Buccaneers: Florida Gators 2018 draft prospects to watch

It’s always a strong possibility that the Buccaneers dip into the state talent pool come draft weekend and they are no strangers to the talents of the Florida Gators.

It was simply two years ago that the Buccaneers used their first round pick on a cornerback out of the University of Florida. Vernon Hargreaves did the famous “Gator chop” as he crossed the stage to hug Roger Goodell and officially begin his career as a Buc. Now, the Bucs may take a look back to the swamps of Gainesville to help improve the team for 2018 and beyond.

Here are the draft eligible prospects from the Florida Gators;

Seniors:

Wide Receiver – Brandon Powell

Underclassmen

Defensive Tackle – Taven Bryan

Wide Receiver – Antonio Callaway

Kicker – Eddie Pineiro

ARLINGTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 02: Duke Dawson #7 of the Florida Gators carries the ball on a touchdown run after an interception against the Michigan Wolverines in the second quarter of a game at AT&T Stadium on September 2, 2017 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Senior To Watch: Cornerback – Duke Dawson

A day three prospect, Duke Dawson would reunite with Vernon Hargreaves in the secondary and would fill the role of the nickel corner. Although Hargreaves excelled in the nickel position, the Buccaneers didn’t draft him to cover the slot guy. Dawson, on the other hand, they would. With the future of Brent Grimes up in the air, the Buccaneers will be looking for two corners at least this off-season and VHIII will be back at the outside full time.

Dawson finished his career with 81 tackles, seventeen passes defensed, six interceptions, and three touchdowns. He tends to try to make the big play often which has led to the big play being given up. If he can reign that in – much like Justin Evans did – he could be an impact player.

COLUMBIA, MO – NOVEMBER 4: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Missouri Tigers looks for running room against defensive lineman Taven Bryan #93 of the Florida Gators in the first quarter at Memorial Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Columbia, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

Underclassman To Watch: Defensive Tackle – Taven Bryan

Surprise surprise, right? Bryan is the best prospect coming out of Florida this season and is slated as a late first to early second round pick. With the failure that was the Chris Baker experiment and Clinton McDonald getting up in age, the Buccaneers need to bring someone in who can be a playmaker and can be disruptive in the backfield. Bryan finished his career with 62 tackles – 10.5 for loss – as well as 5.5 sacks, three fumble recoveries, and an interception.

One of the knocks on Bryan is his inconsistency. When he’s on, he’s a complete game changer. When he’s not, he’s nearly invisible. Walter Football has him ranked as their number four defensive tackle and Luke Easterling of The Draft Wire has him as the 31st overall prospect. If the Buccaneers are able to steal him in the second round, it could go a long way to establishing the dominant front four this team has been missing for years.

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There are plenty to choose from when it comes to Gator prospects that are a match for the Bucs. It will just be a matter of the pieces falling in place and giving Jason Licht and Dirk Koetter the opportunity to snatch them up.

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