2012 NFL Offseason: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Draft Grades, Season Previews, Offseason Needs, Free Agents

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Last Year: 4-12)

2012 NFL Draft Grade: A-

Goals Entering the 2012 NFL Draft: Raheem Morris said it before he was fired - the offense lacks play-makers. Josh Freeman really struggled in 2012 for various reasons, one of which was a miserable supporting cast. Vincent Jackson was added in free agency, but he's not enough. The back seven of the defense also needs to be fixed.

2012 NFL Draft Accomplishments: Back seven fixed? Check. Mark Barron and Lavonte David were drafted in the first two rounds, and then Najee Goode and Keith Tandy joined them on Day 3. Play-makers added? Check. Doug Martin was a great addition at No. 31 overall. The Buccaneers traded up for him, but had to do so because the Giants were prepared to select him. Martin, compared by many to Ray Rice, will be a perfect complement to the hard-running LeGarrette Blount.

The one thing I didn't like is the compensation the Buccaneers received for moving down from No. 5 to 7. First of all, it doesn't add up according to the trade value chart, and second, it's been discussed ad nauseum that there's a big difference between the top six prospects in this class and the No. 7-rated guy. Jacksonville should have been forced to surrender a third-round pick instead of a fourth.





2012 NFL Draft Individual Grades:

7. Mark Barron, SS, Alabama: C- Grade
I like when teams trade down, but the Buccaneers could have just obtained Morris Claiborne at No. 5. Do they really think Mark Barron is that close to Claiborne? Most of the evaluators don't think so, as only one major big board had him above No. 8. Safety is not a value position, so unless you're getting the next Ed Reed, you don't draft one in the top 10.

31. Doug Martin, RB, Boise State: A- Grade
I mocked Doug Martin to the Buccaneers in the second round because it made so much sense. He's great as a pass-catcher out of the backfield and has drawn comparisons to Ray Rice, which makes him a great complement for LeGarrette Blount.

58. Lavonte David, OLB, Nebraska: A Grade
The Buccaneers really needed linebacker help and have shown interest in Lavonte David, so this makes a ton of sense. David was No. 35 on the consensus big board, so he provides great value. I can't fault Tampa Bay at all for trading up for him.

140. Najee Goode, ILB, West Virginia: C Grade
This is a slight reach, but you have to believe that Greg Schiano is familiar with Najee Goode. The Buccaneers had to find multiple linebackers this weekend.

174. Keith Tandy, CB, West Virginia: A- Grade
Finally, a cornerback! Keith Tandy probably should have gone a bit higher than this, so this pick provides some value in addition to filling a huge need.

212. Michael Smith, RB, Utah State: B- Grade
Michael Smith is an OK pick in the seventh round. He might be able to beat out Mossis Madu to be the third running back.

233. Drake Dunsmore, FB, Northwestern: B Grade
The Buccaneers lost Earnest Graham to injury/free agency, so they needed a fullback. This pick makes sense.

