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2017 NFL Mock Draft: Buccaneers Take Help Over the Top

By Alan Schechter

Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; A general view of the stage and podium before the 2016 NFL Draft at the Auditorium Theatre. Mandatory Credit: Jerry Lai-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tackle Andrew Nelson (59) blocks Temple Owls defensive linesmen Haason Reddick (58) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Temple defeated Penn State 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tackle Andrew Nelson (59) blocks Temple Owls defensive linesmen Haason Reddick (58) during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Temple defeated Penn State 27-10. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O’Haren-USA TODAY Sports /

After the Saints sent Brandin Cooks packing to the defending Super Bowl Champs, wide receiver could really be a target here.

However, the team can’t ignore the defense any further, and need to take a young man who can help bring the unit up to par.

Playing against the offenses in the NFC South isn’t ever an easy task, and it’s even worse when your team is thin at most positions.

Haason Reddick has special athleticism and plays fast. He’d immediately become New Orleans’ best linebacker and help the team in run support as well as mid-level pass defense.

Some view him as an eventual edge rusher or outside linebacker. Personally, I see him lining up with the Saints as their middle linebacker sooner rather than later. Reddick has made a meteoric rise up draft boards this off-season.

It’s fully possible his stock will settle a bit before the big day, but he’s a day one talent for certain.
Questions about him center mainly on lack of experience and level of competition.

Coming out of Temple, teams will have to be really certain his special athleticism will lead to real NFL results.

Drafting him is definitely a bit of a gamble, but with so much raw talent, it’s hard to believe he won’t be effective somewhere on this defense.

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