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Which Buccaneers’ Draftees Will Make the 2016 Roster?

By Alan Schechter

Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter speaks to the media during the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 24, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter speaks to the media during the NFL scouting combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops hugs linebacker Devante Bond (23) during the second quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Oklahoma Sooners head coach Bob Stoops hugs linebacker Devante Bond (23) during the second quarter of the 2015 CFP semifinal at the Orange Bowl against the Clemson Tigers at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Duyos-USA TODAY Sports /

Devante Bond

The Bucs were looking for depth at linebacker behind Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David, so they selected Bond here late in the draft.  As we reported on draft day, Bond posted 73 tackles, 11 TFL’s, and three sacks in two years with the Sooners.  He plays with a lot of effort and takes coaching well, according to his draft profile, and that will bode well in his quest to make the team.

However, only two years of college experience is going to hurt.  Even at a big school like Oklahoma, snaps are necessary to prepare for the pros, and the truth is that Bond didn’t get very many of them.  His slow speed will hurt as well, as his forty time only measured at 4.7 at both the Combine and his pro day.  He has difficulty, at times, setting the edge.

Unless he makes a big splash on special teams, effort won’t be enough.

Next: Dan Vitale

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