Buccaneers: Arden Key vs Bradley Chubb

The bottom line is that Bradley Chubb is the overall better defensive end. It is no secret. No question. No argument. That is… at this very moment.

Before we jump into that, let’s compare to the two on how they fit in Defensive Coordinator Mike Smith‘s defensive.

Smith who many fans pleaded to have back this season and now want to get rid of (lol) will be the Bucs defensive coordinator once more in 2018.

We saw this year that his typical 4-3 scheme was flexed to a 3-4 at times to get the best players (the linebackers) on the field at all times. Yeah flexibility woo!

Comparing the two defensive ends between Chubb and Key would make Chubb the obvious and better fit. Not only does he fit the typical 4-3 end but he also has the ability to slide down as a 3-tech due to his size.

Imagine Chubb as the younger upgraded version of Robert Ayers because it has it’s similarities. This would give the Bucs the opportunity to have Beckwith on the field along with possibly Spence in pass rushing downs.

But wait a second, this seems to good to be true. Which it is.

There is a great chance Chubb may be out of reach.

The draft order stands as so

1. Cleveland Browns

2. New York Giants

3. Indianapolis Colts

4. Cleveland Browns

5. Denver Broncos

6. New York Jets

7. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Obviously the entire draft depends on the first overall selection, and unfortunately with the Browns having two choices it will depend on whether they believe their quarterback choice will be there at four if they don’t take him at one.

There is now a growing suspicion that the Browns pass up on a quarterback completely and decide to grab at a veteran such as Alex Smith (he was the Chiefs GM).

Never the less everything is here say, but what is a fact is where Saquon Barkley lands. If he goes at number one overall, which is growing ever more likely, the Indianapolis Colts have a high chance of picking  Chubb.

This is where it leads us to the Arden Key to Tampa factor.

Can’t get number one? Grab number two.

Arden Key is not the perfect choice nor is he the best fit, but sometimes that is how the cookie crumbles.

If the Bucs do have the chance to grab Key when Chubb is gone, they will.

The defensive end position is more than a need. It is a pure liability.

The real question is what kind of player are they going to be getting, sophomore Key or junior Key.

Sophomore Key was compared to Jadaveon Clowney and Myles Garrett (both want number one overall), in which he showed more ability to get to the passer between the three. Having a Leonard Floyd like body would mean he would not be considered and every down defensive end like Noah Spence.

You can not have two 240 lbs. defensive ends with nagging shoulder injuries on the field at one time can you?

Junior Key would mean you are getting a slower more injury prone version of sophomore key.  Will his aggression be there? Sideline to sideline pursuit?

No matter what the Bucs would be balancing on the potential that Key has. Another boom or bust defensive end could cost the Bucs brass and coaching staff their jobs.

Next: Safety T.J. Ward Arrested With Felony Possession Of Marijuana

Although free agency could help make the selection of Key more sensible, the fate is in the hands of the Cleveland Browns.

Could you please let Barkley slide? No one wants to see such a talent wasted, anyway.