Tag: bucs round two

Instant analysis: Bucs make smart move by drafting S Antoine Winfield Jr.

See why the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ decision to go defense in round two was the smart move for this team.

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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A look at some of the second-round picks of the Jason Licht era

The Bucs hold the 45th pick in round two of the 2020 NFL Draft. Take a look at the players they’ve chosen during GM Jason Licht’s tenure.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers got one of the prized tackles in this year’s class when they traded up a spot to No. 13 to select Iowa’s Tristan Wirfs.

The pool-jumping Wirfs will be joining an offense that features the NFL’s best quarterback-tight-end combo and two of its best receivers. (No pressure of course, rookie.)

Heading into round two tonight, the Bucs and general manager Jason Licht may look to use the 45th pick to select one of the top-ranked running backs still on the board. The only back taken in round one was LSU’s Clyde Edwards-Helaire, who went 32nd overall to the Kansas City Chiefs.

It wouldn’t be the first time since become general manager in 2014 that Licht has used a second-round pick on a running back, having done so back in 2018 on Ronald Jones (No. 38 overall). The jury remains out on Jones, although his sophomore campaign in 2019 inspires confidence. But a game-changing back like J.K. Dobbins or D’Andre Swift could open up the passing game even more for Brady and company.

Licht will need to make this selection carefully, because history has shown that when it comes to second-round picks, the Bucs GM has made a few duds.

Take a look at this gallery showing all 10 players drafted in the second round by Licht.

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