*** 2012 NFL OFFSEASON NEEDS BELOW COMMENT BOARD ***

Leave a comment Name Comment Verification: click on image to refresh it   Matt Frm Tampa 05-15-2012 06:07 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.104 (total posts: 1) 3     24 I Like the Barron pick, because i have to. Tampa traded their pick before STL. If they stayed then they would have selected blackmon, but by us trading back and letting the jags get him then they had to get revenge. We should have got a second rounder or a third round with a fifth for the pick. Very bad GM move. I would have loved Jenkins for the second pick. Just Imagine Barron and J Jenkins on one side of the field and Talib and barber on the other. Thats a no fly zone. It would have given our front seven more time to pressure the Qb. I also would have loved to see Chris Rainy in a gators jersey. But overall B grade Buccsallthewayboysuperbowl 05-07-2012 10:43 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.143 (total posts: 1) 40     6 Barron is Great and we did made a trade to trade up 4 doug Martin at 31 so i give pretty much arround a A fit this draft Xavier 05-06-2012 01:42 pm xxx.xxx.xxx9.65 (total posts: 1) 262     10 The Bucs run Cover 2, which requires a corner who can tackle. Needless to say Claiborne isnt that guy. Also Greg Schiano wants tough players.... so Barron is a better fit. ben 04-30-2012 08:42 am xxx.xxx.xxx4.81 (total posts: 1) 8     4 People saying mo is gunna be a great corner is the same as people saying barron is gunna be a great safety. barron will be top 5 safety in 2 years he plays just llike sean taylor Idiots... 04-30-2012 02:45 am xxx.xxx.xxx.234 (total posts: 1) 123     250 If you really think there is a comparison between Barron's value as a safety versus Clairborne's value as a corner, then you're an idiot. Barron is a solid safety. He will never be a Polomalu or Reed (and whoever made that comment - Chief's Fan - is an idiot). Clairborne is a solid CB with the potential to be great - one of the top in his position. Bucs screwed up on this one. Yung Christ 04-29-2012 02:24 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.42 (total posts: 1) 8     8 I though Dunsmore was a TE. gotbbucs 04-29-2012 01:46 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.238 (total posts: 1) 10     6 @dude, because it turns out that Dominik's trade down from 5 to 7 set the tone for the rest of the draft, something Walt couldn't have known yet when he graded the Barron pick in the 1st. The Bucs went out and got no less than six new starters this offseason. Chuckie 04-29-2012 01:17 pm xxx.xxx.xxx0.47 (total posts: 2) 7     4 Actually the new CBA draft structure makes the top 5 picks even more valuable than the old value chart dictates. Maybe the Bucs were possibly due a 2nd round pick added in for moving down. The fact remains they wanted Barron NOT Claiborne and this was the only deal to move down and still ensure the Barron pick. Time will tell the story, but the art of the draft is to concentrate on factors which indicate the ability of a student athlete to mature and improve with help from an NFL coaching staff. bucfan 04-29-2012 11:40 am xxx.xxx.xxx.216 (total posts: 1) 6     4 You talk about the trade value chart as if it's holy scripture set in stone - it isn't. The trade down to 7 made the drafting of Martin and David possible. Dominik flipped that 4th TWICE for two quality players that have a legit chance to start and be upgrades over last season. dude 04-29-2012 06:21 am xxx.xxx.xxx1.79 (total posts: 1) 7     27 How does the Bucs get an A- grade when a couple players get a C/C- grade? Shouldn't they be a B at best? dreamt 04-28-2012 11:24 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.234 (total posts: 1) 22     2 The trade down in the first really made the next two picks possible...sooo...? stuknuts 04-28-2012 08:22 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.222 (total posts: 1) 126     5 Solid Solid Solid Solid, given what they did in Free Agency and the draft, the Bus are a totally different team. Its all on Freeman now. A+ bucs #1 fan 04-28-2012 08:19 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.137 (total posts: 1) 5     10 http://mrfantasyfreak.com/ Tyler 04-28-2012 03:13 pm xxx.xxx.xxx.127 (total posts: 1) 26     3 The Bucs DB coach (Ron Cooper) was the LSU DB coach from 09-11. Why would he not be demanding Morris Claiborne unless he knew he was not going to be a good fit? Barron is going to be great for TB and will be a great asset against the run especially. Uh 04-28-2012 12:51 pm xxx.xxx.xxx8.58 (total posts: 1) 5     18 Not sure if you knew this, but Barron and Claiborne play different positions. Why are you comparing a safety and a corner? I get theyre both cover guys, but what they'll be asked to do is worlds apart. Pages: 12 3 4 ...10 11

Season Summary:
How do you go from 10-6 and nearly making the playoffs to 4-12 and having your head coach fired? Perhaps this all happened because this head coach didn't put in the necessary time and effort every week. I'm not sure what's worse - that, or the fact that the Buccaneers couldn't fire Raheem Morris in December because they didn't have the ample personnel to survive without him.




Offseason Moves:

Seahawks acquire TE Kellen Winslow Jr. from Buccaneers for conditional 7th-round pick

Bears sign DT John McCargo

Buccaneers sign WR Tiquan Underwood

Buccaneers sign DT Gary Gibson

Buccaneers cut DT John McCargo

Bears sign OLB Geno Hayes

Redskins sign S Tanard Jackson

Buccaneers cut S Tanard Jackson

Redskins sign OT James Lee

Buccaneers sign DT Amobi Okoye

Chargers sign WR/KR Michael Spurlock

Seahawks sign RB Kregg Lumpkin

49ers sign QB Josh Johnson

Buccaneers cut DE Tim Crowder

Buccaneers waive DE Nick Reed

Buccaneers sign OT Jamon Meredith

Buccaneers re-sign CB Ronde Barber

Buccaneers re-sign DE Michael Bennett

Buccaneers sign QB Dan Orlovsky

Buccaneers sign CB Eric Wright

Buccaneers sign G Carl Nicks

Buccaneers sign WR Vincent Jackson

Buccaneers franchise K Connor Barth

Buccaneers re-sign G Jeremy Zuttah

Buccaneers cut DT Albert Haynesworth


Offseason Needs:

