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Buccaneers’ Combine Preview – Day 3

By David Harrison

Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 18, 2015; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks at a press conference during the 2015 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Anthony Zettel (98) sacks Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Wes Lunt (12) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 31, 2015; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions defensive tackle Anthony Zettel (98) sacks Illinois Fighting Illini quarterback Wes Lunt (12) during the third quarter at Beaver Stadium. Penn State won 39-0. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Anthony Zettel – DT/DE – Penn State

Anthony Zettel out of Penn State is another utility defender who can play in multiple positions and fill in as needed for a Bucs’ defense looking to solidify its image within the league.

A little undersized for the inside, and lacking a little power for the outside, Zettel doesn’t excel at either position but is good at both.

In 2015, the Bucs’ defense allowed 97 third down conversions; fourth most in the NFL.  A lack of pass rush was one reason for this, and he provides a much-needed pass rush up the middle in key situations.

He may eventually develop into an every down type of player, but for the early part of his career and especially his rookie season, he’ll be a role player used on specific circumstances when his motor and quickness benefit the defense.

More buccaneers: How Current Bucs Prepared for the Draft

Looking deep in the draft, teams are looking for effort players who take well to coaching, and have some abilities as special team’s players.  Don’t expect to see Zettel lining up as a gunner any time soon, but with quickness to get through the line, he could prove to be effective at crashing the edge during field goals and extra points.

His effort should be noticeable during the drills at the combine, and if he can flash athleticism with a good 40-yard dash time, he’ll catch the eye of more than just one team.

With two picks in this year’s sixth round, Zettel would be a welcome addition to a defensive line with no lack of size, but at times, suffers from an apparent lack of energy.

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