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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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January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu (96) celebrates a defensive play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
January 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; Southern California Trojans defensive tackle Stevie Tu’ikolovatu (96) celebrates a defensive play against the Penn State Nittany Lions during the second half of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 7: Stevie Tu’ikolovatu, DT, USC

The Buccaneers traded up early in the seventh round to nab Stevie Tu’ikolovatu to provide depth on the defensive line. Tampa’s defensive line suffered injuries throughout the year and had to rely on undrafted FA’s at one point. Tu’ikolovatu could possibly step in if needed.

Tu’ikolovatu is a big guy, weighing at 331 lbs his size will cause issues for offensive linemen. Stevie’s biggest strength appears to be his strength and his great initial punch. Tu’ikolovatu also appears to be a solid run stuffer which the Bucs could benefit from.

The Buccaneers wanted Tu’ikolovatu to provide depth at the defensive tackle position behind Gerald McCoy. Tu’ikolovatu will be competing with Sealiver Siliga for a backup defensive tackle position and I believe Tu’ikolovau comes out on top. Tu’ikolovatu has faced adversity before, as he had lived in his car for two years but that only made him stronger and he will be looking to continue his journey on an NFL roster.

Next: Jamaal Charles Might Be An Affordable, Viable Option

This draft class could shape up to be a big one for the Buccaneers. If they are able to hit on their picks and have two or three starters along with some quality depth pieces it could propel them to the playoffs. By the looks of it Tampa appears to have had a good draft, hopefully, looks are not deceiving.

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