1. Two Cornerbacks: Aqib Talib is going to prison, while Ronde Barber is about to retire. Not good. This is Tampa's greatest need, which is saying a lot because there are a ton of holes on this roster. Signed Eric Wright; re-signed Ronde Barber
   
   
2. Two Linebackers: The first one can be a strongside linebacker to replace the awful Quincy Black, or an inside linebacker so Mason Foster can occupy Black's position. Foster was terrible last year as well, but he'll get another shot. The second linebacker will have to replace Geno Hayes if he's not re-signed.
   
   
3. Right Tackle: Many upgrades are needed on the offensive line, most prominently right tackle. The Buccaneers were absolutely insane to give Jeremy Trueblood a 2-year, $10 million contract this past offseason, given that he's one of the worst linemen in the NFL.
   
   
4. Wide Receiver: The Buccaneers need a downfield threat because their offense is so compressed. They could go for Justin Blackmon in the 2012 NFL Draft, or perhaps wait on someone like T.Y. Hilton in Round 3. Signed Vincent Jackson
   
   
5. Defensive Tackle: Brian Price has been a disappointment thus far in his professional career. Signed Amobi Okoye and Gary Gibson
   
   
6. Center: I don't know what happened to Jeff Faine, but his play has really fallen off in the past couple of years. The center position is one of three upgrades needed on the offensive line. Signed Carl Nicks (Jeremy Zuttah to center)
   
   
7. Running Back: LeGarrette Blount is an idiot. I mean that literally. He can't learn protection schemes, so he's completely lost in the passing game. The Buccaneers either need a full-time runner or someone to complement Blount. Trent Richardson was once listed as an option at No. 5 overall in my 2012 NFL Mock Draft.
   
   
8. Left Guard: Jeremy Zuttah is a free agent. He had a solid year for the Buccaneers, so they should re-sign him. Re-signed Jeremy Zuttah
   
   
9. Free Safety: The Buccaneers have given up on Tanard Jackson. They cut him, so they'll need a new starter.
   
   
10. Fullback: Earnest Graham is a 32-year-old free agent coming off a torn Achilles. The team needs to look for a new fullback.
    
    
11. Backup Quarterback: Josh Johnson is a free agent, and I don't think the Buccaneers want to go into 2012 with Rudy Carpenter as the No. 2 quarterback. Signed Dan Orlovsky
    
    
12. Kicker: Connor Barth hit 26-of-28 field goal attempts last season, but he's a free agent. Franchised Connor Barth
    
    

2012 NFL Free Agent Signings:

1. Carl Nicks, G, Saints. Age: 27.
   Signed with Buccaneers (5 years, $47.5 million)
   
   Carl Nicks is arguably the top guard in all of football. He has no weaknesses to his game; his blasts open huge holes for his running back, and he seldom allows a quarterback pressure. He was whistled for only two penalties all year.
   
   
2. Vincent Jackson, WR, Chargers, Chargers. Age: 29.
   Signed with Buccaneers (5 years, $55 million; $26 million guaranteed)
   
   Vincent Jackson amazingly has never caught more than 68 passes in a single season, but with his size (6-5, 230) and downfield ability, he's one of the top physical talents at the wide receiver position in the NFL.
   
   
3. Amobi Okoye, DT, Bears. Age: 25.
   Signed with Buccaneers (1 year, $2 million)
   
   After being discarded by the Texans, Amobi Okoye found a home with the Bears as a rotational defensive tackle who can pressure the quarterback.
   
   
4. Dallas Clark, TE, Colts. Age: 33.
   Signed with Buccaneers (1 year)
   
   Dallas Clark looked awful without Peyton Manning last year. He struggled with injuries and drops, as it gave credence to those who believed that he was just part of Indianapolis' system. Clark should sign with whichever team is lucky enough to land Manning (Update: It's pretty telling that the Broncos didn't even want Clark, opting for Jacob Tamme instead).
   
