TAMPA, Fla. – There’s a widespread assumption out there that the Buccaneers will use their second-round draft pick on an offensive lineman.
That makes plenty of sense because the offensive line was a big problem spot last year. Opponents recorded 52 sacks. The Bucs seem likely to draft quarterback Jameis Winston with the first overall pick, and they need to give him strong protection. They have visited with a few free-agent guards but haven’t signed any of them. That means the Bucs need a guard and a tackle, so it seems likely they’ll use the second-round pick on an offensive lineman.
But there’s one thing that could get in the way of that. As great as the need is on the offensive line, it’s just as great at defensive end. There are five defensive ends (Jacquies Smith, William Gholston, Larry English, T.J. Fatinikun and Lawrence Sidbury) who were on the roster last season who are still with the team. They combined for 10 sacks, and Smith had 6.5 of those.
With Gerald McCoy, Clinton McDonald and Henry Melton, the Bucs have what should be a strong interior pass rush. The defensive line could be really special if the Bucs are able to bring consistent pressure from the outside.
Smith likely will end up as a starter, but the other ends will be competing for backup jobs and roster spots. The Bucs need another outside rusher.
UCLA’s Owamagbe Odighizuwa and Oregon’s Arik Armstead are two defensive ends who could be available in the second round. Let’s not forget that Lovie Smith is a defensive coach at heart. And let’s not forget the Bucs used all of last year’s draft picks on offensive players.
The Bucs might not be able to pass on a defensive end in the second round.
