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Buccaneers: Five Biggest Draft Steals in Franchise History

By Alan Schechter

Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) strips the ball away from Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) after Jones made a reception in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers middle linebacker Kwon Alexander (58) strips the ball away from Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) after Jones made a reception in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Kwon Alexander

When a fourth round draft pick steps in as a rookie and leads your defense, you have a steal.

Kwon Alexander was the Bucs fourth round selection in 2015, the 124th overall. He did have a drug suspension that cost him four games, but he immediately became the starter at middle linebacker when he returned, making him the quarterback of the defense. His debut was on September 13, 2015 against the Titans, and though the Bucs lost, Alexander noted five tackles.

He showed the world how great he could be on November 1st when the Bucs took on the Falcons. It was the week that his brother passed away, and Kwon played the game of his life. 11 tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery showed just what kind of player Alexander is. To be able to play under that type of stress is a trait that not many have. He finished his rookie year with 93 total tackles, three sacks, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery.

So, what does Alexander do for an encore in his second season? Get better, that’s what. He opened the 2016 season with 17 total tackles and a sack in the week 1 victory of the Falcons, and he just went off from there. Alexander finished his sophomore season with 145 total tackles, three sacks, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

In just two years, Alexander has already recorded 238 tackles. Now THAT is a steal.

Our number three steal, number 58, Kwon Alexander!

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