The Tampa Bay Buccaneers received high marks from Sports Illustrated with regard to what they were able to do in the NFL Draft. SI's grades fall right in line with the general consensus that Tampa improved their team significantly with the players they chose this year, starting with Alabama Crimson Tide safety standout, Mark Barron.
Here is what Sports Illustrated had to say about what the Bucs were able to do:
Mark Barron (7) fills a huge need at safety, but you can understand those questioning why Tampa Bay didn’t just stay put and take Claiborne. Running back Doug Martin (31) and LB Lavonte David (58) will help immediately, and CB Keith Tandy (174) was a bit of a steal at a position that the Bucs need help. Grade: A-minus
The SportingNews categorized Tampa Bay as 'playoff hopefuls' because of their returning players and the players they picked up via the draft.
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