The 2012 Buccaneer draft review
The Bucs picked alternately 5th and 4th through the draft.
They swopped picks in the 1st round with Jacksonville and
gained an extra 4th round pick. They traded that pick and a
2nd rounder to Denver for an additional 1st round pick. They
traded 3rd and 4th round picks to Houston to gain a 2nd
round selection and gained an extra 7th rounder in the
process.
DRAFT ANALYSIS - Taking a safety with the seventh overall pick was risky and turned
out to be a bad decision when Mark Barron was gone in his third season. Both Martin
and David were outstanding selections although it was the latter who had the longer,
more productive career. The late round selection of Keith Tandy was a bonus too.
Mark Barron
Doug Martin
Lavonte David
Najee Goode
Keith Tandy
Michael Smith
1 -S - Mark Barron - Alabama
Started every game he played for the Buccaneers until being traded to the St.Louis Rams in October 2014 when it was clear his style of
safety play did not suit the Cover 2 defense that the Bucs began to operate in 2014. Hence having been the seventh overall pick of the 2012
draft will have to be seen as a wasted pick in terms of performance from such a high draft position.
1 - RB - Doug Martin - Boise State
Had a six-year career with the Bucs that featured two truly stellar seasons and four disappointing ones. Earned a contract extension after his
2015 All-Pro and Pro Bowl season but was released in February 2018 going on to play the following season with the Raiders. Posted the
second best rushing season in franchise history in 2012 and owns the two best single-game rushing performances in team history
2 - LB - Lavonte David - Nebraska
One of the finest linebackers in franchise history who has started every game he was healthy for during his NFL career and a real team
leader. Has only been named to one Pro Bowl team during his career but has received All-Pro recognition. In 2013, he became the first
linebacker in NFL history to record six interceptions and six sacks in a single season. Surpassed Ronde Barber for fumble recoveries during
the 2018 season. Became the fourth Buc ever to exceed 1,000 tackles for his career in 2019. Ranks 2nd all-time in sacks for a linebacker
behind Shaq Barrett
5 - LB - Najee Goode - West Virginia
Made the 2012 roster for his special teams' abilities having been drafted in the 5th round in April 2012. Only appeared in three games
however, the Week 3 loss to Dallas and then the final two games of the season. Did not make the 2013 team out of training camp and went
on to play with the Philadelphia Eagles.
6 - CB - Keith Tandy - West Virginia
Spent six seasons as one of the key members of the special teams units but also played at strong safety on occasions. Started the first
three games there in 2017 having also moved into that starting role for the final five games of 2016 and had game-ending interceptions in
the wins over San Diego and New Orleans. Recorded his first NFL interception in the 2013 Seattle game and added two more against
Detroit and Carolina. Played in nine games as a rookie and had a carry for 18 yards on a fake punt during the road game in New Orleans.
7 - RB - Michael Smith - Utah State
Played in just the 2012 season opener as a kick returner and then spent the rest of his rookie season on the gameday inactive list. Missed
the entire 2013 season through injury and was released at the end of that year never to play in the NFL again.
7 - TE - Drake Dunsmore - Northwestern
Did not make the full roster out of training camp but spent the entire year on the practice squad and was re-signed at the culmination of the
2012 season. Retired from pro football in April 2013.
Drake Dunsmore
