Buccaneers NFL Draft: Ranking Tampa Bay's worst picks over the past 10 years feat Roberto Aguayo

These days, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are perennial playoff contenders, and they're just a few years removed from a Super Bowl triumph. However, things haven't always been this rosy in Tampa Bay, as the franchise went through a rather barren period in the 2010s.

This article will trip down memory lane as we rank the worst Tampa Bay draft picks over the past decade.

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Buccaneers' worst draft picks over past 10 years ranked

Here's a look at five draft picks that the Bucs would love to forget:

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5. Vernon Hargreaves III, Cornerback, Florida, 2016 NFL Draft

Vernon Hargreaves III was a local talent who got his name called by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the first round of the 2016 draft. He had a splendid college football career at the University of Florida, and NFL scouts were impressed by his intangibles.

However, his success at the collegiate level never translated to the pros, and he spent just three and a half seasons with the Bucs.

4. OJ Howard, Cornerback, Alabama, 2017 NFL Draft

Tampa Bay was praised for selecting OJ Howard in round one of the 2017 draft due to his college performances and his supposed fit with the team's roster at the time. Howard was seen as a developmental prospect who could develop into a stunning player with the right mentorship.

However, injuries prevented Howard from reaching his potential in Tampa Bay. He left the franchise upon the expiry of his rookie deal and has performed better away from the Buccaneers.

3. Noah Spence, Edge rusher, Ohio, 2016 NFL Draft

Noah Spence started well, as the defensive prospect recorded 5.5 sacks in his rookie season. That performance convinced some fans that the team had unearthed a gem in round two of the 2016 NFL draft.

However, the reverse was the case, as Spence kept on declining in subsequent seasons. He never lived up to the billing of a second-round pick and left the Buccaneers for Washington in 2019.

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2. Jameis Winston, Quarterback, Florida, 2015 NFL Draft

Jameis Winston was the first overall pick in the 2015 NFL draft. After a splendid collegiate football career, he came into the building with many expectations.

Unfortunately for Tampa Bay, Winston did not live up to the billings of a first-round pick. He had some decent performances, but his time in Tampa Bay was plagued by interception issues. He was eventually let go after the Buccaneers acquired Tom Brady via free agency.