NFL NEWS
Bucs 3-Round “What If” Mock Draft – Part 4
Gene Clemons, FBGP Analyst
In the third edition, the Buccaneers went with offensive talent to help blossoming quarterback Jameis Winston. They picked up Alabama tight end OJ Howard with the first pick and bolstered the offensive line with tackle Storm Norton from Toledo and Baylor center Kyle Fuller.
This fourth edition looks to address defending against the pass by addressing the pass rush and pass coverage.
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Rd 1 Pk 19: Derek Barnett DE Tennessee
FBGP position rank: 3rd (4-3 end) Score: 77
Pass rushing is always at a premium in the NFL and as such there are many positions used to rush the passer. In one of the deepest drafts for pass rushers in quite some time the Bucs are gifted with choosing a highly productive talent in the middle of the first round. While many believe that Myles Garrett and Solomon Thomas are the best options at the position, Barnett is probably one of the most productive in a conference full of productive pass rushers. Barnett possesses great balance and ability to dip and bend which allows him to take advantage off his athletic ability. Barnett will be a great addition to a defensive line that is continuing to grow in talent and ferocity.
Rd 2 Pk 18 (50): Budda Baker FS Washington
FBGP position rank: 1st Score: 81
Because of the value placed on other positions in the draft the talent at safety falls lower 
than it should. In this case there’s also preference being given to safeties like Hooker and Adams. So the Bucs have the FBGP #1 ranked free safety available to draft in the second round and they don’t hesitate to make that selection. Baker fills the need for a legitimate back-line defender in the Bucs lineup. He has range and dynamic that will make him a playmaker in the NFL and he will be considered a steal as a second round selection when we look back at this draft in five years.
Rd 3 Pk 20 (84): Jalen Tabor
FBGP position rank: 1st Score: 90
Tabor is the best defensive back talent in the draft. When you put the film on, he has been a baller for the better part of three seasons. It is there on the film that Tabor separates 
himself as the best corner prospect in the draft this year and his score of 90 is one of the highest grades given out this year for any prospect. The reason Tabor’s available to be drafted in the third round is because of issues outside of the playing arena. He ran a slower than expected forty yard dash time and he has been considered a behavior issue. These negatives, mixed with the ascension of other corner prospects and the high values of various positions in the draft have drastically lowered his stock. The over-thinking associated with the draft will once again cost the bottom dwellers an opportunity to get out the basement with a great talent. Fortunately for the Bucs they want to continue their rise up the ranks and pull the trigger on another pass defender from Gator Country.
Click here to check out mocks one, two, or three and check out the final Buccaneers full seven-round Mock draft this Wednesday April 26th before the draft Thursday night.
Part 1: http://footballgameplan.com/3-round-bucs-what-if-mock-draft/
Part 2: http://footballgameplan.com/3-round-bucs-what-if-mock-part-2/
Part 3: http://footballgameplan.com/gene-clemons-bucs-what-if-mock-draft-part-3/
Questions? Comments?
Tweet: @geneclemons
Email: gclemons@footballgameplan.com
3-Round Bucs “What If” Mock – Part 2
Gene Clemons, FBGP Analyst
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In part one of this series, the Buccaneers filled their hole at running back in the first round by snatching up home run hitter Dalvin Cook from Florida State. That set in motion second and third round selections that included defensive end Charles Harris from Missouri, and strong safety Lorenzo James from St. Francis.
In this second edition, if the Buccaneers decide go defensive back in the first round for the second year straight and bolster a budding secondary, we explore that pick and the subsequent ripples it causes.
Rd 1 Pk 19: Jamal Adams SS LSU
FBGP position rank: 2nd score: 84
Adams is one of the safest picks in this draft and fills a real need for the Buccaneers. He has the ability to play either safety position but is special at strong safety. He has great closing speed, is comfortable in the box or on the hash, and he can be your nickel allowing the defense to sustain their toughness and tackling ability. Adams locates the ball in the air and has the skill to bring it down and turn it into offense. It doesn’t hurt that Adams comes out of LSU which has been a defensive back factory over the past 10-15 years. Adams walks in the door of any pro system and is a day one starter. His skillset seems to fit an aggressive and multiple defensive scheme like Tampa Bay and he would be a fun piece for defensive coordinator Mike Smith to use down at One Buc Place.
Rd 2 Pk 18 (50): Jordan Leggett TE Clemson
FBGP position rank: 1st score: 84
Some may view other positions as a higher need with their second round pick but the name of the game is value. To see Leggett still on the board mid way through the second round, he will be impossible to pass up. His is a true three-down tight end and is a match-up problem for defensive coordinators. While at Clemson, he excelled blocking for running back Wayne Gallman and quarterback Deshaun Watson in the running game. He was also a threat down the seam and on the outside in the pass game. He has the versatility that today’s NFL is looking for. He would definitely fill a need for the Bucs and diversify their tight end corps.
Rd 3 Pk 20 (84): Tanoh Kpassagnon DE Villanova
FBGP position rank: 4th (4-3 DE) score: 74
At 6’7” 280 pounds Kpassagnon stature will remind Tampa Bay fans of current Buccaneers defensive end WIlliam Gholston. He has a great motor and plays in the offensive backfield. He has continually improved his technique over the past two seasons and his performance at the combine validated the production on the field. The best thing about Kpassagnon is that many consider him to still be raw and a project. If projects can produce this much, it is scary to think what will happen when he gains more experience and makes football his full time job. Teaming him up with Gholston would give the Buccaneers the most intimidating set of defensive bookends in the NFL. He would help round out a two deep for Tampa Bay and allow the entire unit to elevate their play. He is a potential first round talent still sitting on the board in the third round so the value is high for this pick.
Check out part one here: http://footballgameplan.com/3-round-bucs-what-if-mock-draft/
And stay tuned for part three coming soon.
Tweet: @geneclemons
Email: gclemons@footballgameplan.com
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