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NFL Draft 2017: Buccaneers Division Rival Grades

By Marc Magana

Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; NFL commissioner Roger Goodell during the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Marshon Lattimore (Ohio State) is selected as the number 11 overall pick to the New Orleans Saints in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 27, 2017; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Marshon Lattimore (Ohio State) is selected as the number 11 overall pick to the New Orleans Saints in the first round the 2017 NFL Draft at the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

The Buccaneers have added some talent so far in the draft this year, but just as important is what the rest of the NFC south added. Let’s take a look.

The NFL draft is over, and it’s time to take stock in how everything went. We have talked about the Buccaneers and how Jason Licht went and filled a lot of the team needs. He got value in every round. But what about the rest of the division? What type of players did the NFC South teams add as potential combatants this season? Let’s take a look:

Saints

1.11 – CB – Marshon Lattimore:

Most people had Lattimore high on their boards, The issue for me is his hamstrings. It’s well understood that hamstrings can be a recurring issue *Ahem* Doug. Setting that aside, the Saints did a good job of addressing the need with a talented player. In a division like the NFC South teams need corners to cover the length of opposing teams, if Lattimore can stay healthy, he’s an instant upgrade over often injured Delvin Breaux. Lattimore will have to play big and physical if he wants to succeed in the NFC South.

1.32 – T – Ryan Ramsczyk

A bit of a head scratcher here . The defensive side of the ball needs the most help, but Ryan helps solidifies their line for the next few years. With a high draft pick spent on Peat in 2015, my bet would’ve been on defense, or even a wide receiver to fill Cooks’ spot. Instead they go Ramsczyk. They must keep Brees safe and healthy I suppose? With a weak offensive line class they obviously did not want to risk him being gone by day two.

2.10 – S – Marcus Williams

The safety out of Utah again addresses a big need for the Saints again. Williams can come in and fight for a starting spot right away. Williams has a small frame, but at 6’1 can help offset the height in the NFC south.  The Saints secondary looks to be a bit more formidable with this Lattimore and Williams

3.3 – HB – Alvin Kamara

Keep in mind Adrian Peterson is 32 and at 27 Ingram is not young. Kamara figures to be the eventual heir to the backfield in New Orleans. Also makes you wonder if Adrian Peterson mentioned how long he would play/ Regardless Kamara was never a first round running back, but in the third, solid value for the Saints.

3.12 – LB – Alex Anzalone

“Thor”, the product from Florida has suffered through many injuries. Although NFL.com projected him to get between rounds two and three, the injuries and lack of both interceptions and forced fumbles raise questions for me. He does fill a need and it’s decent value, but with Carl Lawson and a few other notable prospects on the board, seems questionable.

3.39 – DE – Trey Hendrickson

More of a depth pick. At the combine he ran a 4.65 40 yard dash. Another addition to a position of need. We’ll see where Hendrickson ends up but decent value for a four-year starter with 29.5 sacks and seven forced fumbles. His versatility is an added bonus.

Draft grade: B

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