The Buccaneers have a number of big-name free agents hitting the open market this offseason, several of which are defensive players. The Bucs are clearly hoping to strike a long-term deal with linebacker Shaquil Barrett, who led the NFL with 19.5 sacks in 2019, but there are other decisions that will need to be made.
Ndamukong Suh, who signed a one-year deal last offseason to replace Gerald McCoy, is another free agent who could be leaving the Bucs, which is why Luke Easterling of Draft Wire has Tampa Bay picking up a defensive tackle in South Carolina’s Javon Kinlaw with the 14th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Per Easterling:
“Tampa Bay’s defensive front was dominant in 2020, leading the NFL in rush defense and boasting the NFL’s sack leader. Still, the unit has a ton of expiring contracts, and veteran Ndamukong Suh’s spot could be most in need of filling. Kinlaw’s dominant tape was followed up by a fantastic performance in Senior Bowl practices, making him an ideal pick here.”
Adding another young cog along the defensive line would be an ideal situation for defensive coordinator Todd Bowles. But again, the Bucs’ draft needs will become clearer once free agency hits and we see which players they try to retain.
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