As we do annually, PewterReport.com begins a daily feature previewing the upcoming NFL Draft broken down by position. We will analyze what the Bucs have currently on their roster at each position (by Mark Cook). Then, we’ll give you a comprehensive overall ranking of the top players at that position going into the draft (by Trevor Sikkema). Finally, we’ll give you our projections with our Bucs’ Best Bets, one early round pick, and one from the later rounds (by Scott Reynolds).

We start the series off with quarterbacks, followed by running backs on Monday.

WHAT THE BUCS HAVE AT QUARTERBACK
It is all about No. 3 in Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers, and their fans, believe they have that elusive franchise quarterback they have been searching for over the past 41 seasons in Jameis Winston. Going into his third season, many expect Winston take an even bigger leap, and finally break the Bucs long playoff drought. The organization gave him a huge weapon in DeSean Jackson and are expected to add even more in the upcoming draft.

The issue with the unit, is what is behind Winston. Now to be fair, if Winston, or essentially any of the other 31 starting quarterback are lost for the season to injury, then their seasons are pretty much over. The Bucs felt better about the backup position when Mike Glennon was here, but the former Wolfpack star departed to the Bears in free agency, and Tampa Bay is left with Sean Renfree and Ryan Griffin at this point.

WHAT THE BUCS NEED AT QUARTERBACK
As noted above, if a major injury were to occur to Winston, then it is a lost season for the most part. The free agent QB market, or what is left of it, is thin, so the Bucs could look to add a late round draft pick to compete with Renfree and Griffin in hopes that they show more potential that than those two. A late round pick is a player the Bucs could bring in to learn the system, possibly cut, then stash of the practice squad for a year, or perhaps they show enough to make the roster if the Bucs decide to keep three as they did last season.

–Mark Cook

Click the next page to see our comprehensive QB prospect rankings for 2017.