NFL Draft 2017: Buccaneers remaining needs and targets after round one

The 2017 NFL draft continues later today with the second and third rounds. After a first day filled with trades and surprises, day two should be fascinating too. Several projected first-round picks are still on the board, and we could see a run at a number of positions.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers grabbed a surprising steal in round one: tight end O.J. Howard, who was widely seen as a top ten pick. Howard dropped to number 19 overall, though, giving the Bucs the best tight end in the draft.

That pick filled one need, but the team still has several needs they need to address in the draft. So let’s look at a few of those positions, and the players they could draft.

Buccaneers’ top remaining needs

Safety

This is the one position where the Bucs really need to add some talent. They currently have just three safeties on the roster, and none of them are world-beaters. In fact, all three of them are likely better as box safeties than as deep coverage guys.

Possible targets: Obi Melifonwu, Budda Baker, Josh Jones, Marcus Maye

Running back

It’s still not clear whether the Bucs really view this position as a big need, but they’re likely to draft at least one back at some point in this draft.

Possible targets: Dalvin Cook, Kareem Hunt, Alvin Kamara, Joe Mixon, Curtis Samuel

Defensive line

The Bucs could use some depth and long-term security at this position. Gerald McCoy is getting older, Robert Ayers can’t be that far removed from the end of his career, and Noah Spence and Jacquies Smith are still question marks as pass rushers. The Bucs could target some big defensive ends, or more shifty pure pass-rushers.

Possible targets: Jordan Willis, Malik McDowell, Caleb Brantley, Carl Lawson

Cornerback

Not a massive need, but Brent Grimes is old and in the final year of his current contract. The Bucs need to add some quality somehow, though they do have some young players waiting to develop.

Possible targets: Teez Tabor, Chidobe Awuzie, Kevin King, Desmond King

Buccaneers draft picks

Round 1: pick 19 (19th overall) - TE O.J. Howard, Alabama

Round 2: pick 18 (50th overall)

Round 3: pick 20 (84th overall)

Round 4: pick 19 (125th overall)

Round 5: pick 18 (162nd overall)

Round 6: pick 20 (204th overall)

Round 7: pick 19 (237th overall)

Full 2017 NFL draft results and order

2017 NFL Draft dates and times

Thursday, April 27 – 8:00 p.m. ET (Round 1 – 10 Minutes Per Pick)

Friday, April 28 – 7 p.m. ET (Round 2 – 7 Minutes, Round 3 – 5 Minutes Per Pick)

Saturday, April 29 – noon ET (Rounds 4-6 – 5 Minutes Per Pick, Round 7 - 4 Minutes Per Pick)