Drafting Buccaneers: Senior Bowl Preview

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Noah Spence (57) against the Chicago Bears at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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NCAA Football: Navy at East Carolina
NCAA Football: Navy at East Carolina

North Wide Receiver Zay Jones, East Carolina Pirates

Zay Jones’ best shot at proving to scouts he’s more than a product of the system he played in is this weekend in the Senior Bowl.

The Buccaneers definitely don’t run a system which reminds me of the Pirates, and if Jones struggles in a more conventional – albeit simplified – pro scheme, then it may hurt his draft prospects which has climbed over the last week or so.

The receiver is definitely a talented young man with good speed and hands to make tough catches. His move off the line is smooth and he doesn’t shy away when facing contact in his routes.

Look for him to work each level of the secondary and show some technical sides of his game as he looks to break the mold he was forced in to at East Carolina.

Must Read: DRAFT PROFILE: ZAY JONES

West Tight End O.J. Howard, Alabama Crimson Tide

If you saw a tight end who can play in-line and hold his own in blocking while also possessing the ability to get up field and into his routes to be an effective weapon in the passing game, what value would you give him?

Most are saying O.J. Howard is a round one talent, and nothing I’ve seen takes away from this evaluation of this draft classes best tight end.

The Buccaneers found a gem in Cameron Brate, but the prospect of adding a legitimate receiving nightmare would make the team’s two tight end sets an absolute nightmare while the team can load up on speed in later rounds.

This isn’t a guarantee by any means, but Howard is an interesting player with ties to the Bucs via several mock drafts and some analysis by our own writers as well.

Look to see just how dominant the Bama player can be in all facets of the game, and you’ll see why he has a lot of people excited about him.

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