Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Best pick per round on day-three of draft

Sixth Round: Dontavius Russell, DT, Auburn

As a continuation on the thought in the previous slide, the Buccaneers will need depth this year on their defense that best fit their new scheme. This could mean moving players around, but by the same token Todd Bowles has made it clear that he will run the defense that best fits the players that he has. Despite this, the Buccaneers could potentially lose players like Gerald McCoy this offseason and could use this as a chance to draft players to fit their scheme instead of going about it the opposite way.

With the previously mentioned McCoy likely out the door before the season starts, the starting defensive tackle spot will go to Vita Vea this year regardless of what McCoy does and whether the Bucs take Ed Oliver in the first round. Oliver and McCoy should line up at the “defensive end” position outside of Vea due to their smaller size and increased speed. As far as Day 3 is concerned, Dontavius Russell from Auburn would be a solid player to take a chance on in the 6th round if he makes it that far.

Russell has the size at 319 pounds to play the 3-4 tackle position as it was intended, and could provide depth as a position that will likely see some upheaval before the final roster is set. As the 2019 Buccaneers defense starts to take shape, players like Russell who had consistent careers on solid SEC teams like Auburn could be called upon to step up to the plate to assist in a transitioning defense.