties last season, but this year's group should look a bit different, with new faces and young talents battling for the starting spots.Mark Barron was traded before the in-season deadline last year, and Dashon Goldson was dealt in the offseason, as the Bucs moved on from two of their more disappointing roster moves of the past few years. Chris Conte was signed as a free agent, while former second-round pick D.J. Swearinger was recently claimed off waivers.Two of last year's more promising players—Major Wright and Bradley McDougald—should be the front-runners for the starting roles, but injuries proved last year that depth is vital. Swearinger and Conte could provide that depth, but they shouldn't be counted on to start for any significant stretch of time.McDougald flashed playmaking ability last year, while Wright was a consistent performer until he landed on injured reserve. This year's group of safeties could easily be an "addition by subtraction" situation, and it's a position that simply must improve in 2015.link