Open Rants by xavier919

**Sorry if the fluidity of my language is not optimal in this rant, i am French!

I've been a Bucs fan since about 2005 and this off-season is the one that excites me the most for Tampa, they have a large core of young players that will only get better over the next years, if they can just fix 3 or 4 particular spots on the team and move on from a couple players, i believe we're talking about serious contenders !

Who they have to release: 

- Cut Doug Martin: Actually, i'd be shocked if they don't release him, as it would free 7 millions while creating no dead money. He has not been effective when he was on the field this season and just entered rehab, moving on from this atrocious contract is the best for the team.

- Cut Alterraun Verner: He as been a liability since his arrival, his average of 6.5 millions per year isn't worth it...

- I do not expect them to re-sign : Vincent Jackson, Chris Conte, Gosder Cherilus, Brandon Myers, Daryl Smith, Mike Glennon, among others. 

Who they have to Re-Sign: 

- FS Bradley McDougald : He's young and he's been at tampa for a while, he is a quality backup and shouldn't cost too much, the Bucs needs help with their safety play.

- C Joe Hawley: He's been good this year and should be brought back at little cost. 

- DE William Gholston and DT Akeem Spence for rotational roles.

- WR Russel Sheppard and RB Jacquizz Rodgers, both played well this year when they needed them.

Top 5 Needs:

1. Safety: Obviously the biggest need we have, the only players under contracts are Ryan Smith and Keith Tandy...

2. Wide Receiver: Outside of Mike Evans, and Adam Humphries who plays slot, we have no other wideouts, signing or drafting one could open the passing game.

3. Running Back: Doug Martin is leaving and Charles Sims can't stay on the field.

4. Defensive Tackle: Outside of Gerald McCoy, the DT group is poor.

5. Cornerback: They are on thin ice at CB, besides Vernon Hargreaves, the Bucs only have Brent Grimes who could regress in 2017.

*I almost cited OT as a need but i'd let Donovan Smith another season to prove himself, as the return of JR Sweezy from IR should help the left side of the line, the center should remain Joe Hawley's spot if they re-sign him, the right side should be Ali Marpet and Demar Dotson spots. 

Free Agency:

Sign Adrian Peterson: He reportedly has interest for playing in Tampa Bay and while Doug Martin probably won't be back. 

Sign Kawan Short: This would be a dream, i expect the Panthers to let im walk away and he'd fit with the Bucs defensive scheme.

(Could give serious consideration to: Kenny Britt, Trumaine Johnson and A.J Bouye)

Draft Strategy:

1st round pick (19): Jabrill Peppers. He is an hybrid player that could fit either 4-3 OLB position or the Strong Safety position, both needs on the Bucs roster. They could also give consideration to Dalvin Cook, Mike Williams and Corey Davis, who would all be good picks, but might not be available at this point.

2nd round pick (18): Best CB available: Value Pick ! In this really good and really deep draft class at CB, the Bucs might be able to snag one of them in the middle of round two, the best case scenario would be Desmond King, Cordrea Tankersley or Tre'Davious White (I expect Marshon Lattimore, Marlon Humphrey, Jalen Tabor, Sidney Jones, Adoree Jackson and Quincy Wilson to be all gone at this point). Other options like Jourdan Lewis or Gareon Conley would not be bad either!

3rd round pick (20): Jehu Chesson. I really like Chesson, he is a prototypical 2nd WR for the NFL as he has no flaws in his game, i could see him as a day 1 starter.

4th round pick: Vincent Taylor, DT, Oklahoma State. He would be a nice pickup and could end up having some playing time beside Gerald McCoy.

5th round pick: Joe Mixon, Wayne Gallman or Marlon Mack. If they want to take a chance on Mixon, i won't complain as a fan...

6th round pick: Chad Kelly. With Glennon leaving, they need some poeple in the QB room.

7th round pick: Tony Adams, C, NC State. Adams filled up well with Joe Thuney leaving for the pros, the bucs are thin on the Center position so this could make sense.