2016 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers’ Select DeForest Buckner
Bucky Brooks released his second mock draft. The Buccaneers get a pass rusher in this version.
We are officially on the doorsteps of the NFL Combine. The workouts begin on February 26th in Indianapolis, and the college stars of today will be strutting their stuff for scouts and GM’s, looking to become NFL stars of tomorrow. Jason Licht will be looking for several positions to continue the growth of his Buccaneers.
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Who are the Bucs going to choose at number nine? Bucky Brooks of NFL.com has released his second mock draft for the season. In this one, the Bucs take the pass rusher you have all been waiting for. His name is DeForest Buckner.
"Mike Smith needs to find Gerald McCoy a playmate along the defensive front. Buckner is a versatile pass rusher with the athleticism and length to create problems for blockers on the edges."
Let’s take a look at Buckner. Here are his college stats:
Defense & Fumbles
Noah Spence is available in this mock at number nine, but the Bucs pass on him in favor of Buckner. People are raving about Spence, but to be fair, Buckner doesn’t have the character issues that Spence does. His length is better than Spence, as he stands at 6’7″ tall compared to Spence standing at 6’3″.
Here are some highlights of this young man:
This is just a few moments handpicked of course, but there is a lot to like with Buckner. He clearly is fast, and has the ability to run through opponents as well as around them. He can get off of blockers quickly, and has the ability to get his hands up and knock down a pass when he doesn’t get to the quarterback.
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But when he does get to the quarterback, watch out, because he doesn’t miss. His reach allows him to grab the quarterback, and he doesn’t let go.
I know that many love Noah Spence, but Buckner is a good choice, and one that just might be safer than Spence.