2016 NFL Mock Draft 7.0: Surprise at Number Nine

This is going to shock some people, but the Buccaneers biggest need may not be at the defensive end position.  The signing of Robert Ayers allows them to go with a two-man rotation at the other end position, and instead of adding to the rotation, the Bucs could add to their starting four by drafting a defensive tackle here.

All-Pro Gerald McCoy received a lot of negative comments from Bucs’ fans throughout the 2015 season for what appeared to be a lack of competitive fire, and game play which seemed inconsistent at best.

The truth of the matter is McCoy was swallowed up by being the focus of the offensive line and it’s a miracle he got the sacks he did.  The addition of Robert Ayers will help with that, but adding an interior mate to run with him and take some blocking assignments away from McCoy will go a long way.

Jarran Reed has experience inside and out playing for Alabama’s 3-4 defense, and his talents will place him nicely inside of the defensive line in Tampa next to McCoy playing the “three technique”.

Reed’s presence and skill will require teams to pull focus away from McCoy.  On top of the signing of Ayers and the combination of Jacquies Smith and William Gholston on the outside, the addition of Reed will be surprising, but so will the increase in production for this unit from 2015 to 2016.

Previous Pick:  Joey Bosa – DE – Ohio State

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