It seems to happen every year, except for the years that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have traded top draft picks for guys like Keyshawn Johnson and Jon Gruden.
The NFL Draft is here, the Bucs have another pick top-flight pick, and plenty of urgent needs on their football team. They’ve had a top 20 pick in 10 of the last 11 years, but only five of those players are still with the team.
This team has plenty of needs, but I would put defensive back at the top of the list. So the logical choice at #7 where the Bucs are selecting, would be one of these three:
-Minkah Fitzpatrick, Alabama (6-0, 204) S/CB
-Denzel Ward, Ohio State (5-11, 183) CB
-Derwin James, Florida State (6-2, 215) S
They might all be available when the Bucs come on the clock, and I don’t have issues with any of them. But all things being equal I would go with the order listed above.
Fitzpatrick is outstanding, and the Jim Thorpe Award winner last season as the best DB in college football. He has experience as a starting safety, along with slot cornerback and outside linebacker. He has good enough size, played in the premier college football program in the country in Alabama, and is coming off a national championship season.
Ward is the top cornerback available, and the Bucs are close to being desperate for a top corner. They signed 44-year-old Brent Grimes again... excuse me, 34, he only seems like he’s been around since the Reagan Administration. Ward has excellent cover skills, and his only downfall might be his lack of size.
James is the most intriguing possibility. He’s got excellent size, can rush the passer if the Bucs choose to play him near the line of scrimmage, has a good dose of swagger, and some analysts have him ranked above Fitzpatrick and Ward.
But there remains the possibility that Notre Dame guard Quenton Nelson might be available at #7... key word being “might." Offensive guard is not as crucial a need as DB, and it’s not a sexy pick at seven, but pay attention to the scouts. They say Nelson is a once-every-10-years type of player, a dominating offensive lineman at 6-5 and 325 pounds, who according to USA Today “is an immediate starter with potential to become a perennial Pro Bowler.” Take a look at his highlight reel, it is extremely impressive.
I’ve always had the theory that if you’re drafting in the top 10, and you’re not searching for a franchise quarterback, just draft the best player. The best guy on your board, regardless of your needs. You need more great players on your team, at whatever position.
So a DB or Quenton Nelson would be my pick. But what makes the draft so intriguing is the possibilities of what you can't see: GM Jason Licht could still pull off a trade, move down in the first round and try to pick up a third-round selection. It's what makes the Draft so much fun to watch. There’s so much movement, so many possibilities, and no one is a Draft Day bust.
Yet.
But the Bucs need help, and the three days beginning on Thursday are the next step.
There's plenty of sports coverage in Tampa available at 813area. And best of all, you can register for free!
Photo courtesy of Wikimedia Commons.
