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Buccaneers Draft 2017: Projecting The Rookies On The Depth Chart

By Zain Ahmed

Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 4, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide tight end O.J. Howard goes through workout drills during the 2017 NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) is tackled by LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Tuscaloosa, AL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide running back Derrick Henry (2) is tackled by LSU Tigers linebacker Kendell Beckwith (52) during the first quarter at Bryant-Denny Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3: Kendell Beckwith, LB, LSU

With the departure of Daryl Smith, Tampa needed a strongside linebacker and they may have filled that position with Beckwith. While the strongside linebacker does not take that many snaps the Bucs felt it was important to add to their LB depth. The major concern with Beckwith is that he is coming off a torn ACL in November and it is unknown if he will be ready for the start of the season.

Beckwith is touted as a great downhill tackler with an above average football IQ. While Beckwith may not be the most athletic player, his ability to tackle should be able to cover that. Beckwith will be a welcome addition to the LB corps which has very little depth after Kwon and Lavonte.

The Buccaneers drafted Beckwith hoping that he could provide LB depth and compete for the strongside linebacker spot. Beckwith’s injury will give him a disadvantage as it takes time to recover from ACL injuries. To start out, Beckwith will more than likely start off as a backup strongside linebacker. However, Beckwith has a bright future and high praise from his former LSU and current Buccaneer teammate Kwon Alexander.

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