Round 3, Pick 70: Zach Allen, EDGE, Boston College
The Buccaneers gave Jason Pierre-Paul some help with rushing the passer by signing Shaquil Barrett this offseason, but the team should be weary to lean too heavily on Carl Nassib and Noah Spence at the other outside linebacker position. Here, they add Zach Allen out of Boston College.
Allen would give the Buccaneers versatility along their defensive front as he could play on the interior of the defensive line at end, or on the edge at outside linebacker. While he is not an elite athlete, he has the technique and production to warrant a top-70 selection.
Measuring in at 6’4 and 281 pounds, Allen ran a 5 second flat 40 yard dash, but could improve upon that at his pro day that has yet to have his pro day. This has led many to believe that he may be a better end than outside backer in Tampa Bay’s 3-4 scheme.
In 2018, Allen posted an extremely productive stat line, recording 61 total tackles, 15 of which came behind the line of scrimmage, 6.5 sacks, one interception, and seven passes knocked down at the line of scrimmage. In addition, he also forced one fumble and recovered two.
Here in the third round, the Buccaneers grab Allen in order to add a bit of flexibility and depth to their defensive front-seven.