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2016 NFL Draft, Round Two: Five Players the Buccaneers Could Select

By David Harrison

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Sep 6, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) loses the ball after being hit by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) at Ohio Stadium. Virginia Tech won the game 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies wide receiver Isaiah Ford (1) loses the ball after being hit by Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) at Ohio Stadium. Virginia Tech won the game 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports /

Eli Apple, Cornerback, Ohio State

Statistically, the Bucs finished in the middle of the pack with their pass defense.  Realistically, and on film, they had one of the worst secondaries in the NFL and are in desperate need of an upgrade.

The 2016 draft class has a good selection of defensive backs to pick from, and Eli Apple from Ohio State is one of many who will be looking to add an immediate boost to his team’s defense.

Apple is one of the most tested cornerbacks in the draft as he started two years for the Buckeyes; in 2014 as the team won the National Championship, and in 2015 culminating with a win over Notre Dame in the Fiesta Bowl.

Playing in a defensive scheme which featured a mix of man and zone coverages, Apple is capable in both styles, and his versatility shows he’s a smart football player with the talent to match.  He is known for his aggressiveness, and even steps up to play hard against the run when needed.  His style would bring an increased toughness to the Tampa defense, and could provide a spark similar to 2015 rookie linebacker Kwon Alexander.

Eli grades out to a late first round to early second round prospect, so there’s a chance he won’t make it to pick 39, where the Bucs would be more than happy to see him sitting.  Many experts and draft hobbyists predict they will go defensive line with their first round pick, and a top-5 cornerback prospect in the second round of the draft could help the defense make the same sharp improvement the offense experienced in 2015.

Next: Kevin Dodd

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