The Pewter Plank
FanSided

Five Surprise Picks in the First Round for the Buccaneers

By @RyanTerrana

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
Sep 6, 2014; Lafayette, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns quarterback Terrance Broadway (8) runs with the ball as Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive lineman Vernon Butler (9) reaches in for the tackle in the first half at Cajun Field. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2014; Lafayette, LA, USA; Louisiana-Lafayette Ragin Cajuns quarterback Terrance Broadway (8) runs with the ball as Louisiana Tech Bulldogs defensive lineman Vernon Butler (9) reaches in for the tackle in the first half at Cajun Field. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Vernon Butler | DL | Lousiana Tech

Butler brings something this defense that it is dearly lacking, big time size and versatility. When you hear of what Mike Smith’s defense is supposed to look like than you realize that Butler makes more sense than a guy like Sheldon Rankins. Butler is a true nose tackle at 6’4 and 325 pounds, but it’s his movement skills at that size what rises him into this position. Butler might have the most potential out of all the lineman in this draft and with new defensive line coach Jay Hayes, you can only hope that type of potential could be harnessed. With his combination of size and athleticism, I think he’ll be picked higher than most expect within the top twenty.

Another reason why I think Butler is a good fit is that it’s the one position we have yet to shore up. They let Melton and McDaniel walk. While I think Spence is a fine player and probably one of the stronger players in the league, his size limit’s him to being a nose tackle in a four man front. The ability for Butler to stay in with multiple situations will bring big flexibility and he provides a push inside with Gerald McCoy.

Next: Number Three

Home/Bucs Draft