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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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Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fox Sports announcer and former NFL player John Lynch on the sidelines before game between Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Fox Sports announcer and former NFL player John Lynch on the sidelines before game between Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /

2. John Lynch

Now what is the 49ers general manager doing on this list? Ha ha, just kidding of course. How could this guy not be on the list, at or near the top?

John Lynch was drafted by the Bucs in the third round of the 1993 draft, the 82nd overall choice. It took him a few years to crack the lineup, as he didn’t earn a full-time starting job until 1996. However, from that point forward, Lynch changed the position of safety. He led the way as a safety that could play the pass, get after the quarterback, and stop the run. John Lynch did it all. From 1996-2001, Lynch did not record a year of less than 85 total tackles.

He was known for being a fierce hitter as well. Take a look at some of his best:

From 1999-2002, Lynch was invited to the Pro Bowl four straight times, and if you go back to 1997 it’s five out of six seasons. He was first team All-Pro in back to back seasons (1999-2000).

During his time in Tampa Bay, he recorded 787 total tackles, 23 interceptions, 13 sacks, seven forced fumbles and eight fumble recoveries. Many believe he should have been elected to the Hall of Fame this year, including our own James Yarcho.

He is still our number two steal, number 47, John Lynch!

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