Could Johnthan Banks Be Moved To Safety?

The Buccaneers have added some speed to the secondary with the recent signings of Brent Grimes and Josh Robinson today, as it looks like the team wants to get faster, and aggressive play from the cornerback position. With now having Grimes, Verner, and Robinson whom all are under 6 ft tall, provide speed and ability to make plays on the ball. So what does this mean for Johnthan Banks who is 6'2 and relies on his length and physicality at the corner position, but also has shown the ability to be a ballhawk with 7 interceptions in his first three years.

Is it possible that Banks could be worked out at the safety position this off-season as he has shown capability to make plays when playing off man coverage. He had success at the safety position during his college years when with Mississippi State, and could have more impact plays at that position. This is all hypothetical as I'm just basing this on the recent moves made, and that an possible position change could be on the way for Banks. Ideally, I see Banks staying at corner as his length can be an asset against bigger receivers and when he is allowed to play his style he can be an shutdown corner type player. The good thing is the Bucs have flexibility with the recent signings, so that is a positive for this team.

Bucs Sign Former Vikings CB Josh Robinson

The Buccaneers added more depth to the secondary today by signing former Vikings cornerback Josh Robinson to a one year deal per Scott Smith.

More much-needed help for the secondary: Bucs have signed former Vikings CB Josh Robinson to a one-year deal. More: https://t.co/EILXBlv7bJ

— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) March 14, 2016

Robinson comes back to his home state as he played his college ball at UCF and was a third round pick for the Vikings in 2012. Robinson, 25 brings starting experience (21 starts) and brings speed with an 4.33 40 time and has the ability to play on the outside corner position or inside at the slot position. When Robinson has been the regular starter, he has produced good numbers, just look at his 2013, 2014 seasons. Robinson didn't get the chance to play in 2015 as he was out most of the season with a torn pectoral and is looking for an rebound season with the Bucs.

I haven't seen Robinson play much since being with the Vikings, but sometimes players need a change of scenery. The Bucs feel he is a fit for Mike Smith's defensive scheme as it sounds like they want fast aggressive corners like Brent Grimes. Robinson fits the bill there at 5'10 199lbs and brings plenty of speed and athleticism which is always good to have. At the very least Robinson provides depth and competition for the cornerbacks group, and also means Mike Jenkins will probably not be back with the team which is great news. Its another smart move by Jason Licht, as it gives the team more flexibility on the roster and for the upcoming draft.

I Make Plays On The Ball

Earlier today the Buccaneers held an introductory press conference for new cornerback Brent Grimes who signed with the team last Friday. Jason Licht was very happy talking about Grimes and what he will provide for the defense in 2016 per Scott Smith.

Jason Licht says the last 3 years have been 3 of the best years in Brent Grimes' career. Says he will make an immediate impact.

— Scott Smith (@ScottSBucs) March 14, 2016

Licht went on to rave about Grimes's athleticism and his ability to be a playmaker in the secondary in which he has collected 13 interceptions over the past three years. Grimes agrees with Licht as he feels his best trait is making plays on the ball per Rick Stroud.

"What do I do best as a corner? Make plays on the ball," Grimes said. "I feel like that is my strong suit. I go get the ball. That's what wins games in the league, making plays on the football when the ball is in the air. I believe that's a strong suit for me."

The defense is much improve with a player like Grimes on the roster, and should help this team win more games, and as Dirk Koetter has said before " The only thing that people give a crap about is wins".

Prospect Analysis: Dakota Gordon

Fullback is most likely one of the positions the Bucs will look to address in this years draft as they haven't signed one in free agency and look as if they are moving on from Jorvorski Lane. Step in Dakota Gordon a small school fullback that could be had in the later rounds.

