The Tampa Bay Buccaneers were a pretty confusing team in 2019. After starting the season 2-6, the Bucs went on to win their next four games only to lose the final two to end up 7-9 and out of the playoffs for the 12th straight year.

If Tampa Bay wants to get back to the success of the early 2000s, the team will need to address a few major needs as they head into 2020.

3. Running back

Peyton Barber, Buccaneers
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The duo of Peyton Barber and Ronald Jones are just not cutting it for the Buccaneers. And although Jones, in only his second NFL season, showed vast improvement, the position remains a major area of concern for the team.

The Bucs haven't had a 1,000-yard rusher since Doug Martin in 2015. This year, Jones led the team with 172 carries for 724 yards and six touchdowns while Barber added 154 carries for 470 yards and six touchdowns.

As a whole, Tampa Bay averaged just 3.7 yards per carry, which put them 30th out of 32 teams in the league. Jones was a highly-touted second-round pick out of USC in 2018 and if he continues to develop could turn in the lead back this franchise has been searching for for the past few years. However, infusing the position with talent should be one of the top priorities for the Buccaneers.

2. Offensive tackle

Caleb Benenoch, Buccaneers
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The lack of a rushing attack can't completely be put on the shoulders of the team's running backs. Inferior blocking on the offensive line — especially on the outside has hindered the Buccaneers offense as of late.

Tampa Bay gave up 47 sacks this season, which ranked as the 11th worst mark in the league while also allowing the fifth-most QB hits in the NFL.

Better protecting Jameis Winston from edge rushers may help limit his sometimes questionable decision making and could help open up the run game.

The 2020 draft features offensive tackle prospects such as Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Thomas, Jedrick Wills and Prince Tega Wanogho who the Buccaneers should all keep their eyes on.

1. Defensive Line

Shaq Barrett, Buccaneers
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This may come as a surprise to many as the Buccaneers combined for 47 sacks in 2019. Breakout star Shaq Barrett, Jason Pierre-Paul and Carl Nassib combined for 34 of those sacks and it was arguably the strongest positional group for the team this season.

However, the contracts of those three pass rushers, along with veteran Ndamukong Suh are all set to expire this offseason. It'll be hard for Tampa Bay to bring back all of the defensive line talent from this season. Even harder considering, after a breakout 19.5 sack season, Barrett should be in for one hell of a payday.

In that case, the Bucs should look to draft young defensive linemen to replace the expiring ones that may be leaving. Players like Javon Kinlaw from South Carolina and Iowa's A.J. Epenesa could help lessen the damage.