Bucs' Draft Plan Revealed With Clear Defensive Flavor

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' offseason has been rather positive, with most of the roster from last season returning.

The big name is Chris Godwin, as he rejoins Baker Mayfield, Bucky Irving, Mike Evans, and Graham Barton as the chief movers on offense. Defensively, the Bucs added star pass rusher Haason Reddick, but for most, more needs to be done.

Todd Bowles' defense, while gutted with injuries last season, still showed plenty of pluck, but heading into the draft, it is clear that his side of the ball needs work.

For Pro Football Focus, depth might be the key plan for Tampa Bay.

"Having retained Chris Godwin, Lavonte David and Ben Bredeson while adding Haason Reddick, the Buccaneers should feel good heading into the draft," Pro Football Focus writes. "The focus for general manager Jason Licht will likely be finding younger upgrades at weaker positions, particularly on defense."

Tampa Bay's two biggest needs are perhaps linebacker and defensive line, and with mock drafts flying all around, Alabama's Jihaad Campbell has seen his name called as the replacement for the aging Lavonte David.

Then edge rusher Donovan Ezeiruaku is the next choice, with Vita Vea, Calijah Kancey, and Yaya Diaby needing help getting to the quarterback.

So with the offense, barring injuries, set, defense appears to be the way the Buccaneers are leaning, and with the holes that need filling, given that the teams picking ahead of Tampa Bay have mostly offensive needs, there could be some good prospects who "drop" to No. 19.

The Buccaneers, as things stand, are most people's favorites to claim yet another division title, and with a strong defensive draft haul, those thoughts will only be solidified.