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2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Target in First Round

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2015 NFL Draft: 5 Prospects Tampa Bay Buccaneers Should Target in First Round

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The 2015 NFL Draft is roughly three weeks away and teams are making their final preparations in order to make the best decisions. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't win many games last season, but that dubious honor won them the first overall pick in the draft. They have clear and desperate needs for a franchise QB and elite edge rushers to help bring the defense back to its glory days. Here are the top players they should target in round one.

5. Shane Ray - OLB - University of Missouri

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5. Shane Ray - OLB - University of Missouri

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Standing at 6-foot-2 and weighing at 245 pounds, Shane Ray lacks the size to be an ideal edge rusher in the Tampa 2 scheme. However, he does have elite speed and discipline with outstanding instincts to locate the ball quickly. He's also a hard worker on and off the field while also spending extra time in the film room. If Tampa Bay chooses to go with an edge rusher for the first overall pick, Ray would have to be a target.

4. Randy Gregory - OLB - University of Nebraska

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4. Randy Gregory - OLB - University of Nebraska

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Although Randy Gregory is taller than Shane Ray, standing at 6-foot-4, he also raises concerns with scouts due to his weight at 235 pounds. There are also concerns about the potential for off-field problems due to his recent drug-related issues. However, Gregory is an elite prospect who has excellent length, a first-step burst and the overall speed to become a star in the NFL.

3. Dante Fowler, Jr. - DE - University of Florida

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3. Dante Fowler, Jr. - DE - University of Florida

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If Tampa Bay really wants to select their next great edge rusher, then Dante Fowler, Jr should be their top target for the first round. Standing at a near 6-foot-3 and weighing 261 pounds, Fowler is a well-proportioned player who displays an excellent initial burst with violent hands to get through blockers. He plays with an edge to go along with a great motor. He is also has zero character issues.

2. Marcus Mariota - QB - University of Oregon

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2. Marcus Mariota - QB - University of Oregon

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The greatest need for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers is at the QB position, and Marcus Mariota is a great candidate to be their franchise signal caller. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 222 pounds, Mariota has the prototypical size for an NFL QB with outstanding straight-line speed. He's extremely mobile in the pocket and showed solid improvement in his throwing accuracy throughout his Oregon career.

1. Jameis Winston - QB - Florida State University

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1. Jameis Winston - QB - Florida State University

jameis winston florida state seminoles qb quarterback
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Not only is Jameis Winston the top player who Tampa Bay should target with the first overall pick, but he is also the one they've likely already settled on. Standing at 6-foot-3 and weighing 231 pounds, he has the right size and displayed great durability at Florida State. He is excellent at reading defenses and has a strong arm to get the ball where it needs to be. Despite his questionable past, Winston should be Tampa Bay's first pick.

Rojé Smith is a Featured Fantasy Sports Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @RoKnowsDFS, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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