With the 2013 NFL Draft approaching, Around The League will examine one big question facing all 32 teams. Next up: The Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
What is the Buccaneers' biggest need following the Darrelle Revis trade?
Until Sunday afternoon, the Bucs had a glaring need at cornerback. Even with Darrelle Revis on board, the roster could use depth at the position. The difference is that it's no longer a position that must be addressed in the first two days of the 2013 NFL Draft.
General manager Mark Dominik's new top priority should be finding another weapon for quarterback Josh Freeman in the passing game.
An in-line tight end known more for his blocking than receiving skills, Luke Stocker currently is penciled in as the starter. Notre Dame's Tyler Eifert would be a major upgrade, but he's going to be long gone by the time the Bucs pick at No. 43 overall.
Two second-round possibilities are Rice's Vance McDonald and Cincinnati's Travis Kelce.
Several teams reportedly have bumped McDonald to the second-rated tight end behind Eifert. NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock noted that McDonald was building an impressive resume at the NFL Scouting Combine in addition to his excellent game tape as a blocker and receiver.
Mayock now believes Kelce is "going to end up going in the second round" despite his character and durability issues. "Most people have bought into him. The tape is pretty darn good," Mayock told the Philadelphia Daily News. "This kid can go deep. He catches the football. He's really athletic. And he'll also compete in the blocking."
Much like Buccaneers receivers Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams, McDonald and Kelce have shown the ability to make contested catches. With an accuracy-challenged quarterback like Freeman, that's a necessity rather than a luxury.
Follow Chris Wesseling on Twitter @ChrisWesseling.
