Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 7-round mock draft before the Combine

ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Vita Vea of Washington poses after being picked #12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - APRIL 26: Vita Vea of Washington poses after being picked #12 overall by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft at AT&T Stadium on April 26, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
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(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
(Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

2.7 Deionte Thompson S Alabama

Here at the beginning second round, the Bucs snag a first round hopeful Deionte Thompson. In a weak safety class, steam is gathering around FCS safety Nasir Adderley to be the first safety taken, so there is potential that the safety from Alabama falls out of the first.

It is not a well hidden secret that the Tampa Bay secondary was atrocious in 2018. Former first rounder Vernon Hargreaves will be lucky to make it through camp next season, while free agent Brent Grimes will almost certainly not be brought back, especially after making outspoken comments regarding his pay as it relates to his performance.

With that being said, the team did find some young gems in last year’s draft with Justin Evans and Carlton Davis. However, opposite Evans was Jordan Whiteside, who could use a reprieve. Thompson would give the team a hard hitting safety that plays in the box well, but tends to over-pursue or jump routes too soon in the passing game. However, with Defensive Coordinator Todd Bowles, this seems like the ideal style of player that he would fall in love with.

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