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Buccaneers’ 2017 7-Round Mock Draft 1.0

By Zach Sauers

May 28, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and general manager Jason Licht watch practice at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter and general manager Jason Licht watch practice at One Buc Place. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jul 31, 2015; Burbank, CA, USA; California Golden Bears linebacker Hardy Nickerson at Pac-12 Media Day at Warner Bros. Studios. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2015; Burbank, CA, USA; California Golden Bears linebacker Hardy Nickerson at Pac-12 Media Day at Warner Bros. Studios. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

Hardy Nickerson Jr. – LB – Illinois

In the seventh and final round of the draft the Bucs select Hardy Nickerson Jr. out of Illinois. A familiar name to the Bucs faithfuls. Nickerson is another product who has had his draft stock circulate all over the map, but later rounds have fit him the best.

Nickerson is a big linebacker (the exact size of current starter Daryl Smith),  who could come in and help a position of need in the outside linebacker spot. Whether or not Smith decides to return to Tampa or retire has not be unraveled yet, but looking to younger players is a must. Devante Bond was drafted in 2016 to replace Smith once he decided on his future, but personally I am not sold on Bond.

Nickerson Jr. is not his father, but he is no slouch. His knowledge of the game helps him recognize plays quickly and take the best angles possible. The issues in his play surround more of the passing game, but because the Bucs have their third linebacker on the field for only limited playing time, some hard-work with these coaches could help fix those issues.

We can all agree it would be nice to see another Hardy Nickerson playing in the bay.

Next: Buccaneers Defense Set To Be Special For a Long Time

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