Buccaneers 2017 NFL Draft: Evaluating the Last Five Picks at Number 84

2016: Kendall Fuller

In 2015, the Washington Redskins were ranked 25th in the league in pass defense. They went 9-7, but for Jay Gruden really to get things moving towards taking the next step, he needed help on the back-end of the defense. So in the third round of the draft, and coincidentally the 84th pick, the Redskins selected Kendall Fuller out of Virginia Tech. With eight interceptions in his college career, they are looking for Fuller to be that guy.

As many young players are, Fuller was primarily a backup during the 2016 season. He started six games last year, was active for 13, and recorded 42 tackles. He also posted two passes defended. Fuller may not have recorded his first interception as of yet, but he is reading as a player that is around the football. Passes defended are still plays on the ball. With more playing time, we are going to see more of that potential come out of Fuller.

Next: Bucs Potential Trade Back Partners and Scenarios

So what can the Bucs learn? For one, make sure your scouting is thorough. We wouldn’t want them to miss out on a player of David Johnson’s caliber the way the Eagles did. It’s interesting to note that the pick was only used once on offense in the last five years, but at the position the Bucs might use. We have talked a lot about the Bucs looking at a running back in the middle rounds.

All of these players are still around the league. The position has had a history of yielding players who, to some degree, have had success. Hopefully the Bucs can keep that trend going.