Buccaneers: N.C. State Wolfpack 2018 draft prospects

As we continue our look at draft prospects for the 2018 NFL Draft where the Buccaneers will pick seventh overall, we come to one of the favorites in the class.

The top projected pass rusher comes from our next school, and many fans of the Buccaneers franchise have speculated the team should take him if he’s available.

Recently, there have been some rumors circulating the Colts – viewed as the biggest hurdle ahead of the Bucs getting their man – may look to draft a quarterback. This is stemming from lingering shoulder concerns with their franchise quarterback, Andrew Luck.

It would be ironically fitting, given the quarterback’s commercial from 2017 which saw him handing out bits of his beard asking if anyone needed a little bit of luck. He may actually be the catalyst leading to Tampa getting perhaps the one player who could have the biggest impact on the franchise from the 2018 NFL Draft.

He’s not the only guy coming out of NC State though. Let’s take a look.

Seniors:

Running Back, Jaylen Samuels
Cornerback, Mike Stevens
Linebacker, Jerod Fernandez
Cornerback, Johnathan Alston
Wide Receiver, Gavin Locklear
Defensive End, Bradley Chubb
Safety, Shawn Boone
Cornerback, Nicholas Lacy
Defensive Tackle, Justin Jones
Defensive End, Kentavius Street
Offensive Lineman, Tony Adams
Defensive End, Davion Allred
Linebacker, Airius Moore
Offensive Lineman, Ben Kaiser
Defensive Tackle, B.J. Hill

Underclassmen:

Running Back, Nyheim Hines
Offensive Tackle, Will Richardson

Must Read: Florida State Draft Prospects

RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Bradley Chubb #9 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack reacts after a win against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

SENIOR TO WATCH: Defensive End, Bradley Chubb

Try and contain your surprise when you see the 6’4” pass rusher as the Senior I believe the Buccaneers need to be watching.

I’m not exactly breaking any scouting boundaries here in saying Chubb is going to be one of the most coveted players in the 2018 NFL Draft. However, I would be lazy to say the Hall of Fame bust is all but set.

There’s still tape to breakdown, pro days, and combine days to watch. If he participates in any of the measurable events this off-season, he’ll be followed by a crowd of clicks and recorders.

If he doesn’t, he’s about as sure as it gets to be the first pass rusher off the board. Will it be to Tampa?

RALEIGH, NC – NOVEMBER 25: Nyheim Hines #7 of the North Carolina State Wolfpack scores on a long run against the North Carolina Tar Heels during their game at Carter Finley Stadium on November 25, 2017 in Raleigh, North Carolina. North Carolina State won 33-21. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

UNDERCLASSMAN TO WATCH: Running Back, Nyheim Hines

After receiving a mid-round grade for the 2018 NFL Draft, Hines decided to forgo his Senior year, and it may land him on the radar of the Buccaneers before all is said and done.

Hines has what the Bucs’ running back group has been missing. Speed, and consistent receiving ability.

Don’t get mad Charles Sims fans, but Hines has much more upside as a change of pace back for Tampa Bay.

Every year since joining N.C. State, Hines has brought in at least 20 passes. His numbers this year went down as a receiver a bit, but his rushing numbers sky-rocketed and he finished 2017 as an All-ACC running back.

Many will attend N.C. State’s pro day to try and see Bradley Chubb, but some may also come away very impressed with this young speed back as well.

Next: Even in Down Year, McCoy Among the Best

This has been our look at the N.C. State Wolfpack players coming out into the 2018 NFL Draft, and two players to watch throughout the process. Who are you looking forward to seeing?

Keep coming back to The Pewter Plank as we continue our look at 40 schools in 40 days, kicking off our 2018 NFL Draft coverage!

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