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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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Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Vonn Bell (11) reacts after a tackle against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Vonn Bell (11) reacts after a tackle against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second quarter at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Here is the pick that helps secure the back line of the Bucs’ defense.  Bell has cover skills that we don’t often see from safeties coming out in the draft, with nine interceptions and 15 passes defended during his collegiate career.  He had the luxury of playing behind a pass rusher that was named Joey Bosa, but that doesn’t mean that Bell is less of a player.  It simply means he had elite level talent around him.

His skill set plays more as a free safety than a strong safety.  He could be a better tackler, and doesn’t play with the physicality you would like from a guy coming up to play in the box and stop the run.  His cover skills, however, allow him the ability to be a great deep man, and even play some corner if needed.  He is no stranger to big games, posting six tackles and one sack in the 2015 title game against Oregon.

Bell will prove to be an excellent value in the second round.

Next: Round Three: Pick 74

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