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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 /
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Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Mississippi Rebels defensive tackle Robert Nkemdiche (5) looks on prior to the game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Robert Nkemdiche | DL | Ole Miss

Anyone that has been following me for some time knows that I’m a big fan of Nkemdiche and think he provides a top five talent to whoever takes the risk on him. Nkemdiche is inconsistent, and has some character concerns, but when he is bringing it I’m not sure there’s anyone better in this class on the field. He has a rare blend of size and speed and the ability to play multiple positions brings me back to the point of Smith wanting to run a multiple look defense.

Next: Mock Draft Version 7.0

Once again the Bucs’ new defensive line coach Jay Hayes has seen troubled players in his time with the Bengals and helped develop them into very good professional players. Licht has also shown that he has no problem taking questionable character concerns if the background checks out and they are exceptional talents. While I never like to base pre-draft visits and pro-day workouts, you have to start taking notice to trends that have appeared with the Bucs and Nkemdiche. I wouldn’t be surprised one bit if the Bucs took him with the ninth overall pick, and you shouldn’t be either anymore!

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