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Do Buccaneers Really Need Help Most on Defensive Line?
TL;DR
Pro Football Focus identifies the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' defensive line as their top need ahead of the NFL draft. Despite recent veteran signings, the team may still seek a premier edge rusher.
Key points
- Pro Football Focus lists Buccaneers' defensive line as top need
- Buccaneers signed A'Shawn Robinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Rakeem Nunez-Roches
- Team may seek a premier edge rusher in the draft
- Analysis comes one week before the NFL draft
Mentioned in this story
A'Shawn RobinsonAl-Quadin MuhammadRakeem Nunez-Roches
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Do Buccaneers Really Need Help Most on Defensive Line?
Nearly one week out from the NFL draft, Pro Football Focus has released a list of what their analysts argue are each team's top need entering the late stages of pre-draft preparation.
For the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, PFF's Bradley Locker listed defensive line as the biggest area of need.
The Bucs have made some solid veteran signings on the defensive front, adding A'Shawn Robinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad and Rakeem Nunez-Roches, but could still be looking for the premier edge rusher of the future.
Robinson, Nunez-Roches and Muhammad all bring at least eight years of NFL experience to Tampa, with Nunez-Roches reuniting with the franchise he won a Super Bowl with in 2020.
The current draft class is loaded with defensive talent, with multiple highly touted edge prospects projected to be first-rounders.
However, the Bucs have taken a "best available" approach over the past few seasons, drafting players they are high on, rather than basing it on positional need.
On Wednesday, Bucs general manager Jason Licht expressed his appreciation for head coach Todd Bowles being on board with the best available approach, while not showing bias towards his defensive responsibilities.
Combining this approach with the depth of the edge prospects in this year's class, Tampa may be able to afford holding off from drafting an edge in Round 1, opting for promising second- and third-round prospects like Clemson's T.J. Parker or Auburn's Keldric Faulk.
Q&A
What is the biggest need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the NFL draft?
The biggest need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is the defensive line, according to Pro Football Focus.
Who are the recent veteran signings for the Buccaneers' defensive line?
The Buccaneers recently signed A'Shawn Robinson, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Rakeem Nunez-Roches to strengthen their defensive line.
Are the Buccaneers looking for an edge rusher in the NFL draft?
Yes, the Buccaneers are still looking for a premier edge rusher as they prepare for the NFL draft.
How does Pro Football Focus evaluate the Buccaneers' defensive line needs?
Pro Football Focus analysts argue that the Buccaneers' defensive line is their most critical area of need entering the draft.
