A few notes to start:
1. There is a very small chance that Tampa spends any money at all on the offensive or defensive lines. They already have the 7th most money invested in the defensive line in the league according to Spotrac. My guess is they will keep most of the defensive line together for one more year while they bring in some young guys. They're about to give big contracts in the next couple years to Ali Marpet and Noah Spence. Possibly Donovan Smith as well. Therefore, I believe they will try to focus their draft picks on RBs, OL, and DL.
2. Focusing their draft picks on RB, OL, and DL still means that they have to bring in some cornerback talent in free agency.
3. I don't think Jason Licht does a ton in free agency. He knows that this is a job-saving year but if he's smart then he will stand pat for the most part and look for the team to naturally progress with the young talent they do have. My bet is that Tampa does show a lot of progress this year and that gets the coaching staff an extension. If this doesn't happen then I'm really looking forward to Jim Bob Cooter taking over as the head coach in 2019.
Free agency-
- I think that Tampa potentially brings back Brent Grimes, but it's even more likely that they will go after Trumaine Johnson. He is six years younger and a significantly bigger man to match up with Julio, Michael Thomas, and Devin Funchess in our division.
- I also think Tampa brings in one of the running backs this year from free agency because none of them will break the bank. I don't think they should or will go after Lev Bell. My hope would be Jeremy Hill, Crowell, or McKinnon. I don't have much interest in Dion Lewis due to injury history and the fact that he was playing with Tom Brady (which makes everyone look better).
- I think they re-sign Kevin Pamphile for cheap. I know people will hate this idea. But this is what I think they do and bring in a rookie to compete with him. Honestly, Pamphile probably loses his job to the rookie, but the man will be a starter on our offensive line at some point next year simply because he can play anywhere on the line as a backup.
- Tampa brings back Clinton McDonald, Will Gholston, and Robert Ayers for one more year.
Draft-
Round 1- It's really simple. Don't expect Bradley Chubb to be there. So you take the best player available or you trade down. This could be Saquon Barkley (yes, a running back will completely change this team people). This could be Minkah Fitzpatrick (even though I think he would be better off on a team with defensive coordinator that will be a little more creative with him). This could be Quenton Nelson (even though it might make me a little sad inside). This could be Derwin James (huge risk with injuries, but I love this guy's leadership and would probably fit better on our team than Minkah). This could be Vita Vea (Gerald McCoy and Vita would be incredible for this defensive line).
I'd honestly prefer a trade down to 15 with Arizona and then we either get Derwin or Vea. But if we have to draft at 7 then it really should be Derwin. He would immediately start at safety for Tampa alongside Justin Evans and would also be an excellent leader alongside Kwon. Not only that, but the safety position is relatively weak in this draft class and there won't be a chance to get a solid safety in a later round. There will be opportunity for a good running back, defensive lineman, or offensive lineman later on.
I would totally be okay with Vea, Minkah, Saquon, or Nelson. But Derwin would be the best fit and would do a lot for the locker room too.
2nd- We have to get younger on the defensive line. As much as people may like Ronald Jones or Sony Michel, the Bucs won't draft either one if Arden Key, Harold Landry, Marcus Davenport, or Sam Hubbard is there in the second round. I think the pick is Arden Key. A lot of people will hate that choice, but no one in the front office regrets the pick of Noah Spence on the other side of the line despite his risks a couple years ago. My bet is that Arden has/had a drug problem and Tampa gives him a shot alongside former teammates Beckwith and Kwon.
3rd- I think it's Frank Ragnow. This let's Tampa move Ali Marpet to LG.
4th- Depends which back they picked up in FA. If it was a big bruiser like Jeremy Hill or Crowell then I think Tampa brings in either Mark Walton or Nyheim Hines. If it's Mckinnon then I think we get Nick Chubb or Bo Scarbrough. I'm hoping for Jeremy Hill and Mark Walton to be on the roster at the start of next season.
5th- Nathan Shepherd
6th- Shaquem Griffin- because I'm a UCF homer and am going to be forced to be a Titans fan when they draft him ahead of us. :)
