The Tampa Bay Buccaneers made a whole lot of moves this off-season, and the result of one of those was the selection of Humboldt State offensive lineman, Alex Cappa.
It’s not the first time we’ve seen the Tampa Bay Buccaneers move into the later part of day two to grab an underestimated talent.
In 2017, Jason Licht acquired the very last pick on day two in order to select LSU linebacker, Kendall Beckwith. The decision was questioned at the time by some but certainly turned out well for the team as Beckwith had a strong rookie season becoming a starter alongside Kwon Alexander and Lavonte David.
Now, it’s Cappa’s turn to be the latest draft-trade steal for Licht. And if anyone is worried about his small school origins, it isn’t the player himself. Instead, Cappa is looking to some small school players who stuck in the NFL before him as examples of what he plans to achieve.
Cappa was asked about coming into the NFL from a small school, and specifically about players like Ali Marpet having success before him. To which he said,
"“Yeah, definitely. I mean, you can look around – there are guys who have done it and guys are able to play at a high level no matter where they come from. It’s really about the work you put in and how you’re going to prepare yourself. I think that’s a guy who has done it well.”"
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Later on in his conversation with Tampa Bay Buccaneers media, Cappa mentioned another small school guy. This one from his own school,
"“I like guys that finish. I definitely learned a lot from another Humboldt State guy, Taylor Boggs. I think he’s a guy that’s bounced around in the league, has played the right way. And then I just love watching guys who finish, so really I just love watching offensive line. Everybody who plays a physical game, that’s how I try to model myself.”"
It’s obvious by the way Licht drafted this year the team is looking to get more physical and impose their will on opponents in 2018.
If it works out, it’ll be a welcome change for the fan base which often times criticized the team for playing soft or over thinking things trying to win with strategy over physicality.
Cappa is just one player drafted who’s power and physicality were both plus marks on scouting reports. If his initial comments are any indication, the rookie fully plans to continue a small, but impressive heritage of small school lineman who have had successful NFL careers.
"How did the Bucs do on day two of the NFL Draft? Check out the Locked on Bucs reaction, here!"
What do you think about the Humboldt State offensive lineman? What kind of expectations do you have for the front line heading into the season?
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