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Assessing Buccaneers’ 2018 Rookie Class: A mixed bag

By Ryan Doyle

TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 26-23. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
TAMPA, FL - OCTOBER 21: Ronald Jones #27 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers celebrates after scoring in the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns on October 21, 2018 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida. The Bucs won 26-23. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Jordan Whitehead #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – DECEMBER 23: Jordan Whitehead #31 of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackles Ezekiel Elliott #21 of the Dallas Cowboys in the third quarter at AT&T Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

S Jordan Whitehead (Rd. 4, Pick 117)

Jordan Whitehead was the most impactful Buccaneers rookie on the stat sheet.  He finished second on the team in tackles and had an impressive 20 stops, according to Pro Football Focus.

Whitehead was aggressive at the line of scrimmage making critical third down tackles on multiple occasions. His ability to make an impact on early downs was crucial for a Bucs defense that needed to make the opposing team’s one dimensional if they had any chance of defensive success.

Trending. 10 players that can help Buccaneers defense in 2019. light

Whitehead started the season as a backup but was afforded a rare opportunity once veteran Chris Conte suffered a season-ending knee injury.

Whitehead made the most of his opportunity and is in line to play a primary role for the Buccaneers in 2019. Tampa Bay may add another safety into the mix, but Whitehead’s aggressive play style should excite any head coach who might end up with the Bucs.

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