Buccaneers draft preview: 3 players Tampa Bay could take at No. 1

By foxsports
Published

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL Draft. In the first of our 32-part preview series, FOXSports.com takes a look at their roster post-free agency and delivers a plan of attack for the last day in April.

Head coach Lovie Smith and general manager Jason Licht enter their second seasons together at One Buc Place. Coming off a year in which they spent big in free agency, the production didn't match up on the field. The Bucs released three players -- defensive end Michael Johnson, offensive tackle Anthony Collins and quarterback Josh McCown -- a year after giving them long-term deals with big price tags.

By signing linebacker Bruce Carter and defensive tackle Henry Melton in free agency, the Bucs added depth to the middle of their defense. The most glaring need, however, could be underneath center.

Mike Glennon, a strong-armed, 6-foot-6 quarterback, enters his third season in Tampa Bay. While Glennon has thrown for 29 touchdowns in 19 career games, the Bucs could look to target his successor in this year's draft. Tampa Bay currently boasts three targets who are 6-foot-5 or taller. Wide receivers Vincent Jackson, Mike Evans and tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins could make the steep learning curve that much easier for a rookie quarterback.

Positions of need: QB, ILB and OG

Three options to consider

Jameis Winston, QB: The former Florida State standout's off-the-field activities have been well documented, but the consensus is he's the best pocket passer in this year's draft. After starting every game in his final two seasons in Tallahassee, the 6-foot-4, 231-pound quarterback could be the missing piece in Dirk Koetter's offense. Winston has a big arm, high football IQ and throws receivers open. This one makes a lot of sense.

Marcus Mariota, QB: The reigning Heisman Trophy award winner started 41 games at the University of Oregon and is an impressive study. At 6-foot-5, 222 pounds, Mariota possesses freaky athleticism that defenses must account for. While he stands tall in the pocket and makes decisive throws, some scouts wonder how he'll transition in the league after playing in Mark Helfrich's spread offense.

Leonard Williams, DT: FOX Sports 1's NFL Draft expert Joel Klatt has Williams ranked as the No. 1 player on his big board and it's for good reason. Williams displays the versatility and first-step explosiveness to be a nightmarish mismatch. Coupling Gerald McCoy with a blue-chip prospect like Williams would certainly instill fear into opposing coordinators.

FAN MOCK DRAFT: Who should the Bucs take? Let us know here.