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Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Jason Licht’s best draft picks

By Bailey Adams

Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2018 NFL Draft, (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 2018 NFL Draft, (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Middle linebacker Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers evades tight end Dion Sims #88 of the Chicago Bears after intercepting a pass by quarterback Mike Glennon during the first quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL – SEPTEMBER 17: Middle linebacker Kwon Alexander #58 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers evades tight end Dion Sims #88 of the Chicago Bears after intercepting a pass by quarterback Mike Glennon during the first quarter of an NFL football game on September 17, 2017 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Brian Blanco/Getty Images) /

3. Kwon Alexander (2015)

The 2015 draft class was undoubtedly Licht’s best, though 2017 could eventually rival it. Winston came at the top of the 2015 group, followed by a pair of offensive linemen that seem primed to lead that unit for the foreseeable future.

The true gem from that year came in the fourth round with the 125th overall pick. Licht selected linebacker Kwon Alexander, who enters 2018 as one of the more vocal leaders on the Buccaneers defense.

Alexander burst onto the scene quickly in 2015, with 93 tackles (59 solo), three sacks, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and two interceptions. He followed that with another strong year, racking up 145 tackles (108 solo), three sacks, a forced fumble, a recovery and an interception. A 97-tackle, three-interception season in 2017 earned him a spot on the Pro Bowl roster as a replacement.

Related Story: NFC South rankings: Linebackers

His production alongside Lavonte David has been a welcomed sight for Bucs fans. Add Kendell Beckwith to the mix and Alexander is one-third of one of the league’s best linebacking corps.

Alexander’s leadership is an added bonus to his production on the field. As the defense’s veterans, David and Gerald McCoy are naturally leaders in the locker room. However, the former LSU standout has earned his way into a leadership role in Tampa Bay. He brings a different style of leadership to the defense, being more vocal and adding more flair to the unit.

Licht grabbing him in the fourth round was a pick with incredible value, making it one of his top three selections.

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