The Pewter Plank
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Five Best Edge Pass Rushers the Buccaneers Face in 2016

By Alan Schechter

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter (left) and defensive end Noah Spence (57) talk as they work out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 22, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid talks to outside linebacker Justin Houston (50) during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Justin Houston

Here is a guy that could have been the number one selection if the Bucs weren’t facing the reigning Super Bowl MVP this year.  Hint, that might be a clue about who the number one choice is.

But that takes nothing away from this young man.  Houston was also drafted in 2011, but he was a third round selection by the Chiefs.  Boy, did they get a steal.  After a rookie season that produced “only” 5.5 sacks, Justin absolutely took off.  Over the next three seasons, he posted 43 sacks.  He notched ten in 2012, 11 in 2013, and a whopping 22 in 2014.  That year, he posted double-digit sack totals in six games, showing clear dominance over just about everyone.

By the way, he has gone to the Pro Bowl in each of the last four seasons.

A lot of attention was thrown Houston’s way last year and he only managed 7.5 sacks.  A decent season by well below the standard he has set.  But don’t let that fool anyone.  They had better do a heck of a lot of film study on Houston or they will be in for a long day.

Next: Number One

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