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Buccaneers’ Combine Preview – Day 2

By David Harrison

Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer head coach Dirk Koetter is introduced to the media at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 15, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneer head coach Dirk Koetter is introduced to the media at One Buccaneer Place Auditorium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 12, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; East Carolina Pirates tight end Bryce Williams (80) runs with the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the East Carolina Pirates 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; East Carolina Pirates tight end Bryce Williams (80) runs with the ball against the Florida Gators during the second half at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Florida Gators defeated the East Carolina Pirates 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Bryce Williams – TE – East Carolina

The Bucs didn’t select a defensive player until their fourth pick of the 2015 NFL Draft.  In what was an offense focused draft class, their sole defender turned into the starting middle linebacker and is being touted as one of the team’s top-three defensive players.

If the 2016 draft follows suit, but favors the defense, then the first offensive player could come in the fourth round, and could be East Carolina tight end Bryce Williams.

The Bucs have a tight end who could be one of the league’s top-5 tight ends, if he could stay healthy.  Austin Seferian-Jenkins has had his share of injury struggles, and it’s left his team in the precarious position of playing tight ends less suited for the demands they put on their starter.

Williams is a straight pass catching tight end, and would give the team a passing target to complement – or replace – Seferian-Jenkins should the unfortunate happen once again.  If Seferian-Jenkins can stay healthy, then Williams could give the Buccaneers a two-headed receiving duo who could terrorize defenses inside the red zone.

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This would be key because, while the team finished 13th in the league in red zone scoring opportunities per game, they finished 22nd in red zone touchdown percentage.

Taking this tight end in the fourth round, with their fourth pick, may not produce an instant starter at a crucial position, but it may produce an impact player who can surprise everyone.

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