Tuesday, March 18, 2014

Buccaneer's Draft Board: Top Ten Prospects Destined to Wear Pewter Pants

1. OT Greg Robinson (Auburn) - Robinson might be the best prospect in the entire draft, but he could slip down if teams start making a run at the top QB and defensive talent. If he is still sitting there when the Bucs make their selection consider it a done deal. He would instantly upgrade one of the O-line positions on the Bucs' offense.
2. DE Jadaveon Clowney (South Carolina) - Clowney would definitely be welcome along the Bucs' D-line but I really don't think he is that much better than the rest of the talent in the draft like most other fans think. I seriously have to question his lack of production in college and whether or not he can turn it on in the pros. Having said that, I still believe there is about a 0% chance he slips down out of the top five, which means there is about a 0% chance that he will become a Buc. Besides, the team addressed the defensive end position already in free agency with the signing of Michael Johnson.
3. OT Jake Mathews (Texas A&M) - A talent like Mathews doesn't always come your way when picking out of the top five selections so the team would have a tough time passing up on him if he slips down. Like Robinson, he would instantly be an upgrade somewhere along the line.
4. OLB/DE Khalil Mack (Buffalo) - Many "experts" have the Bucs taking Mack with the 7th pick, but he could be gone several spots before that. If the team does take him they will get a pro-ready defender that could be the final piece towards building a dominant front seven.
5. WR Sammy Watkins (Clemson) - Watkins could do a lot of damage immediately as the teams' third wideout with Vincent Jackson and Mike Williams already on board. However, it would be hard decision to choose between him and Evans if the Bucs do decide to go after a receiver.
6. WR Mike Evans (Texas A&M)- Crazy specimen at 6'5" 230 lbs. could instantly help the Buccaneer offense become more deadly in the red zone. His ceiling is somewhere between Rob Gronkowski and Calvin Johnson.
7. OT Taylor Lewan (Michigan)- All off-field issues aside, you rarely see guys of Lewan's stature (6'7" 307 lbs.) possessing the athletic ability that he does. His combine performance, including a 4.87 forty time, puts him in the Bucs' top ten for sure.
8. CB Darquez Dennard (Michigan State) - Was simply one of the best defenders in the country...period. His solid workout at the combine and pro day surprised some scouts and cemented his spot at the top of the DB class.
9. OLB Anthony Barr (UCLA) - A guy that has slid down some draft boards due to a lot of late-risers at the combine, Barr still has a lot to offer a team looking for a do-it-all type of 'backer. The Bucs could potentially trade down several spots and nab him somewhere in the middle of round one.
10. CB Justin Gilbert (Oklahoma State) - A guy that truly broke-out and rose to the top at the combine. You really can never have enough speedy guys to cover today's NFL passing games.