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Grading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ Top 5 Free Agency Decisions in 2015

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Grading the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Top 5 Free Agency Decisions in 2015

Lovie Smith Tampa Bay Buccaneers
David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have made some solid acquisitions in free agency, several of whom are coming from Dallas. After the unsuccessful year the Bucs had in 2014, they still have a lot of work to do to become contenders in the NFC, but this is a good start. Here are my grades for their top five free-agent signings thus far.

5. Chris Conte

Chris Conte Chicago Bears
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

5. Chris Conte

Chris Conte Chicago Bears
Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The former Bears' safety will definitely provide depth in the Bucs' secondary, which was plagued with injuries and inconsistency last season. It's also beneficial that he is well acquainted with the Tampa 2 scheme having played under Lovie Smith for two seasons.

Grade: C+

4. Andy Wilder

Andy Wilder Dolphins Minicamp
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4. Andy Wilder

Andy Wilder Dolphins Minicamp
Getty Images

Wilder could be the Bucs' starting punter next season if they decide to part ways with veteran Michael Koenen. Although Wilder went undrafted and hasn't taken an NFL snap yet, he has the talent to do great things in Tampa. After all, in 2012 at Northern Arizona, he led all FCS punters with a 46.3-yard average.

Grade: C+

3. Henry Melton

Henry Melton Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

3. Henry Melton

Henry Melton Dallas Cowboys
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

The defensive tackle position wasn't a key need for the Bucs, but by signing Melton, they have solidified their depth at the position. He will most likely be used as a reserve, but his familiarity with the Tampa 2 defense will work in his favor, allowing him to make an immediate impact.

Grade: B-

2. Sterling Moore

Sterling Moore Dallas Cowboys
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

2. Sterling Moore

Sterling Moore Dallas Cowboys
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Both Leonard Johnson and Isaiah Frey struggled at the nickel corner position last season, which makes Moore a key addition to Tampa Bay's defense. He is a perfect fit for what the team needs and will provide an upgrade at the slot corner position. And to top it off, they got him at a great price.

Grade: B+

1. Bruce Carter

Bruce Carter Dallas Cowboys
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

1. Bruce Carter

Bruce Carter Dallas Cowboys
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Carter provides versatility at the linebacker position, with the ability to play in the middle or on the outside. He had his best year of his career in 2014, leading the Cowboys with five interceptions. If he can stay healthy, he has the potential of making the biggest impact of all the Bucs' 2015 free-agent additions.

Grade: A-

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