Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2010 NFL Draft Preview

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers could be in a jam. The three teams drafting at the top of the 2010 NFL Draft need defensive linemen, but there are only two elite defensive linemen available. With the Rams and Lions probably selecting Ndamukong Suh and Gerald McCoy, the Buccaneers are being held hostage.

Should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers trade up into the first two selections of the 2010 NFL Draft?
If the Buccaneers were serious about pursuing one of the elite defensive tackles, they might attempt trading up. The Lions and Rams have many needs and may consider quantity of picks more attractive than the best player available. Since Spagnuolo and Schwartz rely heavily on defensive linemen, the Buccaneers would probably have to pay a steep price to move up one or two positions. It would likely take the Buccaneer's 3^rd overall pick, their second round selection, and another high round selection in 2011 in order to make the Lions or Rams consider trading down.

Logical choices for Tampa Bay in the 2010 NFL Draft
If they can't get one of the tackles, there are three other paths they can take: Eric Berry, Russell Okung, or trading down.

The case for the Buccaneers drafting Eric Berry in the 2010 NFL Draft
Eric Berry is the most talented defensive back in the 2010 NFL Draft. Berry can play any position in the defensive backfield and is comparable to the Raven's Ed Reed. With Eric Berry, the Buccaneers would have Tanard Jackson and Eric Berry playing safety while Aqib Talib would be their shutdown corner. The Buccaneers would have a secondary with playmaking potential, but its defensive line would likely effect its impact from the lack of pass rush.

The case for the Buccaneers drafting Russell Okung in the 2010 NFL Draft
Russell Okung would be the safest pick the Buccaneers could make. With the Buccaneers needing someone to protect franchise quarterback Josh Freeman, Okung's dominance in college, and the history of offensive tackles performing highly when picked in the top 15, Okung could replace Donald Penn as the player who will protect Buccaneer quarterbacks' blindsides for the next decade.

Who should the Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft in the 2010 NFL Draft?
I have a hard time believing the Buccaneers are going to give up numerous picks just to get one of the tackles. They have other needs and can still get a tremendous prospect at the 3^rd overall selection. If I had to guess between Okung and Berry, I think the Buccaneers are going to go with Eric Berry at the third selection. The tandem of Tanard Jackson and Eric Berry as safeties, along with Aqib Talib as a shutdown corner, should make a big impact on the Buccaneers defense. If the Buccaneers can improve their defensive line in free agency or later rounds, the Buccaneers could return to being the defensive dominant team of the NFC South.

REFERENCES:
Staff Report, "Oklahoma State LT Russell Okung the forgotten Prospect?" Bucs Central. March 3, 2010. March 9, 2010.