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2015 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

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2015 NFL Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 5 Biggest Needs After Free Agency

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Fans
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Lovie Smith’s first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers may not have gone as he would have expected. With eight total picks in the upcoming NFL Draft, including the No. 1 overall selection, Smith will have plenty of opportunities to address the many holes that currently plague his roster. Whether it be on the offensive or defensive side of the ball, these five positions remain the ones that need the most help heading into the draft.

5. Outside Linebacker

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5. Outside Linebacker

Minnesota Vikings v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Lavonte David played well for the Buccaneers last season and appears to be a good fit for both Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. However, if the Buccaneers hope to get the most out of their defense in 2015, they will have to get some speed to play opposite of David.

4. Guard

Cincinnati Bengals v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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4. Guard

Cincinnati Bengals v Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Heading into the 2015 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers need to think about solidifying their offensive line, especially the guard position. They may not be able to go after a guard during the early stages of the draft, seeing as though they have bigger needs to be concerned with, but at some point during draft weekend this is a position that will have to be addressed.

3. Tackle

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3. Tackle

Tampa Bay Buccaneers v New Orleans Saints
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The guard position is not the only spot along the offensive line that remains a major need heading into the draft. After shaky play all across the offensive line last season, the Buccaneers also need help at the tackle position. This year’s class is well-stocked with talent at this position, so don’t be surprised if the Buccaneers try to address this need by targeting someone like Ereck Flowers out of Miami or Donovan Smith from Penn State.

2. Defensive End

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2. Defensive End

Tampa Bay Buccaneers
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Heading into 2014, the Buccaneers tried to address their defensive end need by signing Michael Johnson. However, fast forward one year and Johnson is no longer with the team. As the 2015 season approaches, defensive end remains a position of need for the Buccaneers, but it may be a hard one to address as this year’s draft class is not full of talented players at the position.

1. Quarterback

2015 NFL Combine
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1. Quarterback

2015 NFL Combine
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Just like at defensive end, quarterback was a position of need heading in 2014. The Buccaneers tried to address this need by signing free agent Josh McCown, but one year later McCown is in Cleveland. Although it may be the biggest need for the team, the Buccaneers can take care of it rather easily by selecting Jameis Winston or Marcus Mariota with the No. 1 overall pick in April.

Greg Sacidor is a writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter
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