2018 NFL Mock Draft: Complete first round after pro days, trades
Needs: CB, DE, RB
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers feel like this is a make or break season for both star quarterback Jameis Winston and head football coach Dirk Koetter. Winston is in the final year of his rookie contract and Koetter usurped Lovie Smith for the head role but slipped to 5-11 in year two.
The Buccaneers have great receiving weapons for Winston in O.J. Howard, DeSean Jackson, Mike Evans and Cameron Brate but need to find a feature back to take pressure off the passing game if they plan to move the football better in 2018. The Bucs also have to improve on defense, which during the Tony Dungy and Jon Gruden eras would have been next to sacrilege. However in 2017, Tampa Bay needs improvement.
That improvement will come from defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick . Fitzpatrick is a jack-of-all-trades type that can play as a free safety, or down in the box, or even over the nickel in the slot. With ideal size and speed, Fitzpatrick is a top ten quality defensive back. The Bucs don’t just have one need they have many in the backfield and Fitzpatrick being a corner/safety helps fill two places. With the addition of Jason Piere-Paul the Bucs have a pass rush threat that can help their defensive backs.