Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Top 5 offseason additions, post 2018 NFL Draft

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PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 29: Scott Orndoff #83 of the Pittsburgh Panthers catches a 6 yard touchdown pass against M.J. Stewart #6 of the North Carolina Tar Heels in the fourth quarter during the game on October 29, 2015 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

5. M.J. Stewart, CB (North Carolina)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers finished dead last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game this past season. Ironically enough, they did not give up the usual amount of scores through the air that that we have seen in recent seasons. Nevertheless, this aspect of the defense was a problem and one reason was the lack of a quality pass rush.

No team in the NFL totaled fewer sacks (22) than Tampa Bay in 2017. But those shortcomings up front doesn’t mean the team still wasn’t looking for help in the secondary. And general manager Jason Licht used three of his eight draft choices in April to aid the back end.

The first of those came with the second-round choice of cornerback M.J. Stewart. The former University of North Carolina standout, as well as fellow second-round corner Carlton Davis (Auburn), hope to learn a lot from Mike Smith favorite Brent Grimes when it comes to this defense.

Stewart totaled a combined six interceptions in his first two seasons with the Tar Heels and zero his last two years. But he also knocked down 11 or more passes in each of his final three collegiate campaigns and totaled three fumble recoveries in 2016. Add in three career sacks and Smith could utilize this prospect in any number of ways.

Next: No. 4

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