The Tampa Bay Buccaneers ended their frustrating 2022 season with a disappointing loss in the first round of the playoffs, and now face a daunting offseason full of big question marks on both sides of the ball.
A long list of free agents, along with a challenging salary cap situation, will force the Bucs to hit big on as many picks as possible in the 2023 NFL draft. Tampa Bay is set to lose some key players this offseason, and they won’t have much money to replace them with veterans, so the rookies will have to deliver.
Here’s an updated look at how all seven rounds of this year’s draft could shake out for the Bucs:
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The Bucs are set to lose two of their top three corners (Jamel Dean, Sean Murphy-Bunting), as well as three of their top four safeties (Mike Edwards, Logan Ryan, Keanu Neal) to free agency. Why not spend their top pick on a player who can line up at corner on the outside, in the slot, or on the back end? Branch did all of that at a high level in Nick Saban’s defense, and would be a perfect fit for Todd Bowles’ scheme.
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Joe Tryon-Shoyinka has shown flashes of potential over his two seasons in Tampa Bay, but not enough consistency, especially when it comes to setting the edge as a run defender. Shaq Barrett just turned 30, and will be coming off a torn Achilles, so spending an early pick on a promising edge rusher like Hall shouldn’t be out of the question.
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Yes, another defender. Lavonte David’s contract is up after this year, and even if he returns, he turns 33 in January. It’s time for the Bucs to start grooming a potential replacement to pair with Devin White, and Henley is one of the most underrated defenders in this year’s class.
(AP Photo/Thomas Graning)
Tampa Bay’s lack of quality depth in the trenches were a big reason for their offensive struggles this season. Broeker has tons of experience at both guard and tackle, with a track record of success against top competition.
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Russell Gage was given a hefty contract to be Tampa Bay’s all-important WR3, but he just hasn’t been able to stay healthy. The Bucs should use one of their extra picks to add some receiver depth, and Wicks has the skill set and big-play ability to excel in this vertical passing…
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