While many people thought the idea of adding a dynamic running back like J.K. Dobbins to the backfield might be too tempting for the Buccaneers to pass up, the Bucs instead chose to address their needs on defense in round two of the NFL draft. With the 45th pick, Tampa Bay selected Minnesota safety Antoine Winfield Jr., the son of former NFL Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield, Sr.
While getting O-line help was the priority in round one last night, the Bucs wanted Day 2 to start off focused on the defense. While the Bucs did have the league’s best rush defense in 2019, their pass defense was 30th in the league, allowing 270.1 yards per game. In a division with Matt Ryan and Drew Brees, a defensive weakness like that will be exploited everytime.
Also, offense hasn’t been much of a problem for the Bucs. They can put up yards and points with the best of them, evident by Week 9’s loss to the Seattle Seahawks last season. But if you can’t stop the opposing team from scoring you’ll find yourself as postseason spectators again and again. Tampa Bay will only go as far as their defense takes them, which is why adding a guy like Antoine Winfield Jr. should be viewed as a big win.
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