Buccaneers: Early names to watch at the 2018 NFL Combine
Cornerbacks
Who knows if Brent Grimes is returning to the Buccaneers for another run at it? I don’t. Do you? If so, contact me. Seriously.
Anyway, even if he returns, there’s no future there at his outside position. There may not be a future at the other one either.
The team may very well address this in free-agency, but it doesn’t mean an additional draft pick to fill the talent pool isn’t in order.
Vernon Hargreaves looked better in 2017 as an aggressive slot defender. If the team can find other outside talents, they can keep him there in 2018 as well.
Here are the guys to watch.
Minkah Fitzpatrick – Alabama
20-Yard Shuttle
If the Buccaneers took Fitzpatrick, it’s going to be as a cornerback. At least to start. Looking to reproduce Jacksonville’s success with Jalen Ramsey, Tampa would be looking to mold him into a shut down corner to play opposite of Grimes for a year before becoming their number-one guy in 2019.
The 20-yard shuttle figures to show a lot about whether or not he has the foot speed and agility to play the position considering how the Bucs like to play their corners off the line.
Donte Jackson – LSU
Position Drills
Ok. So, this might be cheating a bit. But, you’ll have to forgive me.
Jackson is going to run fast. He’s going to be agile. He’s probably going to jump high as well.
The questions about his game though revolve around tackling and coverage skills. Only one can be tested at the combine.
When he takes the field in Indianapolis for his position drills, we’ll all be looking for the same things on him we are on all of them, but maybe just a bit deeper.
If corner is a target on day two, then Jackson could be the guy. It just depends on how much confidence Jason Licht gains in his ball skills and cover ability.
D.J. Reed – Kansas State
40-Yard Dash
If you’re looking for an underdog to root for, it may be this guy.
He figures to clock a good time, and if he can impress then he’ll gain attention early. Of course, once he has it, it’ll be all about what he does to keep it.
Focused position drills and a solid display of hands could make him a late round target for teams like the Buccaneers who could see future potential as a defender, but immediate opportunity as a gunner or return man.
Next: No Run Game Improvement Has Been Costly
These have been just a few players who might be on the radar of Jason Licht, and his Buccaneers scouting department when the NFL Combine kicks off in March.
Which of these guys do you want to see in pewter, and are there any others not listed here you’ve got your eye on?