2008 NFL Draft Preview: Tampa Bay Buccaneers' Wishlist

Tampa Bay was ousted from the playoffs in the first round, but the 2007 season has to be a success. Cadillac Williams missed time, and the offensive lacked weapons around Jeff Garcia. The 21st pick in April's draft will give them a chance to reload for 2008.

Tampa Bay had a disappointing home loss to New York in the playoffs, but have a good chance to return to the post-season in 2008. Jeff Garcia was the perfect quarterback for Tampa Bay - a veteran with lots of experience in the west coast offense. Garcia had a 13-4 TD/INT ratio and took only 19 sacks in 13 games. The defense was the true MVP for Tampa Bay, ending the year #2 in total yards allowed (1st against the pass) and 3rd in points allowed. 2007 1st round pick Gaines Adams had modest success with 6 sacks on the year. Tampa Bay won the underwhelming NFC South at 9-7 despite losing three of their last four games to sub-.500 teams (Houston, San Francisco and Carolina). For 2008, Tampa Bay could use another pass-rushing defensive end, a tackle and a wide receiver.

In the 1st round, Tampa Bay will have plenty of choices at all three positions. Calais Campbell (Miami) and Lawrence Jackson (USC) will likely to available. James Hardy (Indiana), Limas Sweed (Texas) and Malcolm Kelly (Oklahoma) are all big wide receivers projected to be drafted between #15 and #45 in April. Tackles Chris Williams (Vanderbilt) and Sam Baker (USC) are studs projected in the second half of the 1st round. With the Florida connection, Tampa Bay sures up the defensive line with Calais Campbell. He's a physical specimen and, when paired with Gaines Adams, will give other NFC South quarterbacks fits for years to come.

In the 2nd and 3rd rounds, Tampa Bay can find value at offensive tackle. John Greco (Toledo), Nick Carls (Nebraska) and Gosder Cherilus (Boston College) are capable of developing into OL cornerstones at the next level. Cherilus is the best fit here. His stock dropped with a couple questionable late season games, but that will only help Tampa Bay land him in April's NFL draft.

Sleepers in the late rounds reside at wide receiver for Tampa Bay. Adrian Arrington (Michigan) is a a big-time target at 6'3", 200 lbs. Jason Rivers (Hawaii) and Maurice Purify (Nebraska) are great choices in the 6th or 7th round, adding to their offensive weapons.

Tampa Bay will be challenged by New Orleans in 2008 and will need to improve in order to repeat in the NFC South. A healthy Cadillac Williams and Joey Galloway will help - as will another skilled pass-rusher and receiver.