Buccaneers: Early names to watch at the 2018 NFL Combine

EDGE RUSHERS

Generally speaking, you want to see power from the core to the extremities these guys.

Speed and power are great, but strength is the first thing.

Bottom line is, it doesn’t matter how fast you are if you don’t have some level of strength.

When you’re looking for a top pass rusher like the Buccaneers are, you want a solid combination of both or elite of one – normally speed.

Other things like fight, motor, and balance are better served evaluating on film.

Here are three guys who should definitely be on Tampa’s radar, and their biggest events at the combine.

Bradley Chubb – N.C. State

Three Cone Drill

I have some questions about the bend-ability and balance of Chubb. Can he change direction and get around a corner fast enough, with enough momentum, to really be a difference maker? This test won’t tell it all, but it’ll tell quite a bit.

Must Read: Previewing the Bucs' 2018 RB Situation

Marcus Davenport – Texas-San Antonio

40-Yard Dash

Some have questioned Davenport’s effort level when playing. This is a big problem. Love of the game isn’t enough anymore at the pro level to get consistent performance out of a player. In the 40-yard dash we’ll get to see two things.

The first is, how can he get going out of a down stance? Granted, it isn’t the same kind of stance a team like the Buccaneers would ask him to come out of, but if he’s drafted to be a 4-3 pass rushing defensive end then he’ll need to be able to come out of the blocks as a down lineman. His 10-yard split will be interesting to see.

Arden Key – LSU

Interview

Key is likely to perform fairly well in the tests. Guys with something to prove tend to do just that. However, he’s going to have tough questions to answer. Ones focused on dedication to the game and his ability to take care of his body when he isn’t constantly supervised.

College players often have diet plans made for them, designated workout times with routines planned for them, and someone constantly watching their off-field health habits.

He won’t have it at the NFL level, and his past struggles will need to be addressed in order for the Bucs to feel comfortable spending a potential second-round pick on him.