Tyvis Powell – FS
Tyvis Powell played next to Vonn Bell in the Ohio State defensive backfield, and despite his mid-late round projection in the draft, is no slouch himself.
Powell perhaps gained the most from his pro day experience as he showed quick feet, fast reflexes, and good defensive hands throughout the secondary drills. In the quick twitch drills, he was seamless in transitions and never lost his balance. When tracking the ball deep and short, Powell showed the kind of hands which led to the seven interceptions he had between 2014 and 2015.
He didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the Ohio State pro day, but as one of the bigger safeties entering the NFL Combine he posted the third fastest time(4.46 seconds), and is consistently competing with deep receivers on tape.
He has the speed and coverage skills to play single high, and has the ball skills to be very effective. He’s a smart player who finished his degree in just three and a half years, so studying an NFL playbook should be a challenge he takes happily.
While he’s not as willing as some would like in run support, he’s not exactly a liability in the area either. With a mid-late round grade, he’ll probably still be available when the Buccaneers pick 148th overall, in the fifth round.
If the Bucs miss out on Bell in the earlier rounds, Powell is a capable player to add to the secondary later on in the draft. Worst case scenario, Powell is depth the Buccaneers have needed for years. Best case scenario, he’s a starter in two years, and a steal this late in the draft.
Next: Nick Vannett - TE