The Pewter Plank
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Buccaneers: Potential first round targets

By Zach Sauers

CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack leaves the field with a piece of the Kenan Stadium hedges between his teeth following a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
CHAPEL HILL, NC - NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack leaves the field with a piece of the Kenan Stadium hedges between his teeth following a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels on November 25, 2016 in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 28-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /
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TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 30: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after he and Isaiah Buggs #49 sack Shea Patterson #20 of the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL – SEPTEMBER 30: Minkah Fitzpatrick #29 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after he and Isaiah Buggs #49 sack Shea Patterson #20 of the Mississippi Rebels at Bryant-Denny Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Safety/Corner – Minkah Fitzpatrick

An Evans on the offense and an Evans on the defense. Why not two Fitzpatricks?

Saving the best for last, Minkah Fitzpatrick.

Fitzpatrick is a safety/corner hybrid for the dominant Alabama defense down in Tuscaloosa, and he may be the best product to come out of Alabama over the past few years. Which says a lot.

Taking a look at the tape proves just why Fitzpatrick is seen as a can’t miss prospect. His knack for getting his hands on the ball makes him the best defensive back product in the draft.

Nine interceptions in three years. You just can not throw his way.

It is no secret about the crisis that will unfold for the Bucs secondary this upcoming off-season. The Bucs best cover corner Brent Grimes is expected to retire. Leaving the jobs to then third year players Ryan Smith/Vernon Hargreaves III and second year player Justin Evans.

Although all three of the names listed above have plenty of room to grow, there is still a need for talent on the back end of the defense.

The drafting of Fitzpatrick could fill the role that Brent Grimes will leave, or even take over for the veteran Chris Conte.

Depending on the coaching staff, Fitzpatrick could be played in a similar role to what Jalen Ramsey plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Next: Peyton Barber Should Be Feature Back Rest Of Season

Ramsey and Fitzpatrick have very similar skill-sets, and for the Bucs to draft a player of this quality may prove to be the wisest move of them all.

Fitzpatrick is at the top of my draft board, but will the Bucs pass up on an edge rusher or right tackle?

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