Bucs aim to use draft to fill roster holes

3-time defending NFC South champs looking for depth.

TAMPA, FLA. — The Tampa Bay Buccaneers believe they’re close to being Super Bowl contenders again and hope to use the upcoming NFL draft to narrow the competitive gap between themselves and some of the league’s other top teams.

The Bucs have four picks in the first three rounds — seven overall — and are confident they’ll be able to upgrade the roster with prospects capable of taking advantage of opportunities to make a difference right away.

The Bucs, three-time defending NFC South champions, rebounded from a 4-7 start last season to win five of their last six games and earn a playoff berth for a club-record fourth consecutive season. They went on to beat the Eagles in a wild-card matchup before losing to the Lions in the NFC divisional round.

The team’s primary focus this offseason has been retaining as many of its free agents as possible, including quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans and linebacker Lavonte David. Negotiations aimed at a long-term deal for All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield and contract extension for left tackle Tristan Wirfs are ongoing.

Still, there are a few holes to fill.

“And that’s OK to have a lot of needs. I think it’s a good thing actually,” general manager Jason Licht said. “We came very close to going to the NFC Championship game last year, we signed our (key) guys back, and we still have a lot of needs. I think if we do this right, pretty soon, the next couple of years — or even this year — (we) could be competing.”

Edge rusher is a particular need. And cornerback is an early round possibility after Carlton Davis was traded; while the Bucs like Zyon McCollum, depth is questionable.

Three draft picks from a year ago were either full or part-time starters, including first-round defensive tackle Calijah Kancey and second-round guard Cody Mauch, who started every game on a retooled line. Third-round linebacker Yaya

Diaby became a starter at midseason and finished with a team-leading 7½ sacks.

Licht said coach Todd Bowles’ willingness to develop and play young talent has been one of the keys to the Bucs remaining relevant since they lost seven-time Super Bowl winner Tom Brady to retirement after the 2022 season.

“One of the things I love about Todd and his staff is that they’re not afraid to coach up a rookie and put him out there. We saw that last year,” Licht said. “It’s very comforting as a GM to know that your coaching staff loves the challenge of getting rookies ready to go.”

Needs

Edge rusher, cornerback, offensive line, running back, wide receiver.

Don’t need

Inside linebacker, tight end.

Baker’s our man

With Mayfield returning on a three-year, $100 million contract that could be worth up to $115 million, the Bucs aren’t necessarily looking for their quarterback of the future. Kyle Trask and John Wolford remain as backups, but that doesn’t mean the team will refrain from adding another quarterback in later rounds. “I would never say that we wouldn’t take a quarterback because you could take one and be glad that you did at some point,” Licht said.

DOUGLAS R. CLIFFORD/TAMPA BAY TIMES/TNS 2023 QB Baker Mayfield was resigned to a three-year deal, meaning Bucs coach Todd Bowles doesn’t need to worry about quarterback.