2016 NFL Mock Draft: The Final Edition

2016 NFL Mock Draft 9.0: Last Call

Apr 30, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Melvin Gordon (Wisconsin) poses for a photo with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected as the number 15th overall pick to the San Diego Chargers in the first round of the 2015 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /

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9. player. 48. . DE. Ohio State. Joey Bosa

Buckeyes go back-to-back as the Buccaneers add an elite 4-3 edge rusher who can instantly make their pass defense better than the one which was fifth worst with 31 passing touchdowns allowed in 2015.

As a pass-rushing specialist Joey Bosa from Ohio State is the perfect piece to place opposite of free agent acquisition Robert Ayers. With All-Pro defensive tackle Gerald McCoy holding down the middle of the line, adding Bosa here gives Tampa one of the better front four’s in the NFC South.

When the team turns to a 3-4 formation like defensive coordinator Mike Smith has stated they will from time to time, Bosa can also stand up and blitz from the edge or drop into short zone pass coverage like he did on occasion while in Columbus.

The Bucs had the league’s 11^th best rushing defense in 2015 and the 17^th worst passing defense. Having added cornerback Brent Grimes along with Ayers will help, the return of middle linebacker Kwon Alexander will help, the addition of linebacker Daryl Smith will help, and drafting an elite pass-rusher like Joey Bosa will certainly help the team climb into the top half of NFL defenses.

Previous Pick: Jarran Reed – DT – Alabama

Next: 10. New York Giants

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