Round 7, Pick 215: Jimmy Moreland, CB, James Madison
New head coach Bruce Arians has publicly stated his confidence in the young cornerback combination of Vernon Hargreaves and Carlton Davis, insinuating that the position was not a glaring need for the Buccaneers. He did state that he was looking for a nickel cornerback.
Jimmy Moreland out of James Madison could be able to fill that need for the Buccaneers with the cost of only a seventh round pick. Although he played for a small program, Moreland’s film is fantastic, and the 5’9 and 180 pound corner tested well enough to merit being drafted.
At his pro day, Moreland ran a 4.46 40 yard dash, hit 39 inches on his vertical jump, and ran a 6.83 3-cone drill. Although he ranks as having very poor size, Moreland has great speed and above average explosion and agility.
Again, taking a seventh round flyer on a corner with above average athleticism that could fill a need in the nickel seems like a win for the Buccaneers, and if it does not work out then cutting a seventh round pick is not detrimental to the team at all. Here Tampa Bay uses their last pick on a small school prospect with big upside in Moreland.