Before heading into the 2018 NFL Draft the Tampa Bay Buccaneers needed to revamp their defense’s secondary, improve their pass rushing ability, and increase the amount of weapons on the offense. So with the 7th overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected to trade with Buffalo Bills for the 12th pick, 53rd pick and the 63rd pick.
In the first round, the Buccaneers selected a defensive tackle from Washington University, Vita Vea. Vea will be used next season to pressure the opposing team’s quarterback and to reduce the rushing yards this year. However, some are concerned with this selection because the Buccaneers already have strong defensive players, for instance Kwon Alexander, Gerald McCoy and Lavonte David.
After emphasizing the defense in the first round, the Buccaneers selected running back Ronald Jones II to ultimately replace Doug Martin who was released at the end of his contract this year. Overall, this pick was needed to make the offense more competitive.
With the picks acquired in the trade with the Buffalo Bills, the Buccaneers gained the 53rd and 63rd pick. So the Buccaneers selected two cornerbacks, Carlton Davis and M.J. Stewart. These cornerbacks were needed to make the defense more competitive and better at stopping the passing game. These picks were appreciated more because Jones had been chosen.
To build up the offensive side of the ball, Alex Cappa, a guard from Humboldt State was chosen to potentially replace Donovan Smith. Smith is the current guard of the Buccaneers and is also in a contract year.
In the final picks of the Draft they selected Jordan Whitehead and Justin Watson. These players were used to fill in any additional needs of the Buccaneers. Ultimately, the Buccaneers hope to improve after their poor performance last year.
James Cook // Co-Sports Editor
