Buccaneers’ 2017 7-Round Mock Draft: 2.0

Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of a Salute to Service, United States Coast Guard, and American flag sticker on a Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; A view of a Salute to Service, United States Coast Guard, and American flag sticker on a Tampa Bay Buccaneers helmet at Raymond James Stadium. The Buccaneers won 36-10. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Doster-USA TODAY Sports
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Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Marcus Maye (20) looks on in the fourth quarter during the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Blue won 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 8, 2016; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Gators defensive back Marcus Maye (20) looks on in the fourth quarter during the Orange and Blue game at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Blue won 38-6. Mandatory Credit: Logan Bowles-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Maye – Safety – Florida

As for the second round selection, the Bucs answer the need at safety. Marcus Maye is a safety out of Florida to keep your eye on. Maye unfortunately missed the end of his senior year due to a broken arm, but before the injury was showing signs of a great NFL talent.

Maye is a type of safety that could play both at the back end of the defense, and also in the box. I consider Maye one of the best all around safety products out of this year’s class. Not only does he possess a big hit ability, but his pursuit from sideline to sideline is fantastic.

His run game presence is exactly what you need in a safety and he does just as well in the pass. Maye is credited with a breakup or interception on more than 21 percent of his snaps as starter. As a second round pick, may could easily find his way into the starting lineup early in his career at either safety position and his draft selection here fills the lack of talent on the roster at those positions.

Keith Tandy and Bradley McDougald are both expected to return next season, and adding Maye would only benefit the group with competition.  As for which starter he could replace is yet to be known, but adding another piece from one of the most talent defensive back schools in the nation would be great.

Another local Florida boy and Gator prodigy could help improve this defense in the long run.

Previously: Running Back Jamal Williams

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