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Buccaneers: Five Reasons to be Excited About the Future

By Alan Schechter

Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter reacts against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Dirk Koetter reacts against the New Orleans Saints during the first half at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) runs out onto the field as he is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA;Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Vernon Hargreaves (28) runs out onto the field as he is introduced before the game against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Vernon Hargreaves

As we all know, defensive back was the other main target in the 2016 draft. We don’t need to go over the reasons as they are well-documented. So, the Bucs spent their first pick on Vernon Hargreaves from Florida.

So how did he do? Well, he had his growing pains, don’t get me wrong. But, who was ranked fourth among rookie defensive backs with 76 tackles? Hargreaves. He proved himself as a player that is not afraid to stick his nose in their and make plays. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded 8th among ALL cornerbacks in run defense.

He picked off his first career pass during the week 14 win over the Saints, and posted ten passes defended during his rookie campaign. All in all, he showed a lot of promise and will only get better as he grows. That starts in 2017 and it will be exciting to watch.

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