The Pewter Plank
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Five Players to Watch in Buccaneers’ Preseason Opener

By Alan Schechter

Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter reacts 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 reacts during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 14, 2016; Tampa Bay, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III (28) works 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 cornerback Vernon Hargreaves III (28) works out during mini camp at One Buccaneer Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Vernon Hargreaves

Finally the hometown boy gets the chance to take the NFL stage.

It’s a well-documented fact that the Bucs needed to improve the secondary.  They were bad last year, plain and simple.  The inability to defend against the pass, culminating in a 70% completion percentage being given up, was a major factor in keeping the Bucs’ defense to a mediocre level.  Jason Licht knew that and used his first pick of the 2016 draft on the Gator, Vernon Hargreaves.

Vernon has looked so good so far in camp.  A week ago, we noted that he was playing so well that coach allowed him some reps with the first team.  It sounds like he will be used on the inside in the slot to begin his career, and work him to the outside slowly.  Being that he is a rookie, it makes sense to not immediately put him out on an island, instead putting him in the slot where he can get help more easily.

Either way, what we do know is that “VHIII” can make plays on the football.  From wherever he is aligned, I can’t wait to watch him play.

Next: Noah Spence

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