Arguably the top cornerback prospect in the draft, Byron Murphy could be the lockdown corner the Bucs desperately need.
Rookie cornerback Carlton Davis performed well as the Bucs number two corner, but a blue-chip prospect like Murphy may be the choice when Tampa Bay is on the clock with the fifth overall pick.
Tampa Bay’s cornerback situation needs just one more piece. Unless Tampa adds a veteran in free agency, they need to find another outside cornerback in the Draft. Vernon Hargreaves and M.J. Stewart can man the slot, but a lockdown cornerback on the outside is one of the team’s most significant needs.
Murphy projects as a pure man-to-man cornerback. He will line up across the opposition’s best receiver every play. He has four interceptions on the season as well.
With a team that struggles to force turnovers as much as Tampa Bay does, Murphy would be a welcomed addition.