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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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December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates with cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) after intercepting pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
December 31, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes safety Malik Hooker (24) celebrates with cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) after intercepting pass against the Clemson Tigers during the first half of the the 2016 CFP semifinal at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

The Titans and Buccaneers have been linked ever since Tampa took Jameis Winston and Tennessee was left with Marcus Mariota as their consolation prize.

I’d say this AFC South franchise is probably happy with where they’re headed as both young teams seem to be on the rise.

Last year, Vernon Hargreaves III gave the Bucs a boost on defense and helped usher in a new kind of attitude and aggressiveness in their secondary.

Marshon Lattimore can do the same for the Titans in 2017, and gives the team perhaps the best secondary front in the division.

Despite limited starting time in Ohio States pro-factory defense, Lattimore looks to be a sure-fire future pro bowler with athleticism and mechanics that make scouts drool.

His playmaking ability was evident his entire 2016 season in Columbus, and he paired up well with teammates Malik Hooker and Gareon Conley to form the best secondary in the Big Ten Conference.

Another team with multiple first-round picks, going defense early means the team could double-up on this side of the ball later to really boost their stopping power.

Or, they could go offense and combine some scoring heat to go with their improved defense.

Either way the team decides, it’s an early win for Tennessee with Lattimore brought in to help lockdown the likes of T.Y. Hilton and DeAndre Hopkins.

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