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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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Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls defensive end Trey Hendrickson (9) prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 21, 2015; Gainesville, FL, USA; Florida Atlantic Owls defensive end Trey Hendrickson (9) prior to the game against the Florida Gators at Ben Hill Griffin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

In the fourth round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the Bucs decided to once again build through their trenches. Trey Hendrickson defensive end out of Florida Atlantic is the type of player that you want to take a shot on in the later rounds.

The East-West Shrine Game MVP has also been in contact with the Bucs throughout the off-season, and there is no question to why. Hendrickson’s work ethic and relentless play has shined in the eyes of the NFL scouts. The small school defensive end has proved that even up against better talent, he is able to win.

Hendrickson’s selection would help provide yet another young defensive end that Defensive Line Coach Jay Hayes can help groom into an elite play-maker.

After the signing of Robert Ayers in the off-season before the 2016 season, it was well-known that this would not be the only addition Tampa needed for its defensive end position. Rookie Noah Spence was taken in the 2016 draft to help give the Bucs a much needed pass rush, which he eventually succeeded in doing.

Throughout the season, Spence was used as more of a pass rusher and not an every down defensive end when Ayer’s suffered from injuries. Chalk this up to his injured shoulder or not, Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith may not yet trust Spence as an every down defensive end.

Hendrickson would be able to replace Ayers if need be, and would be great depth for a defense beginning to turn the corner.

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