Justin Layne, CB, Michigan State
Michigan State cornerback Justin Layne has seen his draft skyrocket throughout this pre-draft process, as he started as nothing more than a day-three pick, but is now in the conversation as a potential late-first rounder. As the Buccaneers look for a cornerback, they could select one in the second round for the second year in a row.
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Although the Buccaneers selected both Davis and Stewart early on in day-two last year, Stewart has moved to safety, while Tampa Bay may be looking to move Vernon Hargreaves into the slot permanently if he does not perform well outside of the numbers. This would open up the possibility of the Buccaneers drafting a corner to play on the outside, and Layne fits the bill. He has visited with the Buccaneers already, and if defensive coordinator Todd Bowles and company got good vibes from him and he makes it to the end of the top-40, he could be on his way to wearing the pewter helmet.
A converted receiver, Layne’s film displays an athlete who can high point the ball with ease. While he has not played the cornerback position long, he has tallied three interceptions in three seasons with the Spartans. Not to mention, he has the athleticism necessary to compete with Mike Thomas and Julio Jones, while maintaining the speed and agility to stick with D.J. Moore and Curtis Samuel as well.