Buccaneers Are Building A Contender Under Jason Licht

The Buccaneers haven't been a contender in the NFL for a while as they have had 5 straight seasons of last place finishes in their division. That could be changing soon as Gm Jason Licht is quietly building a perennial contender by learning from his past free agency mistakes along with two strong draft classes.  Licht has transform the offense with his past two drafts getting Wr Mike Evans, Te Austin Seferian Jenkins, Rb Charles Sims, and G Kevin Pamphile. Then last year, getting franchise Qb Jameis Winston, left tackle Donovan Smith, and right guard Ali Marpet, plus Licht got an impact linebacker in Kwon Alexander. Licht has also gotten smarter in free agency as 2014 didn't work out, but he was better in 2015, and has been great so far in 2016.

Licht has acquired solid players in Alterraun Verner, Clinton Mcdonald, Chris Conte, and this year has added Brent Grimes, Robert Ayers, Daryl Smith, Josh Robinson, and JR Sweezy. All of these guys are solid veterans and most will be key contributors, but it also brings more depth to the roster. Where Licht has been really good is with his late pre-season additions, acquiring key players in Jacquies Smith, Cameron Brate, Joe Hawely, and Howard Jones. Licht said when hired he would build this team the right way by getting star players in the draft, and then getting solid consistent players in free agency.

"Our philosophy will be to build through the draft. That's where we'll get our stars. We will supplement our roster through free agency. We're going to look for value, we're going to spend wisely. The better teams in the NFL that compete year after year are the teams that draft the best."

Licht and his staff are acquiring talented football players and now have a quality coaching staff led by new head coach Dirk Koetter, who led the Bucs last year to the 5th ranked offense as offensive coordinator. Now in full control of the roster, Licht is building his team the way he wants it, and has the foundation in place and will just keep adding to it. Licht has a good mix of veterans, and younger players who are heading into their key years which makes this a dangerous team for the next 5 years. With only a few weeks away from the draft, look for Licht to be aggressive in addressing the defense as he will look to add perhaps a pass rusher like Shaq Lawson whom I have written about in-depth at realbucstalk. The Buccaneers can compete for the playoffs as the roster is right now, and should only be stronger after Licht and his staff put together another strong draft class. 

Licht is building a contender for the long term as he is trying to get this team back to its winning ways like it did in the late 90's and early 2000's. When the Buccaneers start winning this year, it will be because of Gm Jason Licht and how he has built this team the right way. Watch out NFL, the Buccaneers are coming and will be one of the top teams very soon. Here is a video of Licht talking at the combine and how he takes the best player available per Buccaneers.com.