Bucs draft preview: QB a given at No. 1, but later picks important too
TAMPA Fla. -- For now, they represent a reason to believe in a turnaround.
Later, if the Tampa Bay Buccaneers select any of them in the coming NFL draft, it will be discovered how much growth is necessary for their potential to be reached.
For now, they're promise.
Later, if they slip on a Bucs jersey, they'll be dissected during slow individual journeys to develop.
Each team enters the draft with wish lists. Each player enters this week carrying dreams. For coaches and general managers throughout the league, this week is a spring Christmas. All the scouting, all the homework, reaches its conclusion when futures are charted and new toys are found. For the prospects, this week is like starting school all over again. All the work, all the sweat spent crafting a favorable image, reaches an end when a new home is learned.
The Bucs approach this draft with obvious needs at quarterback and on the offensive line. Defensive line help, specifically on the edge, is necessary too. Don't be surprised to see tweaks made to the secondary as well. Coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht have so much work to do.
"Personally, I think it's probably the biggest draft in the history of the organization," Licht said. "We have a real chance to put us over the top and get us there. At least, get us to a level that we think we're going to be at this year, which is competing for championships. It's a great draft. It's a great draft to have the number one pick, too."
Here are six names to watch starting Thursday night. They all have pros and cons, like each player waiting to hear his name called. Finally, the countdown is almost over.
(Listed by amount of desire and likelihood of availability.)
QB JAMEIS WINSTON, FLORIDA STATE
PROS: After enduring spotty quarterback play by Josh Freeman, Mike Glennon and Josh McCown throughout the past two seasons, the Bucs are in dire need of stability behind center. Winston is the more pro-ready pocket passer now, and for a regime in need of positive results quickly, he seems to be the likely choice at the No. 1 overall pick because of his potential to deliver sooner rather than later.
CONS: The Bucs have said they're comfortable with their background work on Winston. But do they know for sure that an off-field issue won't pop up in the next three to five years? No matter the constructs established to help Winston grow as a professional, there always will be some wonder about his ability to keep out of the news, given his past. The survival of the Smith/Licht Era will depend on Winston's success both on and off the field, if the former Florida State star becomes the top pick like most expect.
QB MARCUS MARIOTA, OREGON
PROS: Unlike Winston, there's little concern about how he'll conduct himself off the field. Mariota appears grounded, humble and capable of evolving into an effective NFL quarterback, despite his background within Oregon's spread system. His speed -- he ran a 4.52 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine -- suggests he could become one of the league's most dangerous dual-threat quarterbacks.
CONS: The concerns about his background within Oregon's system are legitimate. Adjusting to the NFL is hard enough for a rookie quarterback who played within a pro-style offense in college, but Mariota figures to have a steeper learning curve than Winston because of his offensive environment with the Ducks. That's not to say Mariota isn't capable of a healthy adjustment, because he seems to have the mental tools to evolve. But this reality is worth noting.
C/OT CAMERON ERVING, FLORIDA STATE
PROS: The Bucs' offensive line situation remains unsettled, and if there's a way to snatch Erving, he would be a coup for them. At 6-foot-5, 313 pounds, his hands and feet make him a well-rounded lineman. He's a converted defensive tackle who has solid quickness off the snap, so he would be a welcome addition for an offensive line that struggled so much in Tampa Bay's 2-14 season last year.
CONS: He must develop his lower body, and scouts have said he's vulnerable against a bull rush. He must evolve into more of an aggressor as a blocker, rather than just absorbing pressure. He's projected to have more success as a center in the NFL than a tackle.
WR RASHAD GREENE, FLORIDA STATE
PROS: If Winston becomes the No. 1 pick, what better way to acclimate him than by selecting his favorite target from college? Greene led Florida State with 1,365 yards receiving and seven touchdowns last season. He could be available in the middle rounds, and his athleticism would be an instant plus for a receiving corps that searches to build depth behind Mike Evans and Vincent Jackson.
CONS: His size at 5-11, 182 pounds won't blow anyone anyway. He doesn't exactly fit the "Dunkaneers" model that Licht touted during last year's draft, when Evans and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins were selected. To make up for his lack of height, Greene must learn to beat secondary members with his speed and elusiveness.
DE NATE ORCHARD, UTAH
PROS: The Bucs could look to find an answer in the draft at defensive end after releasing Michael Johnson in free agency. Orchard, at 6-3, 250 pounds, would be a solid addition. He had 18 1/2 sacks last season, and he was tops in the nation with 28 quarterback knockdowns. Scouts are high on his foot quickness and explosion off the snap.
CONS: He must improve against the run. He's said to lack aggression at times in the trenches, and his mechanics must improve for him to thrive in the NFL. He could succeed if placed in the right situation, though. But he must be developed wherever he lands. If the Bucs take him, he would represent somewhat of an unknown.
WR TYLER LOCKETT, KANSAS STATE
PROS: He has strong awareness for someone of his size. He broke out in his final two seasons at Kansas State, where he had 1,262 yards receiving in 2013 and 1,515 yards receiving in 2014. He won't draw any comparisons to Evans or Jackson, but he could be an agile slot receiver to give the Bucs' offense an added dimension.
CONS: That size -- 5-10, 182 pounds -- is something to consider. He must build up his body quickly to thrive. He must learn to handle physical secondary members who may seek to push him off routes. Small, agile wide receivers can succeed on Sundays, but an adjustment will be required for Lockett to become an effective target wherever he lands.
You can follow Andrew Astleford on Twitter @aastleford or email him at aastleford@gmail.com.