Dakota Gordon is not just an awesome name, he is a hard nosed player that isn't afraid to lower his head and clear a path for his running back. Gordon hails from San Diego State, stands 5'10 235 and can be identified as a grinder. He has a non stop motor and can clear a hole with ease. Although he comes from a smaller school, he cleared the path for two 1000 yard running backs. Gordon doesn't show up in the stat sheet for himself, he does his job so that others can flourish. He fits the bill as a player that can join this culture change, that will do anything they can to win.

His coach had a few nice things to say about him, per Anthony Galaviz of fresnobee.com

“He leads by example,” he said. “He makes everyone around him better and he has that type of engaging personality without having to say anything.”

Gordon has a past in wrestling which only adds to his ability to block and take down defenders that may be bigger than he is. The fullback position is tremendously devalued and one could snatch one up extremely late in the draft. Look for Jason Licht to snag a player like Gordon in the 6th or 7th round.

Here is a look at what Gordon can bring to the playing field.

Starters In The Draft

Jason Licht made a big statement earlier in the year saying that he would get 5 starters in this upcoming draft. More than likely that is him joking but by looking more into it, what positions could he actually draft that would start on this team?

The most glaring need is on the defensive line which more than likely will be addressed with the 1st round pick by taking a DE or DT. Looking at other positions where starters could be selected are Fullback, Safety, Strong Side Linebacker, Kicker and Slot receiver.

All of those positions can't be hit all in the same draft unless Jason Licht is some sort of Draft wizard that knows all, but more than likely the Bucs could pull off getting at least 3 starters again. Fullback and Kicker can be had in the later rounds and there are good ones to be had. Jason Licht has a savvy about him when it comes to the draft and I won't doubt him when it comes to grading out potential draft picks.

Prospect Analysis: Sterling Shepard

The Bucs have weaknesses all over the defensive side of the ball but you can forget the fall in production in the passing game when Vincent Jackson went down due to injury. You could blame it on Jameis being a rookie or you could look at it as there aren't enough receiving weapons for Winston to get the ball to. Step in Sterling Shepard as a target in the draft to help Winston find another option.

Sterling Shepard exploded in his senior year with Oklahoma putting up 1,288 receiving yards with 11 touchdowns. Shepard is a fluid athlete that doesn't slow down in his routes and can plant his foot in the ground and change direction with ease. His hands are more than capable but many of his catches can be attributed to shorter routes. Although a small frame 5'10 194, Shepard possess enough strength and effort to get his nose dirty in run support. Shepard was a workout warrior during combine workouts posting a 4.48 forty yard dash, 20 reps on the bench press and a 41 inch vertical leap. All those numbers prove Shepard is an above average athlete and well worth a high draft pick but how high?

Most projections have him as a 2nd round pick, so would the Bucs pick a wide receiver that high considering the Defensive needs. In my honest opinion I feel Licht views this as an extremely talented D-line draft and he will attack that accordingly, but if Shepard happens to fall to our pick, I wouldn't be surprised to see him taken.

Shepard could bring an option to Tampa that hasn't been here in quite some time. The Bucs receivers are Tall and long, making them take time to get open. Shepard would be a perfect slot receiver and a mismatch for any defender in the middle of the field as he has that make you miss ability no receiver on the Bucs possess. Tampa has high hopes for Donteea Dye and Adam Humphries, but a player with the abilities of Shepard is hard to come by and would immediately come in and be a contributor on the offense as well as be another weapon for Winston to utilize.

Bucs Resign Safety Chris Conte

The Bucs have resign safety Chris Conte to an 1 year deal according to Gil Arcia of TheBaycave.com. Arcia thinks Conte can be an asset for the team and flourish under the new coaching and scheme.

Conte did a serviceable job last season given the dysfunction on the defense and could flourish under new coaching, scheme.

— Gil Arcia (@GilArciaTBC) March 13, 2016

Smart move by the Bucs to bring Conte back as he can be a decent starter and provide quality depth for the defense. With Conte back, the Bucs will have the same group of safeties from last season for at least till training camp. Its only a one year deal, so another smart move by Jason Licht who is doing the right things so far this offseason.