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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers’ Seven Round Mock

By Alan Schechter

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jan 9, 2016; Scottsdale , AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) laughs during practice at Scottsdale Community College. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2016; Scottsdale , AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) laughs during practice at Scottsdale Community College. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

Joey Bosa and DeForest Buckner were off the board.  The Bucs need a dominant pass rush off of the edge.  A consensus All-American last year, Shaq Lawson led the country with 24.5 TFL’s, and added 12.5 sacks, which was tops in the ACC.  In short, Lawson was dominant.  His teammate, Kevin Dodd, had a solid season, but he is nowhere near the player that Lawson is.

Noah Spence was also available, and ended up going to the Bears at number 11.  I gave some thoughts to Spence, but in the end, the character flaws kept me away with Lawson still on the board.  Lawson’s numbers prior to 2015 were lower because he was a backup, but when he got the chance to play, he shined.  He will get better as he gets more reps and more snaps.  But even with that, he is the choice at number nine.

Next: Round Two: Pick 39

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