Potential CB target?

The Bucs have done a fine job this offseason with veteran upgrades all along the defense and now will look to the draft for some youth. It appears the Bucs have their eyes on a potential 3rd day pick Cyrus Jones.

Alabama cornerback-kick returner Cyrus Jones to visit Ravens, Eagles, Bills, Saints; work out privately for Panthers, Buccaneers

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 23, 2016

 Cyrus Jones came into college as a receiver then switched to corner his sophomore season so he is still learning the position and will be a work in progress. His past as a receiver is evident as he has better than average hands for a corner and also is dangerous in the return game. His heigth (5'10) will likely drop him come draft day, but that doesn't mean he's not worthy of a higher pick.

Jones is an in your face corner who isn't afraid of contact or playing aggressive press coverage. Jones was given respect from fellow SEC rival Laquon Treadwell who stated he had a "difficult time" against him. Although Jones is a respectable prospect at corner, I believe Licht and the Bucs personnel are looking at him more to improve the return game.

Licht attempted to improve the position last year with Kaelin Clay but that project didn't work out. Jones returned 4 punts for touchdowns in his senior season and would immediately be the best returner on the Bucs, as the primary returner Bobby Rainey has left in free agency. Having Cyrus Jones start his career as a returner will give him time to groom into an NFL ready corner learning under Brent Grimes and Alterraun Verner. Look for Jones to be an early day 3 pick if available, here is a sample of what Jones can bring.

Will the Bucs Find a Return Man This Year?

The main topic of discussion this off season for the Bucs has been about improving the defense and rightfully so as that unit was putrid to say the least, but what about special teams? I think its time for the Bucs to get a legit return man, someone who can put fear into teams when they have to punt or to kickoff. Last years returner Bobby Rainey was decent, but was inconsistent and really doesn't provide the explosiveness and speed needed to pose a threat. In a previous post, I had mention that the Bucs should look to sign pending free agent wide receiver Jermaine Kearse, who can add speed to the slot receiver position as well as handle the return duties. However, Kearse might be a little expensive as he is looking for starter type money.

The good news is there are quality options in the upcoming draft which the more effective and cheaper option for the Bucs. I have two favorites in the draft, whom both could instantly make an impact in the return game for the Bucs. The first one is cornerback Cyrus Jones out of Alabama, who is an explosive athlete and displays great instincts in the return game. Jones had a breakout season in 2015 as a returner, taking 4 punts back for touchdowns which is just outstanding. Plus Jones is a pretty decent corner as well and could be a slot corner or starter down the road. Jones is projected to go somewhere in the 5th to 7th rounds. 

The second favorite is Texas Tech receiver Jakeem Grant, who is just electric as a player and brings some real juice to the field. Although he is only 5'7 168, he brings toughness and shiftiness for his team, and is always a threat to score with the ball in his hands. Grant has put up respectable numbers during his time with Texas Tech, and could end up being a pretty good slot receiver in time. Grant was mainly kickoff returner, but took back 4 for touchdowns and had a career average of 25 yards per return. I think either Jones or Grant would be instant upgrades for a special teams unit that has been lacking explosiveness. This highlight of Grant is what the Bucs need, this is what I call speed.