clock menu more-arrow no yes mobile

Filed under:

Tampa Bay Buccaneers don't trade back up into first round of 2015 NFL draft

Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have apparently decided that they'll take their chances with the second pick of the second round, instead of trading up for a player they really liked at the end of the first round. That's okay: the Denver Broncos gave up two fifth-round picks and a starting guard in Manny Ramirez to move up just five spots at the end of the second round, and prices like that are far too hefty for the Bucs, given all of the needs they have.

The Buccaneers still have a few linemen to choose from, too. Oregon's Jake Fisher and Pittsburgh's T.J. Clemmings are the most likely choices there, with Clemmings being one of Stephen White's favorite players -- and the kind of nasty blocker the Bucs can fall in love with. Florida State's Tre' Jackson might have an outside shot at being their pick, if they really want a dedicated offensive guard.

If they decide to pass on linemen, which seems unlikely given the massive need they have their, they could target an edge rusher. UCLA's Owamagbe Odighizuwa and Mississippi State's Preston Smith are the most likely targets there, but neither is an ideal fit for the Bucs with both being more run-stopping strongside ends, rather than the pass-rushers the Bucs crave -- though Odighizuwa has the talent to turn into one. Randy Gregory is almost certainly out of the question: he's too light to fit the Bucs on the field, and has too many off-field issues to be a real consideration.

You can check out the full 2015 NFL draft results in SB nation's live tracker.