Buccaneers Draft 2016: Full Bucs Mock

Buccaneers 2016 Draft: Full Bucs Mock

May 8, 2014; New York, NY, USA; Mike Evans (Texas A&M) poses with his jersey after being selected as the number seven overall pick in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Radio City Music Hall. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

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player. 48. . Defensive Tackle. University of Illinois. Jihad Ward. 108

The Bucs find one heck of a defensive tackle waiting for them in round four. Jihad Ward was basically the only viable threat on the Illini last season and was consistently seeing double and triple teams. Despite having Akeem Spence, William Gholston, and Clinton McDonald, the Bucs still need a starter next to Gerald McCoy. The other guys are perfect to rotate in, but Ward fits the bill for the new five technique to bolster the line.

Ward is extremely athletic and limber for a guy who stands 6’5″, 300-pounds. He is able to play on the ends, but fits better inside and is phenomenal at stuffing the run. His strength and ability to overpower opposing players has led him to a lot of one-armed take downs of running backs while being double teamed by the offensive line. Ward continues to help this defensive line’s growth and improvement here on day three.

Next: Round Five, Pick 148

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