After looking at the best recent draft picks by the teams who currently have the first four selections in April's draft (Cardinals, 49ers, Jets, Raiders), it's time to look at the Buccaneers who will be selecting fifth. Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports has Tampa Bay taking offensive tackle Jawaan Taylor out of Florida with that pick.
The Buccaneers haven't necessarily utilized the draft to the best of their ability, in recent years, and that is part of the reason they haven't reached the playoffs since the 2009 season. That doesn't mean they are free of draft picks though who made a positive impact on the field. Here are their top 10 draft selections since 2000.
Note: Only time with the Buccaneers was considered for the list. Aqib Talib is a five-time Pro Bowler, but all of his selections came after he left Tampa Bay. Also, where they were drafted made a difference - meaning this isn't quite a top-ten best players drafted by Tampa Bay since 2000 list. Some late-round selections that did not quite make the list but produced solid careers for the Buccaneers include Sean Mahan (fifth-round, 2003), Geno Hayes (sixth-round, 2008), Mike Williams (fourth-round, 2010), and Caleb Benenoch (fifth-round, 2016).
Gerald McCoy, DT - 1st-round, 3rd overall (2010); time with Buccaneers: 2010-present
McCoy earned six straight trips to the Pro Bowl from 2012-2017 and was a First Team All-Pro in 2013. His 54.5 sacks rank third in franchise history only behind Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice.
Lavonte David, LB - 2nd-round, 58th overall (2012); time with Buccaneers: 2012-present
In six of his seven seasons, David has recorded over 100 tackles. He was a First Team All-Pro in 2013 and a Pro Bowler in 2015. Thus far, he has racked up 21.5 sacks and 10 interceptions.