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Buccaneers: Five defensive players to look forward to watching

By James Hesdra

Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) is congratulated by outside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) after he sacked Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers outside linebacker Lavonte David (54) is congratulated by outside linebacker Daryl Smith (51) after he sacked Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) (not pictured) during the second half at Raymond James Stadium. Tampa Bay Buccaneers defeated the Carolina Panthers 17-16. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Number One – CB Vernon Hargreaves 

For a kid that was targeted more then any other defensive back in football as a 21 year rookie, Vernon Hargreaves truly fought like a champ. Hargreaves had a league high 113 passes thrown his way and gave up 80 catches. If you do the numbers, that’s not a good percentage at all. That staggering number goes to explain his 76 tackles that he made and only one interception over the season.

On the bright side, Hargreaves didn’t back down and competed each and every play with a physical approach. That has to be the way he plays because of his small size at 5’10”, 205 pounds. He really took off towards the end of the year when the Buccaneers defense started dominating opponents during their five game winning streak. It seemed as the defense started to gain momentum so did he, gaining confidence in himself after seeing he can make positive contributions to the team.

The Bucs consider him to be a building block on the defensive side of the ball and there’s no reason for them not to. What other rookie who got thrown at as much as Hargreaves would hang in there and compete like he did? After having a full year under his belt to grow in Smith’s defense, I believe that Hargreaves will trend upward rather then down. He’s very similar to Grimes between his size and the way he plays, who is a good mentor to show you the ropes of manning the corner back position. There’s going to be growing pains in a kid playing arguably one of the toughest positions in Football during year one. This is the year he can break out, making him the most exciting guy to watch on this defense. Bucs fan are hoping to have found their next shut down corner for the next ten years.

Next: Mike Evans Enters Elite Discussion

So which five Buccaneers are you most looking forward to watching? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook, or in the comment section below.

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