Tampa Bay Buccaneers focus on defense in NFL draft, filling needs at cornerback and defensive end

A wrap-up of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' draft.

Best move: It was savvy to pick up defensive end Noah Spence in the second round at No. 39 overall. He intrigues me more than any other Tampa Bay selection, because the Bucs have lacked an impact edge rusher since Simeon Rice left after the 2006 season. Of course, there is risk involved with Spence, given his off-the-field issues. But as general manager Jason Licht said Friday night, "You can’t sentence a guy for life." Don’t expect 10 sacks right away from Spence, but he has the potential to torment offensive lines in the near future. The Bucs will keep their fingers crossed that Spence has grown up, because he can become a standout presence if he develops well.

Riskiest move: Welcome to the NFL, Roberto Aguayo. He better enjoy the afterglow of becoming the No. 59 overall selection, because things will turn serious in a hurry. The Bucs traded their third-round pick (No. 74) and one of their two fourth-round selections (No. 106) to make him the highest-drafted kicker since Mike Nugent went to the New York Jets as the No. 47 overall pick in 2005. Aguayo had a fantastic college career at Florida State, winning the Lou Groza Award in 2013, but the spotlight will be blinding from Day 1. Can you imagine the grousing from frustrated fans if Aguayo scuffles as a rookie? Can you imagine the wild second-guessing that will take place if he leaves any doubt? Aguayo must be close to perfect right away.

Most surprising move: It’s not shocking that the Bucs added another cornerback in the fourth round, but Ryan Smith going as the No. 108 overall pick continued a theme of short players at the position for Tampa Bay. Smith is 5-foot-11, 189 pounds, and Vernon Hargreaves III is 5-foot-10, 204 pounds. Brent Grimes is 5-foot-10, 185 pounds, and Josh Robinson is 5-foot-10, 199 pounds. Coach Dirk Koetter said the Bucs will look at Smith as a safety to begin, which is a move that makes sense.

File it away: It’s no guarantee, but Caleb Benenoch might find a way to make his presence known on the offensive line. The fifth-round selection has experience as a tackle and as a guard, so he could provide competition for reserves Gosder Cherilus and Evan Smith. If Benenoch turns some heads at training camp, it could get interesting.

Thumbs up: As expected, the Bucs placed a heavy emphasis on defense in this draft by adding intriguing talent. It’s hard to argue with the selections of Hargreaves and Spence in the first two rounds. Aguayo’s addition in the second round leaves room for debate. Still, if he becomes dependable, few will remember that the Bucs traded their third-round pick (No. 74) and one of their two fourth-round selections (No. 106) to the Kansas City Chiefs to move up and take him at No. 59 overall. Dan Vitale is the only fullback on roster after Saturday. Smith, Benenoch and linebacker Devante Bond will have chances to provide depth.