2016 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers Get Their Pass Rusher

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell addresses the crowd in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
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Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Texas Longhorns at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears defensive tackle Andrew Billings (75) during the game against the Texas Longhorns at McLane Stadium. The Longhorns defeat the Bears 23-17. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Add to this the fact certain Cardinals’ linemen are exiting their prime and entering the twilight of their careers, and the Cardinals have a real need on the front end of their defense.  Andrew Billings is a two-year starter at Baylor, and is known for his quality combination of speed and power, leading to disruptive backfield play.  He’s a high energy player, whose effort serves to capitalize on his raw ability.

The Cardinals will need to polish some of the more technical areas of his game, but given the time to mature, Billings could develop into a real force in the middle for the Cardinals’ D-line.  Adding a talent here in the draft, who can help their defense keep teams from scoring, is a wise idea for a franchise running out of time to capitalize on the talents of quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

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29

Andrew Billings

DT, Baylor

Arizona Cardinals
Arizona Cardinals

In the Cardinals’ NFC Championship matchup against the Panthers, they just couldn’t produce enough pressure up front to impact Cam Newton, and the results were disastrous.

Add to this the fact certain Cardinals’ linemen are exiting their prime and entering the twilight of their careers, and the Cardinals have a real need on the front end of their defense.  Andrew Billings is a two-year starter at Baylor, and is known for his quality combination of speed and power, leading to disruptive backfield play.  He’s a high energy player, whose effort serves to capitalize on his raw ability.

The Cardinals will need to polish some of the more technical areas of his game, but given the time to mature, Billings could develop into a real force in the middle for the Cardinals’ D-line.  Adding a talent here in the draft, who can help their defense keep teams from scoring, is a wise idea for a franchise running out of time to capitalize on the talents of quarterback Carson Palmer and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald.

Next: 30. Carolina Panthers

Schedule