With a 2-14 record, Lovie Smith’s first season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers did not exactly go according to plan. After spending big in costless agency last off-season, expectations were fairly high for the Bucs heading into the year, and they clearly fell well short of them.

The Buccaneers have plenty of holes to fill on their roster, and while it was a disappointing year in Tampa Bay, the team does have some young and talented players like Lavonte David, Gerald McCoy and Mike Evans to build their team around.

With the first pick in the 2015 NFL Draft, the Bucs have a legitimate opportunity to turn their team around quickly. But it will not be easy. In order to become a respectable team as soon as next season, the Bucs must make wise decisions throughout the draft.

Here are the five biggest positional needs that the Bucs need to address in the 2015 NFL Draft.

5. Safety

The Bucs invested heavily in the safety position when they signed Dashon Goldson to a five-year, $41 million contract before the 2013 season. After two incredibly disappointing seasons in Tampa, and with an entire new regime in town, Goldson’s days with the Bucs appear to be numbered.

Major Wright is an average option at the position, and while Bradley McDougald was good in short time last season, he is very unproven. Solid and smart safety play is important in Smith’s Cover Two defensive scheme, making the position an obvious need for upgrade.

Possible Targets: Gerod Holliman-Louisville, Cody Prewitt-Ole Miss, Anthony Harris-Virginia, Jaquiski Tartt-Samford, Derron Smith-Fresno State, Arian Amos-Penn State, Jordan Richards-Stanford, Erick Dargan-Oregon and Kurtis Drummond-Michigan State.

4. Linebacker

In Lavonte David, the Bucs have one of the best young linebackers in the NFL. Aside from him, there is little to speak of at the position. Smith’s defenses traditionally ask a lot out of linebackers, and the Bucs simply do not have the horses to be successful. Adding at least one linebacker is a must for the Buccaneers in this draft.

Possible Targets: Denzel Perryman-Miami, A.J. Johnson-Tennessee, Eric Striker-Oklahoma, Jake Ryan-Michigan, Ramik Wilson-Georgia, Ben Heeney-Kansas and Derrick Malone Jr.

3. Pass Rusher

With rules favoring passing games more now than ever, each and every team in the NFL could use additional pass rushers, and the Bucs certainly are not an exception. Tampa Bay has missed on recent defensive end picks like Adrian Clayborn and Da’Quan Bowers in the recent past, and 2014 costless agent addition Michael Johnson did not have a very impressive first season with the team. The Bucs' defense needs a lot of help and adding players who can attack the quarterback will help tremendously.

Possible Targets: Randy Gregory-Nebraska, Leonard Williams-USC, Shawn Oakman-Baylor, Alvin Dupree-Kentucky, Lorenzo Mauldin-Louisville, Mario Edwards Jr.-Florida State, Danielle Hunter-LSU, Hau’oli Jamora-Washington, Devonte Fields-TCU, Cedric Reed-Texas and Shaquille Riddick-West Virginia.

2. Offensive Line

While they were far from the only problem on the team, the Bucs’ offensive line was awful in 2014. They could certainly use upgrades throughout the unit, and are also in some desperate need of some depth. Anthony Collins is not the answer at left tackle, but he could be solid if allowed to play inside, and the team simply does not have an answer at right tackle. The Bucs would love to find a viable left tackle option, but the options are limited at the top of the draft.

Possible Targets: Cedric Ogbuehi-Texas A&M, T.J. Clemmings-Pittsburgh, Ronnie Stanley-Notre Dame, Ereck Flowers-Miami, Daryl Williams-Oklahoma, Rob Havenstein-Wisconsin, Sean Hickey-Syracuse, Tyrus Thompson-Oklahoma, Jamon Brown-Louisville and Brett Boyko-UNLV.

1. Quarterback

This past season, Josh McCown proved that he is not a legitimate NFL starting quarterback. While Mike Glennon has the upside to become a very good back-up, he really is not starting material either. Simply put, the quarterback position is far and away the position holding the Buccaneers back the most.

With the first overall pick in the draft, it would be surprising, if not shocking, if the Bucs did not draft a quarterback. Heisman Trophy winner Marcus Mariota seems to be the favorite, but Jameis Winston may have something to say about it as well. Regardless, the Bucs need to find a quarterback in this draft who they feel comfortable building their organization around.

Possible Targets: Marcus Mariota-Oregon, Jameis Winston-Florida State, Brett Hundley-UCLA, Bryce Petty-Baylor and Sean Mannion-Oregon State.

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About the author
Dan Schmelzer
Dan is a 25-year-old writer who specializes in Chicago Cubs content. Dan also writes about the Iowa Hawkeyes, Fantasy Football, and covers the NFL.