The more I reflect on this past season, the more I think that this team should make addressing the offense a priority over addressing the defense during this draft. Mike Smith is coming back and his defense finally seemed to be gelling towards the end of the season; the defense pulled their weight at the end of the season, but it was the offense that sputtered. Therefore, I think most picks should be spent on offensive players. Of course, the draft is fluid and a GM's moves depend on how the chips fall. All things considered, here's how I would want strategize during the 1st four rounds.
1- WR (or TE)
#WeponsForWinston has been a trending hashtag for Bucs fans this offseason and I think the Bucs would be wise to follow the DeSean Jackson signing up with another weapon for Winston's aerial attack.
2- DL
Some very good defensive linemen will be available at the top of this year's draft. The Bucs would be wise to upgrade the engine of their defense.
3- RB
Speaking of engines, the engine of the Bucs' offense went to rehab and may never rejoin the team again. Getting a fresh, young RB should be one of the priorities of this offseason. Good thing the draft is very deep at this position. #WeaponsForWinston
4- OL
Most of our OL looks great & we even have some depth at G. Donovan Smith will hold down the most important position on this unit, LG, and I'm sure he'll do a fine job. But, a couple of positions along the OL could still be upgraded, specifically RT & C. Since the running game is the engine of Dirk Koetter's offense, I'd have to assume C takes priority here. Hopefully we manage to address this through trade or FA prior to the draft, but there are still some good options available in this draft if we fail to do so.
Mock Draft
1- OJ Howard, TE
Easily the best player available. The Bucs get the opportunity to match Cameron Brate up with what could be the best TE to come out of the draft since Rob Gronkowski. Howard gives the Bucs a serious aerial threat and is a very good blocker as well. He will be an invaluable tool in Koetter's 2TE sets.
2- DeMarcus Walker, DE
For the second year in a row, the Bucs will be able to cash in on a 1st round talent that falls in their laps in the 2nd round. Bucs get the best pass rusher available and could have one of the league's best D-Lines in 2017.
3- Joe Mixon, RB
The Bucs will undoubtably face criticism from the media for drafting Mixon.... and Mixon will undoubtably win the Bucs several games in 2017. Le'veon Bell 2.0 will make the Bucs the juggernaut of the NFCS and will be one of the key reasons the Bucs make a run at the SB this year. Let's just hope he keeps his hands to himself.
4- Issac Asiata, G/C
Asiata fills a huge need at C and also gives the Bucs the flexibility to play him at G if need be. The Bucs covet flexibility.
