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Buccaneers Seven Round Mock Draft: Special Edition

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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Sep 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) smiles on the sidelines against the Portland State Vikings during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 17, 2016; Seattle, WA, USA; Washington Huskies defensive back Budda Baker (32) smiles on the sidelines against the Portland State Vikings during the second half at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports /

With the 50th pick in the 2017 NFL Draft the Tampa Bay Bucs select… Budda Baker, safety out of the University of Washington.

There is no secret, the question mark at safety for the Bucs has been up in air for quite some time. Even after the turnaround season the secondary underwent throughout 2015, there is still need for improvements.

This off-season the Bucs were able to resign former starter Chris Conte to a new two-year deal, along with bringing in the talented and powerful J.J. Wilcox to help reshape the safety positions for this defense. As it stands Keith Tandy, Conte, and Wilcox will all be competing for the two positions come training camp… but it can’t stop there.

Budda Baker answers the bell of what exactly the Bucs need in their secondary. The 5’10” 195 pound play maker is exactly what Mike Smith has been looking for in his defense.

This past season, Smith attempted to move corner-back Ryan Smith to the safety positions but it was unable to make any progress. It is quite obvious that Smith prefers a safety with the quick twitch of a corner and that is exactly what Baker provides.

Baker could enter this team and compete early for a starting role immediately due to his presence both in the pass and run game.

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