clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Buccaneers draft picks: Tampa Bay addressed secondary, defensive line in 2013 NFL Draft

The draft is over -- so who did the Buccaneers come away with?

Butch Dill

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers used the 2013 NFL Draft to address needs at cornerback, quarterback and defensive line. We'll quickly go over every pick in the draft.

Round 2: CB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State

Banks is a tall, lanky cornerback who's at his best when playing press. He doesn't have the greatest change of direction skills which may limit him to the outside. That would mean Eric Wright becomes the Bucs' slot cornerback in nickel and dime situations while Banks moves to the outside. Banks should step in and be the team's third cornerback immediately, rounding out what has now become a very good secondary after being one of the NFL's worst last year.

Round 3: QB Mike Glennon, NC State

Mike Glennon is a tall, strong-armed pocket passer who figures to be the backup to Josh Freeman and act as insurance in case the team's starting quarterback gets injured, or plays poorly enough to be allowed to walk in free agency after the season.

Round 4: DT Akeem Spence, Illinois

Spence is a Roy Miller clone: a stocky, quick-twitch run defender who can excel in the Bucs' 4-3 defense as a tilted nose tackle, but who won't add much as a pass rusher. The Bucs gave up a sixth round pick to trade up to take Spence at the top of the fourth round.

Round 4: DE William Gholston, Michigan State

Gholston is a huge defensive end, coming at 6'7", 281 lbs. The Michigan State product has had a slightly disappointing career when compared to his physical gifts, but was very productive as a run defender and has the athletic upside to develop into a quality pass rusher. He figures to back up Da'Quan Bowers at left defensive end.

Round 5: DE Steven Means, Buffalo

Steven Means flew under the radar among draftniks, but this pass rusher has some special traits. He's a little undersized, but has the speed and flexibility to quickly develop into a very good pass rusher. He figures to be a special teams player initially as the team develops him into a pass rush specialist.

Round 6: RB Mike James

The Buccaneers traded up for this versatile running back who may be best as a third-down back. Mark Dominik compared him to former Buc Earnest Graham, and he should be a quality special teams player and could compete for carries and playing time as a third-down back.

Here's the full list in table form. Click the name of each player to go to the original article on the selection.

Round Pick (overall) Player
1 13 (13) Traded to New York Jets for Darrelle Revis
2 11 (43) CB Johnthan Banks, Mississippi State
3 11 (73) QB Mike Glennon, NC State
4 3 (100)from Oakland DT Akeem Spence, Illinois
4 29 (126 )from New England DE William Gholston, Michigan State
5 14 (147) DE Steven Means, Buffalo
6 13 (181) Traded to Oakland to trade up in fourth round
6 19 (189) from Minnesota RB Mike James, Miami (FL)

In addition, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers traded for track star Jeff Demps, who spent the past season with the New England Patriots. They gave up Legarrette Blount to get Demps and a seventh-round pick, which they immediately flipped to trade up and take running back Mike James. Demps won't be able to compete in training camp due to his track commitments, which make his chances of making the roster rather small. Still, his speed makes him an intriguing option as a return man.

With the draft over, the Buccaneers now turn their attention to the undrafted free agents.