NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2015 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Top 5 Needs

2015 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Top 5 Needs

Lovie Smith Chicago Bears Tama Bay Buccaneers
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After being one of the worst teams in the NFL during the 2014 season, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have a lot of areas to address during the offseason. The Bucs picked up a few key pieces in last year’s draft, but Lovie Smith still has a lot of work ahead of him to get things turned around. Here are five positions that Tampa Bay needs to address in the 2015 NFL Draft.

5. Running Back

Doug Martin Buccaneers
Kim Klement - USATODAY Sports

5. Running Back

Doug Martin Buccaneers
Kim Klement - USATODAY Sports

Tampa Bay was one of the worst running teams in the NFL in 2014, and they could certainly use help in that area. Doug Martin had a poor season, and Bobby Rainy and rookie Charles Sims may not be the answer either. It's not a pressing need, as the Bucs are young at that position and have room for improvement, but there's a chance Tampa can find a solid back in the later rounds of the draft.

4. Linebacker

Atlanta Falcons v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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4. Linebacker

Atlanta Falcons v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Lovie Smith is capable of putting together a quality defense, but not necessarily with the talent currently on Tampa's roster. The Bucs could use an infusion of young talent at linebacker to help out Lavonte David, who had a great season in 2014. This is a position where Tampa Bay could use multiple draft picks to help create competition and depth, even if they can't use a high draft pick on a linebacker.

3. Defensive End

Michael Johnson Buccaneers
Chuck Cook - USATODAY Sports

3. Defensive End

Michael Johnson Buccaneers
Chuck Cook - USATODAY Sports

Outside of the surprising production from Jacquies Smith, Tampa's defensive ends were quite disappointing in 2014, particularly William Gholston and Michael Johnson, so the Bucs will need to upgrade at that position this offseason. The Tampa defensive line is strong in the middle, but the Bucs need to find an impact pass rusher if their defense is going to show considerable improvement in 2015.

2. Offensive Line

Miami Dolphins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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2. Offensive Line

Miami Dolphins v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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It's tough to find a two-win team that doesn't need a lot of help on the offensive line. Issues with the running game, and to a certain extent the passing game, can be traced back to the Tampa offensive line. Improving up front could mean dedicating an early round pick to the offensive line, particularly at tackle, where the Bucs need to be much stronger.

1. Quarterback

Jameis Winston NFL Draft
Melina Vastola - USATODAY Sports

1. Quarterback

Jameis Winston NFL Draft
Melina Vastola - USATODAY Sports

Signing Josh McCown was a terrible decision, and Mike Glennon isn't much better, which means the Bucs will have to start over at quarterback in 2015. The opportunity could be there to draft Jameis Winston, and while he comes with some character issues, he is the top quarterback talent available in the draft. If not Winston, it's hard to see how the Bucs solve their quarterback question, because it's their biggest need heading into 2015.

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