Could the Bucs Go Offense Again In Round 1?

As most of us know, the Bucs need help on defense and rightfully so since the unit was just historically bad last season. The big question is will there be a top ten talent on defense to select which could prompt the Bucs to go offense again with their first round selection. To the casual fan, the Bucs needs are pass rusher and Cornerback, however Jason Licht and company might see it differently. Per pewterreport.com;

The perceived needs that we have according to the public – some of them [our thoughts] are in alignment with,” Licht said. “We also are still kind of going through a re-evaluation of our roster, how that aligns with our coaching staff, and what they feel like their perceived needs are. Defense is something we need to bolster, there’s no question about it and a lot of different positions. This happens to be a very strong defensive draft, too, in my opinion.

But that doesn’t mean that we’re going to, at number nine, definitely draft whatever position that is, defensively, because we can’t force ourselves [into someone] and I always hate to force a pick. Anytime I’ve been somewhere that a pick was forced it rarely works out – the guy’s never as good as you think he is or doesn’t work out, so that’s just not going to be the case.”

Licht even mentions the possibility of moving down to acquire more picks if the right player is not there at 9. Per pewterreport.com;

“Maybe we move back,” Licht said. “This is a strong defensive draft and maybe we think the value’s better moving back and we pick up more picks. To say that we’re definitely taking a certain position at nine and then in the second round – that would be ludicrous for us to say we’re going to do that and to do that. If it aligns with your need then it’s great – like last year.”

 This is great to hear from our general manager because it means he is going to take the best player regardless of position. This is why I could see the Bucs taking tackle Ronnie Stanley who is a big man who can move and pass protect. Stanley could come in right away and play either tackle spot with the Left side probably his better side, the Bucs could move Donovan Smith to the right side and create a dominant run blocking tandem in Ali Marpet and Smith, It would benefit Jameis the most, as he would have a young core of lineman to grow with and make the Bucs offense a force for years to come.