Reader’s Mock Draft: Tampa Bay Buccaneers are on the Clock

Jan 6, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Lovie Smith is introduced as head coach during a press conference at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

The NFL draft will be here before we know it.  Now that Free Agency has settled down, team needs have come into focus.  That could mean only one thing – it’s time for another mock draft!  But rather than us sitting back and throwing darts at the wall, we thought we’d let you join in the fun.  We’ll roll through the draft order and give each team choices based on team needs and the best players available and you’ll vote on the picks for each team. On with the countdown…

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (4-12)

Immediately, the 2013 season started as a nightmare for the Bucs. On top of losing their first 8 games of the season, they lost star running back Doug Martin to a season ending injury and reports of a rift between head coach Greg Schiano and starting quarterback Josh Freeman were coming from the locker room. This eventually led to the departure of Freeman and the reigns being turned over to rookie third round pick QB Mike Glennon. Although Glennon set rookie franchise records stepping in for Freeman, the Bucs offense ranked at or near the bottom of the league in every offensive category. The fan support of head coach Greg Schiano began to decay by evidence of a billboard erected in town saying “Fire Schiano!” By seasons end, fans got their wish as Schiano, along with general manager Mark Dominik, was fired. Even though the defense had some bright spots last year, new head coach Lovie Smith will have his work cut out for him.