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Buccaneers: Northwestern Wildcats 2018 NFL Draft prospects to watch

By James Yarcho

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 11: Godwin Igwebuike of the Northwestern Wildcats breaks up a touchdown pass intended for Maxx Williams #88 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the fourth quarter of the game on October 11, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Wildcats 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - OCTOBER 11: Godwin Igwebuike of the Northwestern Wildcats breaks up a touchdown pass intended for Maxx Williams #88 of the Minnesota Golden Gophers during the fourth quarter of the game on October 11, 2014 at TCF Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Golden Gophers defeated the Wildcats 24-17. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/Getty Images) /
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The next in our 40 Teams in 40 Days draft series gives us the draft prospects and potential Buccaneers prospects from the Northwestern Wildcats.

The Northwestern Wildcats have begun to emerge as serious threats within the Big Ten. They finished their 2017 season with a 10-3 record – good for second in the Big Ten West and victorious over Kentucky in the Music City Bowl. The Buccaneers may look to dip into their talent pool come April, so here are the draft eligible prospects from the Wildcats;

Seniors

Defensive Tackle – Tyler Lancaster

More from Bucs Draft

Cornerback – Keith Watkins II

Wide Receiver – Solomon Vault

Quarterback – Matt Alviti

Cornerback – Marcus McShepard

Tight End – Garrett Dickerson

Linebacker – Brett Walsh

Linebacker – Warren Long

Wide Receiver – Macan Wilson

Safety – Godwin Igwebuike

Running Back – Justin Jackson

Safety – Kyle Quiero

Running Back – Corey Acker

Running Back – Chad Hanaoka

Cornerback – Moe Almasri

Defensive End – Xavier Washington

Offensive Guard – Brad North

Offensive Guard – Graham Bullmore

Underclassmen

None

MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 30: Danny Davis III #6 of the Wisconsin Badgers catches a touchdown pass in front of Godwin Igwebuike #16 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the third quarter of a game at Camp Randall Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – SEPTEMBER 30: Danny Davis III #6 of the Wisconsin Badgers catches a touchdown pass in front of Godwin Igwebuike #16 of the Northwestern Wildcats during the third quarter of a game at Camp Randall Stadium on September 30, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Senior To Watch: Safety – Godwin Igwebuike

Safety Godwin Igwebuike is largely viewed as a day three prospect. Ranking eleventh on Luke Easterling’s safety list and coming in at 21 on Walter Football, Igwebuike is a raw guy that won’t be a starter right out of the gate. However, safety and corner are among two of the shallowest and weakest positions currently on the Buccaneers roster, so depth with a player that can develop is certainly a good thing.

His ability to read plays leaves a lot to be desired. As Jon Dove stated, “He often finds himself in no man’s land with no receiver in his area.” You can read Dove’s full analysis here.

Igwebuike does have big play ability, finishing his career with 23 passes defensed, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and seven interceptions. Unfortunately, Igwebuike has the tendency to go for the big play too often which often results in one for the opposing offense rather than in his favor.

The raw athleticism and natural talent can be molded into a contributing player on the defense. Starting caliber? Possibly, but not overly likely. Again, depth is always needed as we saw last season so using a day three pick on Igwebuike would have the potential to pay off big time down the road.

Next: The Never Ending Quest To Find A Defensive End

We’re coming down the home stretch of our 40 Teams in 40 Days, feature potential Buccaneers draft targets. If you’ve missed any or there is a school you’re looking for, you can find the full archive here.

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