The Tampa Bay Buccaneer have 9 picks in the 2010 draft and some holes to fill, but the hole isn’t as bad as their 3-13 record indicates.

Before I go any further let’s get something clear, I’m not saying the Bucs are going to make the playoffs next season. But if the Bucs can have two good drafts, develop their young players, bring the right free agents next season and Josh Freeman turns out to be a starting QB then the Bucs can be competing sooner than most people think.

The defense is better than most people think too. The defense finished up nicely and that had more to do with changing the scheme and Raheem Morris taking over the defense play calling towards the end of the season than personnel. The only notable player that didn’t start the season was Tanard Jackson, because he missed the first four games due to a suspension and once he came back, he instantly helped solidify the secondary, other than that is was the same crew. The defense does have some needs, but so does the offense.

I’m going to look at all the positions and rate their respective needs from 1 to 10 with 10 being the highest need and a 1 being the lowest need. With their 3-13 record the Bucs have the 3rd overall pick in the draft, 35th, 44th (from Chicago – Gaines Adams trade),67th pick, 103rd pick, 158th, 178th pick, 217th and 225th picks.

Defensive Line – Need 10+

It’s by far the position where the Bucs need the most help. The Bucs were dead last against the run and opposing teams dominated them in the trenches. Teams averaged 158.1 yards and 4.8 yards per carry against the Bucs, it was fugly to say the least. If Ndamukong Suh or Gerald McCoy fall to the Bucs, it’s a no brainer, pick either one. If the Bucs can improve their defensive line, it will make the rest of the defense behind them that much better. Please don’t even mention free agent Julius Peppers, the Bucs are a young team and don’t need a bad character. Plus the ownership is too cheap to pay for him anyways.

Offensive Line – Need 8

Going into last season all the hype and yap was about how strong the offensive line was going to be. Scoreboard, it was as strong as a marshmallow. Arron Sears went MIA and it hurt the Bucs more than anyone wants to admit, because it exploited the lack of depth. Jeremy Trueblood doesn’t have the mental fortitude and took too many penalties, especially personal ones, hmmmm I wonder why he can’t control himself? Some of you may shake your heads and wonder why I put offensive line as a higher need than wide receiver or cornerback and the answer is easy. The Bucs have this kid named Josh Freeman at QB and right now he’s not very good. He doesn’t understand the game well enough to make his reads and he needs all the protection he can get, so he doesn’t get happy feet and make bad plays like he did all last season. Plus the Bucs have a nice group of running backs and if they can run the ball successfully they will make Freeman’s life that much better. Here’s the deal if the Bucs can’t land Suh or McCoy they should take a long hard look at Oklahoma’s offensive tackle Russell Okung with the 3rd overall pick.

Corner – Need 7

The Bucs will have Ronde “Ageless” Barber and Aqib Talib. Some people knock Talib, but I think the guy is a baller. I’d like to see any Pro Bowl corner came play for the Bucs and try and guard a receiver with 4.5 speed for 5 seconds, because that’s what the lack of pass rush did to the Bucs corners all season long. It’s not that they aren’t good, it’s just and impossible task to cover someone when the opposing QB has all day to throw the ball. Ronde Barder is 34 years and by corner standards he should have been put out to the pasture a long time ago, but he still game left in the tank, but the Bucs need to find his replacement and give Barber time to groom him. Elbert Mack currently has the opportunity, but I’m not sold on him. Plus the Bucs need depth, they play in the same division as the Saints and Falcons and both of those teams like to throw the ball.

Wide Receiver – Need 6

Here’s where I keep hearing everyone yap about how the most. I keep hearing “the Bucs need to draft a receiver, they should go after Dez Bryant”. All you fools need to shut your pie holes. Drafting receivers with high draft picks is a risky proposition at best and if don’t believe me ask a Detroit Lion fan. Right now Josh Freeman isn’t capable of making anyone great at the wide receiver position. The only thing he’d do to a potential great talent like Dez Bryant is frustrate him. It’s going to take another season for Freeman to start to get the hang of things. I know we are losing Antonio Bryant and Mark Clayton blows, but don’t use the 3rd overall pick on a wide out. There will be a lot of quality wide out available with the 44th overall pick in the draft such as Brandon LaFell out of LSU or Damian Williams from USC. Yes, west coast kids can play ball too.

Linebacker – Need 5

The Bucs aren’t extremely athletic at linebacker and they lack depth. Rudd is a tackling machine, but they could use some play makers.Once again, if the Bucs can improve the defensive line the linebacker need becomes much less. Things are a lot easier when you have a stud in the trenches blowing up plays and commanding a double team.

Safety – Need 4

As much as I don’t like Sabby Piscitelli, I think he would be a much improved player if the Bucs pass rush improved. If QB’s had to get rid of the ball quicker, his lack of speed wouldn’t be exploited so much. Plus he’d get to use his biggest asset and that’s his hitting ability, because it’s a lot easier to hit someone when you run up on them than when you have to chase them from behind. Tanard Jackson is a solid free safety when he isn’t suspended, so hopefully he has learned his lesson.

Quarterback – Need 3

I’m not sold on Josh Freeman, but he’s the Bucs QB of the future. The Bucs already another young QB in Josh Johnson, so the Bucs really don’t need to draft another one. What the Bucs could really use is an older veteran mentor to help show Freeman the ropes. That and an excellent QB coach. Oh yeah and a better offensive line would help Freeman too.

Running Back – Need 2

The Bucs spent money on Ward last season as a free agent and if the Cadillac can stay healthy, they have a good one two punch. What will really improve the running game is a better offensive line, it’s why it’s the Bucs second greatest need.

Tight End – Need 1

Kellen Winslow surpassed all my expectations. Not only did he have great year, he also didn’t implode during the 3 – 13 season, which was probably more amazing than the season he had.

Punter – Need 1

If Josh Bibwell comes back from his hip injury and can regain his form, then the Bucs are set. If Bidwell isn’t the same, then bring in the free agents and let the competition begin.

Kicker – Need 1

Team/Player Photos: Tampa Bay Buccaneers Team / Player Photos on Jul 24, 2010

Connor Barth came in at the end of the season and did a nice job for the Bucs. During the Dolphins game in week 10, he kicked three 50+ yard FG’s, he almost won the game by himself.

Agree or disagree that’s how I see it. All we can hope for as Bucs fans is that the Rams fill they need a QB and make a reach for Clausen or Bradford.