Briscoe's Breakdown of the Bucs Draft

Jeff Briscoe of YahooSports breaks down each draft selection of the buccaneers.

Though the recently concluded draft of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has generally received positive feedback, one cannot fairly evaluate the success of these picks for several years. Yet, since several of these players are capable of an immediate impact, it is important to look at the new contributors that will soon suit up at Raymond James Stadium for training camp. Here is the 2012 draft class of theTampa Bay Bucs:

MARK BARRON, S, Alabama, 1st round, 7th overall selection: Trading down 2 spots to acquire an extra pick, the Bucs insist that Barron was their man all along. Without question, the 4 year player from Alabama is ready to compete at the next level. As an All-American in 2011, Barron helped anchor the nation's best defense and is an asset both for stopping the run and pass protection. For a team needing copious help, adding a big time safety to compensate for the loss of Tanard Jackson makes sense. However, the position is not often called this highly and many believe Tampa Bay reached a bit. If Morris Claiborne develops into a dominant defensive back, the decision will be questioned. That being said, Barron carries little risk and can be a very good player. Furthermore, his hard hitting may pleasantly remind fans of John Lynch.

DOUG MARTIN, RB, Boise State, 1st round, 31st overall selection: Not landing top back Trent Richardson, Tampa Bay wisely committed to 3rd year player LeGarrette Blount by drafting the perfect compliment. While Blount is a bruising rusher and not much else, Martin is quicker and possesses far more versatility. The California native excelled as a 2 year starter in Boise State's high powered offense, demonstrating all-around ability to run out of the backfield, catch passes, and pick up blitzes. Expect Martin to begin his career as a 3rd down back, but if the rookie flourishes, he certainly has the potential for more.

LAVONTE DAVID, LB, Nebraska, 2nd round, 58th overall selection: Enduring the NFL's worst rushing defense in 2011, Buccaneer fans long for help at linebacker. With a disappointing season from Quincy Black, it seems likely that Lavonte David can be an immediate starter, much like last year's selection of Mason Foster. The Miami native's stock dropped due to his small frame at 6'1" and 225 pounds. However, in amassing 285 tackles in 2 stellar campaigns at Nebraska, the outsider linebacker displayed a much-needed knack for getting to the ball.

NAJEE GOODE, LB, West Virginia, 5th round, 140th overall selection: After losing 2 rounds of picks in earlier trades, the Bucs selected another linebacker in the 5th frame. The middle linebacker might have a chance to replace Geno Hayes, who signed with the Chicago Bears in free agency. Goode is solid tackler and ideally suited for stopping the run. Scouts do question his ability to drop back in coverage on quicker receivers, which could lead to an initial role on special teams.

KEITH TANDY, CB, West Virginia, 6th round, 174th overall selection: In choosing another West Virginia product, the Bucs finally added the cornerback that the team decided to pass up earlier. Tandy was a 3 year starter for the Mountaineers and racked up an impressive 13 interceptions. However, the former high school quarterback lacks top-caliber speed and is likely to need playing time in a zone scheme to succeed.

MICHAEL SMITH, RB, Utah State, 7th round, 212th overall selection: In adding depth to the backfield, Tampa Bay surprisingly selected the backup to 4th round rusher Robert Turbin. Though Smith battled injury and played sparingly throughout college, he did scramble for 870 yards with Utah State in 2011. More importantly, he adds a change of pace by possessing blistering speed, as he was clocked with a 40 yard dash time of 4.32 seconds during his pro day.

DRAKE DUNSMORE, TE, Northwestern, 7th round, 233rd overall selection: With their last pick, the Buccaneers selected the Northwestern product, who accumulated 1,425 receiving yards and 14 touchdowns in his college career. Dunsmore was the Big Ten's tight end of the year in 2011 and will compete for a spot behind veteran Kellen Winslow. If he is to make the team, the Kansas native may also see action at fullback, where Tampa Bay appears poised to part with oft-injured Earnest Graham.

Sources:

Yahoo! Sports, Rolltide.com, NFL.com, Espn.com, Huskers.com, Sports-Reference.com, Cbssports.com, TampaBay.com, NUsports.com.