   
5. Eric Wright, CB, Lions. Age: 27. -- Signed with Buccaneers (5 years, $37.5 million) WTF!?
6. Gary Gibson, DT, Rams. Age: 30. -- Signed with Buccaneers (2 years, $2 million)
7. Dan Orlovsky, QB, Colts. Age: 29. -- Signed with Buccaneers (2 years)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Free Agents:

Salary Cap: TBA.

1. Connor Barth, K, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
   Franchised by Buccaneers
   
   One of the league's top kickers, Connor Barth drilled 26-of-28 tries last year, including 13-of-14 from 40-49 and 2-of-3 from 50-plus.
   
   
2. Michael Bennett (RFA), DE, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
   Re-signed with Buccaneers (1 year)
   
   Stout against the run and effective as a pass-rusher, Michael Bennett is a really solid left defensive end.
   
   
3. Albert Haynesworth, DT, Buccaneers. Age: 31.
   There's a misconception that Albert Haynesworth played poorly for the Buccaneers last season. He didn't; he was decent at times, but wasn't worth the $7.2 million price tag - or the headaches that come with his lack of effort. He's still immensely talented, however, and he could be motivated for a new contract. He's definitely worth the risk for a 1-year "prove it" deal.
   
   
4. Josh Johnson, QB, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
   Signed with 49ers (2 years)
   
   Josh Johnson has some nice skills and the upside to potentially make some team believe that it can groom him into a starting quarterback.
   
   
5. Jeremy Zuttah, G/C, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
   Re-signed with Buccaneers
   
   Jeremy Zuttah is a decent lineman who can play multiple positions. The Buccaneers had far worse starters on their roster.
   
   
6. Tanard Jackson, S, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
   Signed with Redskins
   
   Tanard Jackson was considered to be one of the NFL's top up-and-coming safeties prior to his season-long suspension in 2010. He returned to the lineup last year, but really struggled. He's still young and talented, so maybe he can revert to 2009 form with good coaching.
   
   
7. Jeff Faine, C, Buccaneers. Age: 31.
   Jeff Faine has battled way too many injuries over the years. He managed to play in 15 contests last season, but he looked like a shell of his former self. Perhaps he can get healthy and rebound, but no one should hold their breath.
   
   
8. Earnest Graham, FB, Buccaneers. Age: 32.
   Earnest Graham was a really good fullback before he tore his Achilles in late October. That injury is really difficult to recover from.
   
   
9. Geno Hayes, OLB, Buccaneers. Age: 25. -- Signed with Bears
10. Sean Jones, SS, Buccaneers. Age: 30.
11. Kregg Lumpkin, RB, Buccaneers. Age: 28. -- Signed with Seahawks
12. Michael Spurlock, KR, Buccaneers. Age: 29. -- Signed with Chargers
13. Elbert Mack, CB, Buccaneers. Age: 26.
14. Corey Lynch, S, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
15. Ronde Barber, CB, Buccaneers. Age: 37. -- Re-signed with Buccaneers (1 year)
16. Tim Crowder, DE, Buccaneers. Age: 27.
17. James Lee, OT, Buccaneers. Age: 27. -- Signed with Redskins
18. John McCargo, DT, Buccaneers. Age: 29. -- Signed with Bears

2012 NFL Free Agent Rankings Coming Soon



Divisional Rival History:
Atlanta Falcons: Matt Ryan is 6-2 against the Buccaneers. There's no need to explain that record.
Carolina Panthers: After losing 11 of 14 meetings to Carolina, the Buccaneers swept the Panthers in 2010. Things were back to normal in 2011.
New Orleans Saints: A road-dominated series. The visitor won 12 of the past 18 meetings prior to 2011.



Features to be Posted This Offseason:

1. 2012 NFL Draft Grades (Pick-by-Pick NFL Draft Grades as well - Live on Draft Day!)
2. Detailed season preview
3. Fantasy football projections
4. Positional rankings
5. Daily updates on free-agent signings

2012 NFL Offseason Pages


2012 Fantasy Football Rankings - May 25


2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 22


Charlie's 2013 NFL Mock Draft - May 21


2012 NBA Mock Draft - May 19


2013 NBA Mock Draft - May 7